Sentier de l’Estrie
The Sentier de l’Estrie is an organization that manages a large trail over two hundred kilometers long within the Eastern Township area of Quebec. The trail goes through two different national parks and is set over a series of summits in the area including mounts Sutton, Écho, Glen, Foster, Orford, and Chapman. Becoming a member of The Estrie Inc. is strongly encouraged as the trails make for great hiking and many opportunities to participate in group activities.
The organization offers group outings to those that are inclined towards hiking. The outings are centered mainly in Quebec but also include parts of the United States for members that are located in the United States. There are over one hundred unique outdoors activities offered for free to those that are members of the organization. Activities are made for beginner and experienced hikers so that one can chose what level of difficulty they would like before signing up for the activity. Generous discounts are also offered to members for stores within the area. There are certain portions of the trail that are open only to members because someone else actually owns the lands that these portions of the trails go through. If you would like to explore all of the trails uninhibited, make sure to get a membership pass so that you can show it to anybody while you are hiking the trails.
The main trail that The Estrie Inc. has been working on has multiple trails and pathways that lead off of it into other areas for further exploration. The group has also recently been working on opening up another large trail that is north of Chapman Sherbrooke and they have made progress with developing twenty eight kilometers of trails open to the public.
Camping is made readily available to visitors who want to stay the night as well. There are many different opportunities to rent a cozy cabin, most of which conveniently have restrooms included. For the more adventurous hikers and nature lovers, tent camping is made just as easy. Just stop by one of the welcome centers and rent a tent. There is no need to buy a tent if you don’t have one. Tents can be pitched on any of thirty three different wooden platforms which were built to give a flat surface for the most comfortable sleeping. The campgrounds and trails are open year round, except for during the hunting season when they are closed for safety precautions.
For those that are thinking about taking a day trip, it is relatively cheap at about five dollars for an adult to go on the trails for a day. If you plan on visiting the trails regularly, I would suggest buying a year round pass. The year round pass costs only ninety dollars, includes free activities and discounts, and access to parts of the trails that would otherwise be blocked off. Ninety dollars is well worth the investment to become a member if you plan on visiting this trail network on a regular basis.
