What a privilege it is to live in the Eastern Townships with its enchanting landscapes and in a small town that is both a vacation destination and a multi-activity base camp. I like to quote my friend Louise when she says that Bromont… tastes like heaven!
Especially if, like me, your escapades on two wheels (and for the outdoors in general) turn out to be pretexts for 1001 sweets… Yes, Bromont also owes its reputation to the diversity of its attractions and its restaurants.
By bike
By road or gravel bike, you can access some of the agritourism sites of the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route where 60% of Quebec’s wine production is found. A tasting break at the spectacular Vignoble Du Ruisseau in Dunham or at Léon Courville’s with a view of Brome Lake in the distance gives an impression of paradise. If your quadriceps are exploding after your mountain bike ride up Oak Mountain, treat yourself to some of the best breads in town and some absolutely divine pastries at Chez Canaël, an artisanal bakery, or enter the Musée du chocolat! You’re sure to fall in love with the place, according to Yvan Martineau.
Just off the L’Estriade bike path, on Jolley Road in Shefford (only 7 km from downtown Bromont), pedal to the Cidrerie autour de la pomme to sip ice cider, cider on tap, raw cider, sparkling cider and even spirits. Nathalie Archambault and Jean-Philippe, the owners and cycling enthusiasts, concoct a product praised by many experts, a… vodka! At 42% alcohol, made from apples. Unusual! Speaking of the Estriade, riding towards Granby or in the opposite direction towards Waterloo will seduce the artist in you with the monumental sculptures of the Artria nature trail all along the Estriade. These works are magnificent, especially since they are set in a natural environment.
Also to do
Put the bikes away and still have a few hours before dinner with the kids? Take them to the Norli farm to be moved by these fun, calm, curious animals, the alpacas. Stop by the store to see what you can make with this fiber that is six to seven times warmer than sheep’s wool.
You are rather sensitive to the life of our ancestors? Take some time before going to eat to appreciate the beautiful heritage buildings on Shefford Street and the signs that tell the story of the origins of what was then called West Shefford.
Refueling
If you are thirsty for Italy, open only during the day, I invite you to visit Buon Appetito. Believe me, its ready-to-eat meals, paninis, pizzas, cold cuts and cheeses are a feast in the mouth. And for a trip to Alsace, I recommend its neighbor Bistro l’Ami Fritz. Enjoy a fresh flammekueche with a refined taste.
Aperitif
And now it’s time for an aperitif! On Bromont Boulevard, two microbreweries are all the rage, Edgar Hyperlodge and Le Brouemont. Two great places to reminisce about everything that seduced and amazed you today. You can also enjoy micro beers at Pittstop Vélo-café, which is a bike store, burn shop and healthy snack bar. A great concept and two young friendly owners! You could also choose the terraces of the Château-Bromont, Royal Bromont and Parcours du Vieux Village golf clubs to sip your beer or wine in a pleasant natural environment.
Let’s eat!
Day or night, like so many visitors, I enjoy the atmosphere of the old village on the main street, Shefford Street, with all its restaurants, cafés and boutiques. Like Bistro LE 633, a tapas establishment, which we like for its lounge atmosphere. Its lively terrace exudes joie de vivre. The vacations! Opposite 633, an Experience awaits you at Chardo restaurant & wine bar for its cuisine inspired by hunting, fishing and gathering. Beyond the freshness of the ingredients from local farmers and market gardeners, the suggestions for food and wine pairings from the qualified staff will transport you and enchant you.
“Only organic, living and natural products”, says Chef Anthony. “We carefully choose wines made by passionate winegrowers with respect for the raw material and the terroir”, adds Amélie, “the chef of the rest” as she says.
If you are lucky enough to spend the night at the Château-Bromont, the dining room of its restaurant offers a magnificent view of the mountain (and indoor pool, whirlpool, thermal experience). Cycling in Bromont and the Eastern Townships, we enjoy the scenery, and much more…
There’s more to life than just cycling
Diversified in your tastes? Between two days of cycling, plan a round of golf at Golf Château-Bromont, Royal Bromont or Parcours du Vieux Village. I assure you: they are well known and worth the trip alone, and major tournaments are played there. Among the many tourist attractions, you should know that Bromont has two spas: the BALNEA spa + thermal reserve (what a setting with Gale Lake and the forest in the spotlight) and the Amérispa at Domaine Château Bromont. With young children, the Granby Zoo is a top attraction, as are the Divertigo aerial hebertism games and the Bromont Ski Resort’s Water Park, Mountain of Experiences.
If, like me, you are also a hiker, the Parc des Sommets and its five poles conceal several trails of all calibers, some of which lead to the summit of Mount Horizon and Mount Bernard. The forest is just a stone’s throw from the village! Better yet, accessible on foot from downtown, hotels and campgrounds. Bromont has more than 140 km of trails and multipurpose paths that crisscross the municipality in all directions, allowing us to take a break from the car.
For all these reasons, and many more, Bromont is unique for cycling, the outdoors and a host of other pleasures. So, happy vacations and I invite you to come and taste the sky too!
By Yvan Martineau, journalist and columnist for the program “Les week-ends de Paul Houde
