Nestled in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec, you are sure to have a blast in the amazing town of Coaticook without having the bust the bank. With its mountains, lakes, river gorge, delicious food, and much more, you can definitely have an enjoyable day in this corner of the region. While you can and should spend more than a day exploring Coaticook, here’s my recommendations on some of the best things to do in Coaticook (Quebec):
1. Start your day with an awesome hike up the Mont Pinacle.
Situated at about a 20 minute drive outside the town centre, you will discover an impressive rock faced mountain by the Lyster Lake. Free parking is available by the church and the trail head up the mountain is just a few minutes’ walk up Chemin Mai to your right. Out of the 5 main trails, I recommend taking the trail #1 to the summit than taking #5 (connects back to the #1) on the way back down in order to enjoy a few lookout points. With 665 metres (2181 ft.) of elevation, this trail is moderate in difficulty and dogs are allowed. At the summit, you are great with fantastic unobstructed views of the region thanks to its rock face. It should take 2 hours to complete and dogs are permitted (with a lease).
Location: 1891 Chemin May, Coaticook, QC, J1A 2S4
2. Time to relax with some delicious food and local beverages.
After a good hike, you need to refill your energy levels. Why not stop at the local microbrewery in Coaticok? The Microbrasserie Coaticook offers not only a good variety of made in house beers, but also some great tasting food. I got the fish and chips which I can’t recommend enough. For a microbrewery, their prices are very reasonable. For more information on their menu or prices, visit the Microbrasserie’s website.
Location: 1007 Rue Child, Coaticook, QC, J1A 2S5
3. Get a taste of the famous Laiterie de Coaticook ice cream.
Once you have completed your meal at the microbrewery, why not get some desert? Literally right across the street, you will find the notorious Laiterie de Coaticook. In this building, they produce and sell all the ice cream and cheese produced. When you walk in, you are greeted with a wide selection of ice cream. If you are wild like me, why not try the bubblegum ice cream? With over 80 years of experience, they make some great ice cream. You can even bring some home by purchasing a tub of ice cream!
Location: 1000 Rue Child, Coaticook, QC, J1A 2S5
4. Walk on one of the world’s longest suspended pedestrian bridges!
Now, it’s time to visit one of the coolest attractions in the entire region, that is the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook. There, you can walk on one of the world’s longest suspended pedestrian bridges over the Coaticook Gorge. Constructed in 1988, this bridge is 169 metres (554 ft.) long and situated at 50 metres (164 ft.) off the ground. Within the park, you can hike along the many trails offered and walk at the bottom of the gorge. Access fees to the park may vary, but we paid 8$ per adult plus transactional fees. It’s just a fantastic activity for people of all ages.
Location: 400 Rue Saint-Marc, Coaticook, QC, J1A 2M3
5. End your day with an enchanted illuminated walk in the forest at night.
In the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook, an awesome night activity is offered, that is the Foresta Lumina. The winner of many awards, this activity is offered all summer long in the evening in the park. With its lights and sounds, this illuminated trail is really cool and inspiring. I invite you to check their website for more information on pricing and hours of operation which may vary. You can also do a very similar activity at the Mont-Tremblant Ski Village in the Laurentians.
Location: 135 Rue Michaud, Coaticook, QC, J1A 1A9
Well, that was just a short list of some of the best things to do in Coaticook (Quebec). Honestly, you could easily spend a weekend their having just the best of time exploring it’s charm and activities.
