10 Great Photo Locations in the Eastern Townships

It’s hard to take a bad photo in the the Eastern Townships! The region is ridiculously photogenic, and each season manifests a beauty of its own—from the patchwork quilt of colours in the fall, to the dazzling scenes of snow and ice that adorn the land throughout the winter months.

Outlined below are some of the most photogenic spots in the region where your lens can capture some breathtaking landscapes—backdrops for your personal images of the family, a mom-to-be, an engagement, or some other special occasion…

Base yourself at Espace 4 Saisons! All the sites listed below are within easy reach of the hotel and you can leave your luggage in your room when you’re out and about. If you plan to take shots of the countryside, make sure you wear a good pair of boots. If, on the other hand, you’re planning a portrait session, then glad rags are in order!

If you have a camera drone, you might even be able to photograph the bucolic landscapes from the air. Snap to it shutterbugs!

In the Magog-Orford Region

Lake Memphremagog

© Escapades Memphrémagog

This lake, unquestionably, is one of the region’s most picturesque bodies of water. It offers many lookout points where you can compose stunning shots of shimmering water, fringed by rolling mountains. Dotted around the shoreline are a number of parks and public beaches where you can compose the perfect shot!

The lakeside marinas too provide opportunities for taking some great pictures. Boats bobbing up and down on the water are always a popular subject!

To photograph the lake from a completely different viewpoint (i.e. from the water), book a cruise with Escapades Memphrémagog! Its luxury cruise boat—Le Grand Cru—operates until the fall.

Bleu Lavande

© Bleu Lavande

The lavender fields are in full bloom from the end of June until the beginning of August and during that period, the rows and rows of pretty purple flowers provide a colourful background for family pictures. The kids can run around the fields while mom and dad try to capture that perfect moment! Bleu Lavande is open year-round, and it offers other opportunities for selfies and family photos, even when the summer is over. Check out their website right here.

Mount Orford

© Mont-Orford

The mountain is surrounded by nature’s beauty all the year round, but its appearance changes as the seasons roll by. In winter, Mount Orford is fringed by trees laden with snow. In the spring, those trees start sprouting buds, announcing the arrival of summer and months of warm weather. By the fall, the leaves, directed by Mother Nature, turn into a blanket of yellow, red, and orange, stretching as far as the eye can see—scenes that can be captured from the top of the mountain!

Within Orford National Park, you’ll find walking trails, lakes, and beaches… all of them ideal locations for taking photos of the surrounding landscapes or ‘people’ pictures. Best of all, the park is a mere two minutes’ drive from Espace 4 Saisons!

Vineyards and Orchards

The region has lots of vineyards and orchards that are open to the public. If you’re seeking a rustic look for your photos, then rows of grapevines and apple trees will certainly do the trick! While you’re visiting a winery or an apple orchard, why not take the opportunity to sample one (or more!) of their terroir-flavoured products? Kill two birds with one stone!

Some of the most attractive photo sites include Cep d’Argent winery (Magog), L’Orpailleur winery (Dunham) and Cidrerie Milton, a cider maker in Sainte-Cécile-de-Milton.

Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey

© Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac

The monastery and its surroundings evoke a postcard-pretty scene in Bavaria! A landmark building surrounded by trees and mountain scenery, it is an idyllic, sacred place to visit and, not least, to photograph.

You can also take advantage of your stopover to visit its orchards, discover its unique architecture during a guided tour of the monastery, attend a mass in Gregorian chants… or stop by its boutique to buy delicious products!

Rivière-aux-Cerises Marsh

© Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est

The walking trails across these wetlands, only a seven-minute drive from the hotel, are easy to negotiate for all members of the family. Pose young and old against the abundant greenery with Mount Orford in the background, and you’ll capture images that evoke happy memories for years.

Even a marsh changes colour with the seasons. Whether covered by a blanket of snow or when the plant life is bathed in the summer sun, the wetlands never disappoint! If you’re feeling adventurous and have a waterproof camera or cellphone, get out onto the water and paddle a kayak—watercraft can be rented until the fall. You might be lucky enough to spot some of the wildlife that lives in the marsh and get close-ups of the flora as well…

Elsewhere in the Eastern Townships

Do you want to wander further afield? Perhaps take a drive somewhere? The following places are less than two hours by car from Espace 4 Saisons and they’re well worth a detour!

ASTROLab in Mégantic

© ASTROLab

Bring your tripod because you’ll need a steady hand to photograph the starry sky. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way from the peak of Mount Megantic. Check the ASTROLab website for dates and times when the Perseids are at their most active, so you don’t miss the opportunity to photograph these dazzling meteor showers, zipping across the Universe.

Foresta Lumina in Coaticook

© Foresta Lumina

During the day, the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook offers breathtaking views of nature with viewpoints over the gorge that offer a stunning setting for taking ‘people’ pictures. At night, the park is transformed into Foresta Lumina, a walking trail animated with sound and light—a magical experience for both young and old!

Christmas Tree Farm at the Verger Champêtre in Granby

Starting in November, the Verger Champêtre, an orchard and petting zoo, opens part of its property as a Christmas tree farm. Visiting the farm to choose your own tree offers a great opportunity to take some photos of the family enjoying this festive tradition. Better still, if, as you’re snapping away, snowflakes are kissing the ground!

There are many more scenic places around the Eastern Townships that lend themselves to being photographed, no matter what the time of year. Spring, summer, autumn and winter, nature will always be front and centre, helping you to create images that will leave you with fond memories for years to come!