I Just Discovered How Delicious And Fun Quebec Is

Ah Quebec, the land where cheese just tastes better. Whether it's perfectly squeaky cheese curds on poutine or some Monsieur Emile that just delicately melts in your mouth, there is something special about Quebec cheese. And that's just a Canadian fact.

Similar to many Canadians, I have been to Quebec a number of times. First as a teenager on a family trip, where we did all the classic touristy things in Montreal and Quebec City — like visit churches, landmarks, museums, etc. Then, during university to party in Montreal on Saint Laurent, eat cheap peanut butter chow mein (iykyk), and sip on even cheaper bottles of wine from the dep.

So when Bonjour Quebec invited me to visit The Eastern Townships and Montreal I was really excited! I'd never actually heard of the Eastern Townships, so I was intrigued if it was as cute and quaint as I'd picture the Quebec countryside to be. As a Canadian who doesn't speak French fluently (I know I know, it's embarrassing) I immediately wondered if it would be hard to chat with the locals? Spoiler: it wasn't. All the locals were incredibly kind and there were always English menus available.

Editor's Note: BuzzFeed was provided this trip free of charge; however, we were under no obligation to give a positive review.

I was also ready to visit Montreal as a proper, extremely mature adult — had my taste buds evolved from my days of chugging convenient store wine?

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The Eastern Townships are a beautiful region located about an hour and a half drive from Montreal. With its mountains as a stunning back drop, this area is known for its outdoor activities all year long, charming towns, and delicious local cuisine. Here's a little taste of everything you should do:

1. Visit the town of Bromont and hit the slopes at Mont Bromont — whether that means skiing and snowboarding in the winter or mountain biking and hiking in the summer — there's always something to do. Mont Bromont is a ski resort with seven hillsides and 142 runs, offering terrains for every level of skier. In the summer, Bromont turns into a mountain biker's paradise and there's even a water park that gets built at the bottom of the hill.

Local tip✨ try night skiing:

2. Speaking of skiing, make sure to check out the only "ski-in, ski-out" hotel in the region, the Marriott Residence Inn Bromont . Because let's be honest, there's nothing more convenient (or comfortable) after a long day of skiing than just popping off your skis and boots at the bottom of your last run. Here, you can leave your skis and boots in hotel storage so that you don't have to lug them around. My favourite part of the hotel was the hot tub and indoor sauna.

3. Located in the Marriott hotel, check out the vibes at CABINN, a mountain(ish) themed restaurant where you you can enjoy your apres-ski or meal in a heated outdoor dome overlooking the mountain. Here, you can also ski sabre (yes that's actually a thing) a bottle of prosecco. With its faux fur-lined menus, CABINN is chic yet super relaxed. The food is locally inspired and the wine choices are *chef's kiss*.

Local tip✨ If you have a sweet tooth, you need to try the giant Ferrero Rocher dessert. (Sorry I was so full I forgot to take a picture!)

4. Stop by the N Latté Bromont for a coffee and a little lunch (or apres ski snack). N Latté Bromont is a cosy and welcoming spot that's a cafe, bar, and boutique all in one. Here you can get homemade pastries, fresh sandwiches and salads — culinary fuel for your adventures.

Local tip✨ Highly recommend trying the daily special sandwiches. They're made with local ingredients that just taste FRESH.

While you're in the town of Bromont, shop along the main street, filled with cute boutiques for trinkets and treats.

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5. Head to Sutton (another town just 15 minutes away) to have lunch at Sutton Brouërie , a microbrewery with a selection of over 20 beers, ciders, and kombuchas all made onsite with local products. The brewery is charming, the food is delicious, and the locals are lovely.

Local tip✨ If you're feeling adventurous (and hungry), try the fried pickle poutine. Yes, you read that right. This little bad boy is a great dish to share as an appetizer because it's *very* filling.

6. Try riding a Yooner on Mont Sutton . What's a Yooner you may ask? Well first take a look at this video:

A Yooner is a seat mounted on a single ski about 20 cm above the ground, complete with a handle for skiing that you can ride. It looks a bit ridiculous but trust me, it is FUN! It's very easy to learn, even on your first try, and everyone should experience it at least once in their life. But if riding a Yooner isn't your thing, you can always ski or snowboard on Mont Sutton. Mont Sutton is where the locals ski, and it has a friendly, nostalgic '70s/ '80s ski chalet vibe.

7. Sip some delicious wine at the absolutely charming Léon Courville Vineyard . Surrounded by a century-old maple grove, the main log building is cosy, warm, and inviting. The Léon Courville estate is an award-winning vineyard known for its wide selection of wines, including reds, whites, oak-aged vintages, late harvest wines, ice wines, and sparkling wines. It's family-run and the staff are extremely knowledgeable and kind. The bottles are really well priced between $16 and $26. If you find a wine you like, buy it on the spot — that's what I did! This wine is only available and sold in Quebec.

Local tip✨ Try the 'Qui a du chien' collection, which are a line of wines inspired by the family dogs . If you're lucky, one of the family dogs will probably be hanging out in the main tasting room so you can sip on wine and cuddle dogs at the same time.

Actual footage of sweet Charley:

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8. Now this next stop is technically located in the region of Rougemont, but it's conveniently located on the drive from Bromont to Montreal. Visit the Cidrerie Michel Jodoin for a full experience of all things cider. This place is known for being the "champagne of cider" because owner Michel Jodoin studied the science of making champagne in France, and then implemented a lot of those learnings into his ciders. Now, I've only ever enjoyed cider from a can so sipping delicious cider from a glass bottle was an upgrade for me.

Local tip✨ Enjoy a full picnic on the cidery grounds while taking in the picturesque views. Besides cider, you can also pick up a pre-packed picnic full of local cheese, baguettes, cold cuts, and jams. Enjoy it in a heated igloo in the winter or at a picnic table outdoors in the summer.

Montreal is a city that blends historic charm with modern, lively energy; think cobblestone streets in Old Montreal alongside trendy shops, great cafés, and buzzing neighborhoods full of restaurants and bars. Its feels like being in a European city, and is known for its incredible food scene and countless festivals. I only spent a couple of days here so here are my top recommendations:

9. Stay at Montreal's first sound and light immersive hotel, the Sonolux – located in the heart of Old Montreal. If you're into abstract art or looking for a unique hotel experience, this place is it. Experimental art films are projected on the hallway walls, while interesting acoustics play in the background. The hotel rooms are dark and moody in a kind of way that makes you want to disconnect from the rest of the world. It's very vibey and reminded me of an art gallery in Brooklyn.

Local tip✨ Breakfast is delicious and delivered directly to your room so you that don't need to interact with any other humans until you've had your coffee. Take a beat and enjoy a your breakfast cocooned in your robe.

10. While in the area, make sure to explore the iconic and picture perfect district of Old Montréal and the Old Port which you might recognize from movie and TV shows. Historic and beautiful with it's cobblestoned streets and archways, there's nothing more charming than wondering around Old Montreal for an afternoon of window shopping, stopping at local cafes, and just taking in the atmosphere. And if you haven't been, Notre-Dame Basilica is definitely worth a visit with its Neo-Gothic architecture and ornate, blue-and-gold interior.

11. And if you're feeling peckish, stop by the Paparmane Tea Room for some afternoon tea. Colourful and VERY fun, this spot is not to be missed if you're looking for a festive atmosphere. The tea is lovely and the treats, sandwiches, etc are scrumptious, expect leftovers! It's a fun feast for the eyes and the stomach.

12. Treat yourself and relax at Bota-Bota , a contemporary spa that is somehow fashioned in an old ferryboat docked at the Old Port. Here you can book massages or just enjoy the water circuits while taking in the view of the Old Port.

Local tip✨Whether you're looking for some quiet solo time or want to unwind with friends, the spa is equipped for both types of experiences. On the boat, it's a quiet atmosphere and whispering is encouraged. But in the spa section on land, talking is allowed and that area is for friends who like to yap (yep, that's where I hung out most of the time!)

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13. Get outside to explore some of Montreal's incredible parks and green spaces whether its Mount Royal Park, Parc Maisonneuve, or Parc Jean-Drapeau (and that's just naming a few of them). Montreal is full of outdoor adventures so there are endless activities all year long — and a lot of them are free.

Local tip✨Parc Jean-Drapeau is famous for F1 and Osheaga, but there's actually SO much more to do like cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing in the winter while you can hike, bike, rock climb and more in the summer.

14. And of course, you've gotta indulge in fondue dinner at Buvette Nicole . Buvette Nicole is a true gem located in the heart of Old Montreal that specializes in French cuisine. It's simply delicious. The cheese fondue dinner is truly a show-stopper but come hungry, it's a mix of four deliciously melted cheeses! The fondue paired with bread, veggies, steak, and (of course) a glass of red wine is *chef's kiss*.

Local tip✨ Don't forget to scrape the bottom of your fondue for those perfect little slightly burned cheese bits — that's the best part.

15. Montreal is a city of endless festivals, so there is always something to celebrate! From LUMINO to iglooFest in the winter, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Piknic Électronik in the summer, the city is alive with unique experiences (often outdoors) that truly showcase Montreal's fun vibes.

Local tip✨ Whether you're into EDM or not, check out iglooFest. An outdoor festival in the dead of winter in the Old Port where hundreds of attendees are decked out in their best outrageous snow suit attire dancing into the night under the stars? Let me tell you, this was NOT on my Bingo card for 2026 but this was SO MUCH FUN. This is truly a uniquely winter festival experience that every Canadian needs to experience.

16. Spend an afternoon sipping and dining on an iconic Montreal terrace taking in the beautiful skyline. Montreal is full of hidden gems with stunning patios, you don't have to look far for your next meal (and photo op). Just look up!

Local tip✨ No matter what time of the year, sit at the terrace at Terrase D'Hiver located at the Hôtel William Gray . It's Montreal's only winter rooftop terrace where you can dine in heated domes. Year round enjoy views of the Old Port overlooking La Grande Roue (Canada's tallest observation wheel). For brunch, you can't go wrong with a charcuterie board full of local cheeses or the steak and eggs.

So, those are just a couple of ideas for you next trip to Quebec! But we want to know, what is your favourite thing to do in the Eastern Townships? And any "cannot miss" spots in Montreal? Let us know in the comments below.

For more things about travel check out our review of a Disney Cruise , things to do in Aruba , and a Japan travel guide .

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