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A natural treasure in La Mauricie
La Mauricie National Park, 200 kilometres northeast of Montreal, is a natural treasure of picturesque hills, waterfalls and lakes. As a Short Hop, it has something for everybody: serious backpackers, car campers and those who would rather stay in comfier accommodations and explore by car along a 63-kilometre Parkway that zigzags through the park.
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Kayaking in calm waters, near Montreal
Our quest was straightforward: find a spot close to Montreal where novices could take a safe kayak excursion with a bit of wildlife viewing, without having to tackle the strong currents of the mighty St. Lawrence. We sampled three options: one near a beach, one in a marsh and one on a quiet river.
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Big events in small towns
First, on July 29 and 30, head to Maxville for the Glengarry Highland Games, home to one of North America’s largest celebrations of all things Scottish. On Aug. 5-7, set your sights on the 200th Williamstown Fair, touted as Canada’s oldest annual fair.
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St. Zotique makes a comeback
St. Zotique’s beach offers clean water, lots of sand, space for picnics – and a lively scene. Nearby, there's another clean beach at St. Timothee.
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Camping, without complication
Quebec’s provincial-park agency calls it a “camping innovation.” Trend watchers call it “glamping” – a contraction of glamour and camping.
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Charlevoix's stunning Hautes Gorges de la Riviere Malbaie park is worth the trip
One of the most beautiful parks in Quebec, situated in the heart of the Charlevoix region, about 2½ hours drive northeast of Quebec City, Hautes Gorges de la Riviere Malbaie offers well-designed campsites and good hiking.
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Camping close to home
Montreal is blessed with a wide choice of campgrounds with excellent facilities within a 90-minute drive. If things don’t go well or it rains non-stop, you can just pack up and go home.
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History comes alive at Fort Ticonderoga
For the first time since they lost it to the British 252 years ago, French soldiers will camp at Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York June 25 and 26, for a major battle re-enactment that will bring to life a key period of our history. About 500 re-enactors in period clothing will recreate the 1759 battle in which the British captured what was known then as Fort Carillon, about 210 kilometres south of Montreal, during the Seven Years’ War.
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Berthierville museum honours Gilles Villeneuve
Quebec's first star race car driver is the main focus, but the museum also features cars and personal memorabilia of other Quebec drivers, including 1997 F1 world champion son Jacques, and Alex Tagliani and Patrick Carpentier.
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Summer Hops: Picking squash at Centre d'interprétation de la courge
Lakota, sweet mama and more; Short hops heads to a farm and discovers a whole strange world of squash
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Summer Hops: Tomifobia Nature Trail
Tracking down cycling fun; An abandoned train line leads to an easy ride through Eastern Townships farm country
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Summer Hops: Voyageur Provincial Park
Voyageur provincial park in Ontario is a waterfront playground for anglo Montrealers
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Summer Hops: The Wild Center
A living museum in the Adirondacks with hundreds of animals, and encourages interaction through exhibits that stir the senses
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Hiking in the Sutton area
Although Sutton is better known for its ski hill that celebrated its 50th birthday this year, hiking the network of trails centred around town is becoming an equally big draw for this part of the Eastern Townships.
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Wellesley Island
Thousand Island Park is a cottage resort community on Wellesley Island that was placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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Calypso Water Park
I was a bit skeptical. How fun could it be to float along in chest-high water?
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Sir John A's Kingston
Jean Chrétien's voice in your ear guides you around Canada's short-lived capital
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Summer Hops: Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville
In Champlain's wake; Short Hops: Trip up the Richelieu recalls a time when the river was much quieter
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