Combining the outdoors, culture and homegrown food, the Val-Saint-François area in the Eastern Townships has a wealth of little-known treasures to unearth along 12 tourist circuits (website available in French only). Here are three fan-favourites. This summer, be original, go out and discover the Val-Saint-François region!

The romantic circuit

Ideal for a romantic day out, the La Romantique circuit starts in the pretty, picturesque village of Ulverton, where you can visit the mill, which is part of a larger site that includes a covered bridge, waterfall and trails as well as a gently flowing river that creates a soothing ambience. Then head to Les Vallons de Wadleigh, a vineyard where you can taste classic and ephemeral wines (also known as “bourru”) in a bucolic setting, before stopping for lunch. Continue on to Kingsbury Marsh for a short hike by the river. Lastly, there’s no better way to end your day than with a beer at L’Ardoise, a local microbrewery. And why not extend your stay overnight in one of the cabins on stilts at the enchanting Laö Cabines?

The engineering and agriculture circuit

Fans of engineering and local produce will be delighted by the Génie-Agricole circuit. The Museum of Ingenuity J. Armand Bombardier is a must-see that will get your day started off right. Then immerse yourself in the world of agriculture at Les ânes en culottes, where you can meet adorable donkeys and stock up on cosmetics made from donkey milk. For the rest of the circuit, make your way from Bistro Brandy Creek, housed in a magnificent century-old house, to the shops in the village of Racine for all kinds of local products, and to the vast waterside terrace of Brasserie Lac Brompton: your taste buds will be tantalized!

The “balanced” circuit

Make wellness a priority on the L’Équilibré circuit, starting with a fresh breakfast at Café Fabulé. Continue on to Camping Pura Vida Lodge & Sup, where you can paddle down the Saint-François River while enjoying the islands and small beaches along the way. An activity out on the water is sure to stir up your appetite: head to La Shop Traiteur, in Windsor, for tasty local produce. In the afternoon, don’t miss a stop at the Miellerie Lune de Miel to observe the life of bees, before ending your tour with a meal at the cozy Brasserie Le Jasper.