Tours
A rich history
The city of Sherbrooke, located at the confluence of the St.-Francis and Magog Rivers in the heart of the Eastern Townships, is set against a backdrop of valleys, hills and plateaus. The Abenaki people called this place Ktineketolekwac, which means “Big Forks”. Before the official settlement of the region, the Big Forks area was occupied by Gilbert Hyatt and his associates, who, in 1801, built a flourmill and a sawmill on the Magog River gorge. The generating power of the gorge contributed to the rapid growth of the city, which gets its current name from Sir John Coape Sherbrooke, a British military man who served as lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia as well as Governor General of Canada from 1816 to 1818. In 1850, with the arrival of the railway, Sherbrooke embarked upon a new era of development.
Walking Tour of the Old North Ward
Centre d'interprétation de l'histoire de Sherbrooke
275, rue Dufferin
819 821-5406
A self-guided walking tour will let you discover Sherbrooke's architectural gems. Please pick up the mp3 player at the Centre d'interpretation de l'histoire before 3 p.m. Summer schedule: Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Off season: Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. $10 per mp3 player (1 or 2 persons per player).
Historical guided tour through the Magog River Gorge
Centre d'interprétation de l'histoire
819 821-5757 or off season 819 821-5406
Access by Frontenac Street, starting at Frontenac power plant. Available from the end of June to the end of August, Tuesday to Thursday, at 10:30 a.m.
Walking Tour of the Lennoxville borough
Starting point: Uplands Cultural and Heritage Center
9, rue Speid
819 564-0409
Discover unique architecture in the vicinity of Bishop's University on this 90-minute, 2.22 kilometer (1.4 mile) heritage walking tour.
Walking guided tour of the Old North Ward
Starting point: Tourist Information Bureau, 785, rue King Ouest
819 821-1919
A few unusual characters will accompany you as you discover old Sherbrooke. With gusto, humor, and song, they will reveal the secrets of our downtown and tell you stories and anecdotes about the places, streets, stairways, nooks and crannies that you encounter. Experience history as you never have before! Suitable for all ages, this 2:30-tour is offered in French. Available in English for a group of 6 adults and more.
The window-washer
Thursdays and Fridays, from July 9 to August 21, 2 p.m.
The hobo tour
Fridays, from July 10 to August 21, 7 p.m.
Driving tours of the Sherbrooke area
Discover the area. At our tourist bureau, take your pick of several different driving tours of the area, which will allow you to view the beautiful valleys and rivers of the countryside, as well as the many wonderful panoramas.
Regional circuit
A tourist and cultural route, the Chemin des Cantons takes as its theme our American and British heritage. This itinerary covers 415 km and takes visitors through 31 municipalities, including Sherbrooke (the Lennoxville borough and the downtown area of the Eastern Township's capital city).
Theatrical City Tour “Par le chemin des fresques”
Departures from the Sherbrooke Tourism Bureau
785, rue King Ouest
819 821-1919
Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. From July 11 to October 4. (Off days: August 15, 16, 22-23 and Sept. 12-13)
Get on board for non-stop fun on the Tour de la Cité's “Par le Chemin des fresques” bus tour! The cast of 15 characters, including a nun; a trio of country music singers, Carmen, Bernie and Danny; Senator Howard; a factory hand's daughter; a gardener; and a music lover, will show you glimpses of urban Sherbrooke from the ‘50s right down to modern times. They will accompany you, on and off the bus, in sunshine and rain, as you visit the city murals, the Domaine Howard, the Old North Ward, the Granada Theater, the promenade along the Lac-des-Nations, and downtown Sherbrooke. The Tour de la Cité “Par le Chemin des fresques” offers an experience that is enriching, different and memorable!
“Traces et Souvenances” guided theatrical tour
Departures from the Sherbrooke's Historical Interpretation Center
275, rue Dufferin
819 821-1919
Saturdays 10 a.m. and Sundays 2 p.m, from August 1 to 23 and September 12-13, (Tours are offered in French only). Join Mary O'Malley, a colorful and charming Irish woman, as she brings nineteenth-century Sherbrooke to life with her lively tales. You will meet other characters of the era: Gilbert Hyatt, the proud and valiant Loyalist; Geraldine Mollins, the spirited wife of an early settler; the attractive Grace Thompson and as well as other personalities, all of whom will make your tour fun and unforgettable. Traces et Souvenances, a 2 ½ hour theatrical tour covering 2 centuries, has charmed more than 25,000 visitors over the past 15 years. Come along with us for a bus ride back in time!
Guided tour aboard an antique car
819 349-0485
lamoureuxdelavoitureantique@videotron.ca
Starting point: Tourist Information Bureau, 785, rue King Ouest
819 821-1919
Take a trip back in time aboard an antique car through Sherbrooke's Old North, a picturesque area well-known for its beautiful Victorian homes. Savour the unique experience of circulating aboard a vintage automobile of the ‘20s, ‘30s, ‘40s or ‘50s. You will be chauffeured by a courteous guide who will be at your service for the one-hour tour. You will be able to discover different historical landmarks as well as enjoy a panoramic view of the city. As part of the tour, you will also appreciate a visit of the magnificent frescoes illustrating the life of those who have marked our history. Reservations are in order in order to select the automobile, for 2 or 4 passengers. Cost is $40 per adult, $20 for 12 and under. Free parking at starting point. Tour is available from May to October. Please note that we can also accommodate special requests.
