Tall Timber's Directions to
Canadian Places of Interest
[ The Village of North Hatley ][ Magnetic Hill ][ Mt. Megantic AstroLab & Hiking Trails ][ Strawberry Picking ][ The Coaticook River Gorge ][ Granby Zoo ]
Note: As of January, 2008
the Canadian government requires that visitors to Canada present either
a valid United States passport; or a current photo i.d. (drivers license) and a
certificate of birth.
(Distance: 56 mi.; Time: 1 hr 15 min.)
The village of North Hatley (pop. 704), which sits on the northern bank of Lake Massawippi, is one of the jewels of the Eastern Townships of Quebec. The architecture for most of its buildings dates back to over a century when many of the town’s summer inhabitants were aristocrats, captains of industry and large land owners who had fled the American south after the Civil War between 1860 and 1865.
North Hatley is also known for its restaurants, art galleries and its craft, gift and antique shops. During the summer season, a horseback ride is a great way to admire the surrounding countryside.
How to get there:
1. Rt. 3 South to West Stewartstown (Spa Restaurant)
2. Rt. 114 South to Canaan, VT
At the intersection of Rt. 114 and Rt. 102 (Bessie’s Diner & Canaan Gulf Station) set your tripometer to "0". All mileages given are from this intersection.
3. 1.1 mi., turn right onto Rt. 141
4. 17.5 mi., to continue on Rt. 141 North, turn right at stop sign
5. 18.6 mi., to continue on Rt. 141 North towards Magog, turn left at the set of lights in Coaticook.
6. Continue straight on Rt. 141
7. 27.6 mi., you may see a sign that says "Hatley ->", continue straight on Rt. 141. Do not take this right.
8. 30.8 mi., take a right onto Rt. 143 North towards Sherbrooke at the flashing red light
9. 40 mi., take a left at a flashing yellow light and a small sign for North Hatley
10. 41.9 mi., arrive at North Hatley
(30 min.)
Drive north on Rt. 3, one mile over the Canadian border to the bottom of the hill. Proceed about 1/4 mile and turn around. Continue south towards the bottom of the hill and stop opposite the sign with French instructions. Put your vehicle in neutral and watch your vehicle be pulled backwards uphill. You explain it!
Mt. Megantic AstroLab & Hiking Trails
( Approx. 45 miles, 1 hr.)
Phone: (819) 888-2800
About 25 miles from the Pittsburg/Chartierville border in Notre Dame des Bois. Dominated by the slopes of Mount Megantic, the second highest summit in the Eastern Townships of Quebec with an altitude of over 3600 ft., the park boasts an outstanding astronomical and nature interpretation center (AstroLab) in which is found the park’s theme room, a fantastic astronomical observatory. A new 10 mile hiking trail enables experienced hikers to reach the summits of the three mountains (Megantic, Victoria and Saint-Joseph). From the various summits the views in all directions are unsurpassed.
Guided tours take you through the voyage of discovery. Other activities include: an astronomy and natural environment exhibition, a multi-media show, films, talks and practical workshops. Visitors can also take advantage of the new observation platform on the summit of Mt. Megantic.
Timetable: May 17 to June 8, Saturdays & Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm; June 13 to September 1, daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and 8 to 11 pm for observation evenings; September 5 to October 13, Thursday to Monday, from 11 am to 5 pm and 7 to 10 pm on Saturdays for observation evenings. Admission (Canadian): adults: $10; students: $7.50; families: $22. Reservations are mandatory for observation evenings.
To get there:
1. Rt. 3 North to Canadian border. In Canada Rt.3 becomes Rt. 257. Follow 257 through Chartierville towards La Patrie.
2. In La Patrie turn right on Rt. 212 towards Notre Dame des Bois
3. In Notre dame des Bois follow the signs to the AstroLab du Mont- Megantic .
L.G. Begin Strawberry Farm, Stanhope
(819) 849-4816 or (819) 822-2337
Approx. 45 to 50 minute drive
Fresh Canadian strawberries are fantastic! If you’re a strawberry lover, it’s worth the effort. The season usually begins around July 8th. Be sure to call the farm in advance.
How to get there:
1. Rt. 3 South to W. Stewartstown
2. Rt. 114 to Norton, VT / Stanhope, Quebec border.
3. Rt. 147 North towards Coaticook. Look for signs for L.G. Begin Strawberry Farm.
(819) 849-2331
(35 miles; 45 to 50 minute drive)
The Gorge is a natural wonder, 164 ft. in height, created by erosive activity of the Coaticook River. On-site: the longest suspended bridge in the world at 554 ft., according to the Guiness Book of Records. There is also a replica of a round barn of yesteryear, a covered bridge (1887), and two observation towers.
Timetable: May to June 24, 10 am to 5 pm; June 24 to Labor Day, 9 am to 7 pm; Labor Day to the beginning of November: 10 am to 5 pm; December to mid-March: 9 am to 4 pm (Monday to Wednesday), 9 am to 9 pm (Thursday to Sunday). Admission: varies with activities.
Autoroute 10, exits 68 or 74. Follow the signs. 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours. (514) 372-9113
The Granby Zoo offers an enchanting setting in which live some 1000 animals representing some 230 different species. There is a wide variety of African mammals, felines, exotic birds, reptiles and amphibians to discover. Visit the new Trails of Africa pavilion and walk down a path in the heart of a tropical forest. Among other things, you will spot groups of gorillas, monkeys, lions, otters and birds. There will also be demonstrations of birds of prey, meetings with the animal keepers, the discovery room, a mini-farm, a cave with nocturnal animals and a mountain for bears. Enjoy the park, bring a picnic, eat at one of the restaurants, check out the souvenir shops, enjoy the free rides. Timetable: Daily, May 17 to September 1, from 10 am to 5 pm (closing time may vary) and weekends in September until October 13. Admission: (taxes extra): Adults: $14; students (5 to 17) $8; children (1 to 4) $4; seniors $12. Parking fee.
To get there:
1. Follow directions to North Hatley, except: at 30.8 miles, continue straight at red flashing light towards Magog.
2. Autoroute 55 North to Autoroute 10
3. Exits 68 or 74 off of Autoroute 10. Follow the signs to the zoo.
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