No one knows the Eastern Townships region better than the employees of Bistro 4 Saisons! After all, this beautiful area is where they live, work and play. That’s why we’ve asked a few members of the team to give us the lowdown on their favourite things to see and do, in and around Orford.
They were more than happy to give us some insider tips and to share some of the little-known ways of spending time in their corner of the world…
Your favourite activity in the region?
No matter whether it’s summer or winter, I plan a trip on a fat bike through Parc national du Mont-Orford. I ride for half a day and if I want to really push my body to the limit, I take the 4.2-km Chanterelle (intermediate level) and 2.4-km L’Amanite (advance level) trails.
If you don’t have a fat bike, it doesn’t matter. Just follow my lead and rent one! You can do that at the Le Cerisier Discovery and Visitors Centre, and you don’t even need to make a reservation.
A well-kept secret known only to the locals?
I just love the view from Chemin Westover in Austin! And don’t miss the landmark inukshuk right next to Fisher Pond. I stop at this spot every time I take a motorbike ride or when I’m shopping at the boutique in the Saint-Benoît-du-Lac monastery.
Your favourite activity in the region?
As soon as the warm weather arrives, I like to head for Lake Memphremagog. After spending the day relaxing by the water’s edge, I treat myself to a wonderful dinner on the terrace of Bistro 4 Saisons. That’s my idea of an absolutely perfect summer’s day!
A well-kept secret known only to the locals?
During the summer, I get my bike out and cycle along the 55-km Montagnarde trail. It crosses the region of Memphrémagog (part of larger network of cycling trails) and the scenery is breathtaking! I can honestly say that it’s one of most beautiful trails—if not THE most beautiful trail—in the entire Eastern Townships!
(BTW, did you know that Espace 4 Saisons makes the ideal base for planning a bike tour of the region? A number of the bike routes start right at the hotel!)
Your favourite activity in the region?
I love our crisp winter days! After a storm, I usually plan a day of skiing at Mont-Orford. It’s a real adrenaline rush to hit the slopes and take in the fabulous landscape with its fresh blanket of snow! I end up at the Burger Pub where I pig out with a calorie-laden meal, washed down with a cold beer! Vive l’après-ski!
A well-kept secret known only to the locals?
Whatever the time of year, I love to explore the Tomifobia Nature Trail—either on my bike or by foot. Local cross-country skiers use it during the winter, but not many outsiders know about this place. The Trail runs along a river and it is home to many species of birds… A truly relaxing spot in the heart of nature.
Your favourite activity in the region?
I’m a great fan of winter hiking and after 4 p.m., I don my crampons and climb Mont-Orford, just as the sun is setting. By the time I walk back down, it’s dark… a truly meditative experience! I then go off for dinner at Bistro 4 Saisons (natch!) and order something hearty—preferably comfort food—to warm me up!
A well-kept secret known only to the locals?
Mount Gosford doesn’t always spring to mind as a place to go hiking, but summer or winter, it’s well worth the drive. The mountain is close to the border with Maine, and it takes around 40-minutes by road from Espace 4 Saisons. At 1,193 metres (3,914 feet) above sea level, Mount Gosford is the highest peak in Southern Quebec, and the fourth highest in the province. The circuit hiking trail can be covered in about six hours.
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