SEVEN CAN’T-MISS FAMILY OUTINGS THIS AUTUMN

Now that I have a young son in my life, it has given me the urge, more than ever, to travel along the roads of the area in search of some exciting family activities! So, here a few suggestions that will please kids and grown-ups alike.

A DAY AT THE MUSEUM

With its interactive exhibitions and practical activities, the Children’s Museum  in Lac-Brome invites people of all ages to time-travel to the 19th century, to experience the daily life in Brome Country in that era. Here, you can cook a meal in the farmhouse kitchen, raise a barn, tend to your vegetable patch, do some cloth weaving, or visit the general store, the print shop and the post office. It’s a great place to take a break from your cell phone or tablet.

http://www.bromemuseum.com/portfolio-view/childrens-museum/

HIKING

Fall has started with a flourish, with nature decked out in its magnificent hues of red and orange. For the first two weekends of October, the Mont-Sutton team is celebrating the fall season with guided hiking tours, access to the chair lifts, workshops for kids, a Bar-B-Q, mini obstacle courses and even an introduction to the slackline!

http://www.montsutton.com

And if, like me, you would rather go on a hiking trail that is more accessible for strollers, Bromont’s Lac Gale network of trails is the perfect place to unwind, admire the landscape, take a deep breath of fresh air, and you can do this in summer as well as the winter months.

http://sentiersbromont.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/2016_CarteWeb_ResauLacGale.pdf

A BIKE OUTING

Léo enjoys biking so much that he climbs into the bike trailer himself to convey his unconditional love for family bike outings. The region has such a wide array of bike trails   you’d be crazy to pass them up!

I’m especially partial to the Estriade, a trail that isn’t overly steep and which runs along Bromont, Granby and Waterloo – this is ideal for cyclists like me who have a trailer to tote the kids. The Montérégiade near Farnham is also a great spot for this type of bike outing.

http://tourismebrome-missisquoi.ca/velo/

A DAY WITH THE HORSES

The SAM equestrian centre in Bedford has hiking outings with horses, for people of all ages, whether you’re 4 or 99! For youngsters, a short ride in the woods on the back of a pony or horse, accompanied by a guide, is a great activity. For adults, a personalized horse-ride is offered to provide you with a memorable experience, regardless of your level of expertise.

http://centreequestresam.com

MEETING THE ALPACAS

Head over to Bromont to meet Lise and Normand Pollender, the owners of the Norli farm. While you’re there, you can take advantage of the opportunity to see the alpacas in their natural environment. And, if the weather is nice, why not bring along a picnic lunch to have right on site!

http://www.alpagasfermenorli.ca/

APPLE PICKING

Autumn is synonymous with picking delicious Québec-grown apples. And Dunham is definitely the favoured spot for this family-friendly activity, with orchards such as Paradis des fruits, Domaine de Dunham and Ferme Au Pic. Not to mention the Au coeur de la pomme in Frelighsburg, an organic orchard that excels in producing savoury derivative products.

If you have any other suggestions about discovering – or rediscovering – the many things the region has to offer, please feel free to send them to us in the comments section below!