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These islands are one of Montréal’s greatest escapes and one of Canada’s premier tourist areas, accessible either by car or train to Brockville. About two hours west of the border of Ontario and Québec, 1000 Islands actually covers 1,865 islands running the 80-km (50-mile) span from Brockville to Kingston, formed by meta-morphic rock at the end of the last Ice Age. St Lawrence Islands National Park is the jewel in the crown. Camp sites are available on 11 of the islands.

This natural wonderland is bounded by the Richelieu and St Lawrence rivers and the US states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The personality of the region owes its profile to the Appalachian Mountains, with top-notch hiking trails at Owl’s Head, Mont Sutton, Mont Bromont and Mont Orford. The peaceful villages throughout this vast district, such as Knowlton, are a historic remnant of 19th-century British settlement, their Victorian buildings now home to antiques shops and cafés (see Attractions in Cantons de l'Est, Restaurants in Cantons de l’Est).

This community, 30 minutes’ drive from Montréal, was first settled by the Sulpician Order during the French Regime, and the fresh produce of this region, including the famous Oka cheese, is a carry-over from the agricultural traditions begun by the priests. Parc National d’Oka offers camping, kayaking, hiking and a sandy beach.

A peaceful town at the foot of Mount Pinnacle and near the US border, Frelighsburg’s landscape attracts artists and photographers.

A favorite jaunt west from Montréal has traditionally included the communities of Hudson and Rigaud, hugging the mountains along the pastoral Ottawa River. Hudson, with its history of British settlement and fur trading, has a prevalence of historic mansions set on magnificent estates and an abundance of antiques shops, art galleries, and cafés. Its landscape is a popular destination for equestrians, while its riverside setting draws a keen sailing crowd. In contrast, the village of Rigaud is more of a French area, maintaining its Gallic legacy in elegant churches, convents, guesthouses and family-run farms.

Set on the inviting shores of Lac Brome, this 19th-century anglophone village has an idyllic locale, attracting vacationers and weekenders.

Lac Brome consists of several delightful lakeside communities: Knowlton; Foster; Bondville; Fulford; Iron Hill; East Hill; and West Brome, all of which retain in part a bygone way of life.

Sir Anthony Hopkins and Nicole Kidman are among those on the list of regulars at the Manoir Hovey resort here (see Manoir Hovey, North Hatley). Le Festival du Lac Massawippi runs popular music concerts from April until end of June.

Located at the eastern edge of the townships in the Appalachian foothills, this peaceful lake provides outdoor activities including a beach.

This immense lake is a draw for boat-lovers. La Traversée Internationale du lac Memphré-magog, an annual international swimming contest, attracts thousands to the nearby town of Magog in summer.