Sherbrooke has always focused on the proper management of its urban forests. Successful projects providing for planned development of parks and waterways and upholding water quality norms have positioned the city as an ecological frontrunner among Québec municipalities. The result is the enduring natural beauty of the city's scenery, especially the many wonderful trees, whether bedecked in the greens of summer or the flamboyant colors of fall.
Some interesting facts about Sherbrooke, the 6th largest city in Quebec:
- Population: 150,000
- Altitude: lowest point, Pont Aylmer, downtown: 141 meters above sea level. Highest point: the summit of Mont-Bellevue: 360 meters above sea level.
- Area: 366 km2
- Rivers: Magog, St-Francis and Massawippi Rivers
- Number of bridges crossing these rivers: 15
- Number of parks and green zones: 108
- Classified 3 "florets" by the "Fleurons du Québec", a horticultural beautification project.
Picnic Areas
Here are some of the trails and parks that offer Picnic areas for your family outtings. We suggest you:
Gorge de la Magog (Frontenac Street), parc du Domaine-Howard (Portland Boulevard), parc Jacques-Cartier (Marchand Street), Parc Lucien-Blanchard (Cabana Street), parc Victoria (Parc Street), plage municipale Deauville (Parc Street, Deauville).
At night, a real winter wonderland shows up
The presentation in lights of the Magog river gorge underlines the natural and splendid character of this pedestrian link which connects the Lac des Nations to Sherbrooke's downtown area. In the heart of the city, the walk through the gorge allows an adventure supplemented with the artistic infusion of lights as a spectacular background. The luminous ribbon of light makes it possible for the walker to see the course of the ground. To add to the magical feel, the natural forces of the water are accentuated by dynamic lighting which makes the river appear more majestic. In winter, with the accumulation of ice on the rocks, this excursion promises an additional fairylike quality.
Open all year round. Free Access.
Hicking trails:
- Saint-François axis of the cycling network "Les Grandes-Fourches" (2 km), Saint-François Boulevard N.
- Base de Plein air André-Nadeau (3,5 km), Blanchette Road
- Gorge de la Magog (1,5km), Abénakis Street
- Marais Saint-François (1,5 km), Saint-François Boulevard N.
- Parc Atto Beaver, St. Francis Road, Lennoxville
- Parc du bois Beckett (3,5 km), Beckett Street
- Parc du Mont-Bellevue (15 km), Dunant ou Brébeuf Street
- Johnville Bog and Forest Park (2,8 km), North Road, Johnville
- Parc Lucien-Blanchard, Cabana Street
- Parc Victoria, Parc Street
- Plage municipale Deauville, Parc Street(Deauville)
- Promenade du Lac-des-Nations (3,2 km), Marchant Street
- Réseau les Grandes-Fourches (124 km), Suggested starting point from Jacques-Cartier Park
- Sentiers Lennoxville (14 km), Massawippi Street
- Sentiers Saint-Élie, Gendron Road
Hicking
Discover the nicest places to walk in Sherbrooke, in beautifully natural urban settings.
Mont Bellevue Park
819 570-5640
Two mountains in the heart of the city , 25 kilometers of trails on 202 hectare.
- Mont Bellevue: 327 meters high (1,073 feet)
- John S. Bourque Mountain: 370 meters high (1,214 feet)
The city of Sherbrooke, the University of Sherbrooke, and the Mont Bellevue Park Coalition, welcome all lovers of the outdoors to come and enjoy this exceptional natural site, close to the heart of downtown. Two parking lots allow access to the trails: one on Dunant Street, the other on Druillettes Street (the Antonio Pinard Chalet). Enjoy hiking, birdwatching, downhill and cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing, according to the season. In hiking areas where dogs are allowed, dogs must be leashed. Chemical toilets are available in the main parking lot near the Antonio Pinard Chalet.
Johnville Bog and Forest Park
819 569-9388
Town of Cookshire-Eaton, The Johnville Woodland Conservation Corporation.
Only a few miles away from Lennoxville, the Johnville Bog and Forest Park, owned by the city of Sherbrooke, offers a protected area of 224 hectares of land for those seeking a tranquil setting for a walk in the woods.
During summer, walk the 4 km of trails enhanced with interpretive panels. In winter, 8.8 km of trails are available for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, bringing you through stands of white spruce or red pines. The site's ecosystem is a rarity in this region, and its ecological diversity is remarkable. From Sherbrooke, take Route 108 east, then turn right onto Route 251, and travel south to Johnville. Once in the village, turn left on the North Road and continue for a little over a half a mile. No admission fee. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Ornithology
Birdwatching sites as listed by La Société de loisir ornithologique de l'Estrie: 819 563-6603. www.sloe.net. Here, some suggetsions:
Gorge de la Magog (Frontenac Street), Marais Saint-François (Saint-François Boulevard), parc du Barrage Drummond (Paré Street), parc du bois Beckett (Beckett Street), parc Jacques-Cartier (Marchant Street), parc Lucien-Blanchard (Cabana Street), parc Victoria (Parc Street), plage municipale Deauville (Parc Street, Deauville).
The shop at La Maison de l'eau, located at Parc Lucien Blanchard, has lots of different birdfeeders, books, binoculars and accesssories to help make the most of or birdwatching adventure. The washrooms at the service pavilion are opened 7 days / week.
Look-out points
Many areas offer spectacular views of the Sherbrooke region. These are some suggestions :
Belvédère Koatek (Cliff Street), Gorge de la Magog (Frontenac Street), parc du Mont-Bellevue (Dunant ou Brébeuf Street), promenade du Lac-des-Nations (Marchant Street), promontoire du Bicentenaire (18th Avenue).
Magog River gorge trail
The Promenade du Lac des Nations takes you into downtown Sherbrooke, the museum area and into the spectacular Magog River Gorge. Here you can stop and admire powerful views from a number of look-outs. Guided tours from the end of June to early September, from Tuesday to Thursday, at 10:30 am. Wheelchair access to the power plant and terrace exclusively.
Réal-D.-Carbonneau Marsh
819 821-5893
Just a short distance from downtown Sherbrooke, the marsh located at the corner of St-François Nord and Lévesque Street offers a 1 kilometer walking path where you'll find an observation tower, belvederes and a pilar post walkway.
The Charms of the Riverside Trail
819 821-5893
The Riverside Trail forms a major linear park in the very heart of Sherbrooke. Visitors can enjoy close to 30 km of paths laid out for walking and cycling along the banks of the Magog and St-Francois rivers.
Ask for our Riverside Trail Map: 819 821-5893
Visit our Web Site:
www.charmes.org
