North Hatley is a village of 700 residents located on the north shore of Lake Massawippi in the Eastern Townships, 15 minutes from Sherbrooke and 1.5 hours from Montreal. Despite its size, it is one of the most visited villages in the region thanks to its concentration of restaurants, wineries, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage. Here are the best things to do in North Hatley and within a 30-minute radius.

Outdoor activities

The area around North Hatley offers some of the best trails in the Eastern Townships, open from May through November.

  • Mont Hatley Park — hiking trails with views of Lake Massawippi, accessible on foot from Chêne Rouge Station
  • Massawippi Trail — 19 km along the lake, perfect for hiking or biking
  • Exploring the Valley by Gravel Bike — A Network of Gravel Roads Through the Eastern Townships
  • Mont-Orford National Park — 28 km of trails, 30 minutes from North Hatley
  • Stand-up paddleboarding at North Hatley Marina — paddleboard and kayak rentals right on the lake
  • Coaticook Gorge Park — the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, 25 minutes away

Spas and Relaxation

North Hatley and the surrounding area are home to several spas and opportunities for relaxation in nature.

  • Solstice Sauna — handcrafted saunas right in North Hatley, 10 minutes from Station Chêne Rouge
  • Strom Spa Sherbrooke — full thermal circuit, 15 minutes away
  • Spa Nordic Station — Nordic baths in Magog, 30 minutes away
  • Liberterre Apothecary — Handcrafted Wellness Products in Ayer’s Cliff

Microbreweries, wineries, and distilleries

The Eastern Townships are Quebec’s largest wine-growing region. Less than 30 minutes from North Hatley:

  • Advertisement from La Cie Vilandré — a craft brewery in North Hatley, just a 2-minute drive away
  • Bergeville Estate — natural sparkling wines, traditional method, in Hatley
  • Ives Hill Vineyard — a vineyard in Compton, 20 minutes away
  • Cherry River Distillery — artisanal gin and spirits in Magog
  • Grange Hatley — Winery and Cider House in Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley

Agritourism and markets

  • La Station Cheese Shop — award-winning artisanal cheeses in Compton
  • Les Étangs Organic Blueberry Farm — Pick-Your-Own Organic Blueberries in North Hatley
  • North Hatley Market — Local Seasonal Produce
  • Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey — cheese and cider made by the monks, 25 minutes away

Restaurants in North Hatley

The village of North Hatley has one of the highest densities of restaurants per capita in Quebec.

Culture & Heritage

  • Foresta Lumina — an immersive nighttime experience in Coaticook, 25 minutes away
  • Colby-Curtis Museum — Local History in Stanstead
  • Capelton Mine — Underground tour of a former copper mine in Hatley Township
  • Orford Music — Classical Concerts in Nature, in Orford

Where to stay in North Hatley

Station Chêne Rouge is a country club located 10 minutes from North Hatley, on a private mountain estate. It offers 22 pet-friendly glamping accommodations— mini cabins, triangles, squares, safari tents, pods, and Rustic and Essential ready-to-camp units. Amenities include a swimming pool, clubhouse, private trails, and a membership program.

» Book your getaway at Station Chêne Rouge

FAQ — Things to Do in North Hatley

What are some things to do in North Hatley as a couple?

A hike in Mont Hatley Park, a wine tasting at Domaine Bergeville, dinner at Auberge La Chocolatière, and an overnight stay in a mini-cabin at Station Chêne Rouge. This is the perfect itinerary for a romantic weekend in the Eastern Townships.

Is North Hatley worth a visit?

Yes. Despite having only 700 residents, North Hatley boasts one of the highest concentrations of restaurants, wineries, and outdoor activities in the Eastern Townships. The village is located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Montreal and 15 minutes from Sherbrooke.

What is the best time of year to visit North Hatley?

Summer (June through August) for the lake and outdoor activities, and fall (September through October) for the fall colors. Spring (May) is ideal for avoiding the crowds while enjoying the vineyards and hiking trails.

Where to stay in North Hatley?

At Station Chêne Rouge, a private mountain resort just 10 minutes from the village: 22 forest accommodations (mini-chalets, pods, safari tents), pet-friendly, with a heated saltwater pool and private trails. Over 1,200 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars.

See also: The most beautiful fall hiking trails, the 48-hour itinerary in North Hatley, and forest bathing.