Sherbrooke Attractions: A Charming City with Diverse Attractions

Sherbrooke’s Murals: A Unique Art Experience

One of the most distinctive features of Sherbrooke is its collection of murals, which adorn the walls of buildings throughout the city. These murals depict the history, culture, and identity of Sherbrooke and its people, and are a great way to learn about the city and its heritage. There are over 30 murals in Sherbrooke, each with its own story and style, and you can discover them by following a self-guided tour on your smartphone or tablet. You can also join a guided tour with a local guide, who will explain the meaning and the techniques behind each mural. Some of the most impressive murals include:

• The Arrival of the Loyalists, which shows the arrival of the first English settlers in the region in 1792, and their interaction with the local Abenaki people.
• The Sherbrooke Fire, which depicts the devastating fire that destroyed most of the city in 1876, and the reconstruction efforts that followed.
• The Sherbrooke Symphony Orchestra, which celebrates the musical heritage of the city, and features portraits of famous composers and musicians.
• The History of Hockey, which illustrates the evolution of the sport and its popularity in Sherbrooke, and includes references to local teams and players.

Mont Bellevue Park: A Playground for All Seasons

If you are looking for some outdoor fun, head to Mont Bellevue Park, the largest park in the city, and the highest point in the urban area. The park covers 200 hectares of land, and offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, or tubing on the water. In the winter, you can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or sled on the slopes. The park also has a chairlift, a ski school, a rental shop, and a cafeteria. The park is open year-round, and admission is free for most activities. Mont Bellevue Park is a great place to enjoy nature, exercise, and have fun with your family or friends.

Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts: A Showcase of Local Talent

Sherbrooke is a city of culture, and one of the best places to appreciate it is the Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts. The museum was founded in 1982, by a group of local art lovers, and is housed in a historic 19th century building in downtown Sherbrooke. The museum has a permanent collection of over 4,600 works, mostly by artists from the Eastern Townships region, and showcases a variety of styles and mediums, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and video. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, featuring local, national, and international artists, as well as educational and cultural activities, such as workshops, lectures, and concerts. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and admission is free for everyone.

Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum: A Journey Through Time and Space

If you are curious about the natural world, you will love the Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum. The museum has over 65,000 objects and specimens, that illustrate the diversity and evolution of life on Earth, and the wonders of the universe. The museum has four main sections:

• The Earth Sciences section, which displays fossils, minerals, rocks, and meteorites, and explains the geological processes that shape our planet.
• The Life Sciences section, which exhibits animal and plant specimens, from insects to mammals, and from algae to trees, and explores their adaptations and interactions.
• The Astronomy section, which features a planetarium, a telescope, and a solar observatory, and invites you to discover the stars, the planets, and the mysteries of space.
• The Technosciences section, which showcases scientific instruments, experiments, and inventions, and demonstrates how science and technology influence our lives.

The museum also has a temporary exhibition hall, a discovery zone for children, a gift shop, and a café. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $7 for children.

Sherbrooke City Hall: A Symbol of Democracy and Heritage

Sherbrooke City Hall is not only the seat of the municipal government, but also a historical and architectural landmark. The building was constructed in 1852, as the Bank of British North America, and was later converted into a city hall in 1908. The building is a fine example of neoclassical style, with a symmetrical facade, a portico, and a dome. The building also features a clock tower, which was added in 1930, and a fountain, which was added in 1967. The building is open to the public, and you can visit the council chamber, the mayor’s office, and the reception hall, where you can admire the paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows that decorate the interior. You can also join a guided tour, which is offered every day at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and learn more about the history and the functions of the city hall.

La Halte des Pèlerins: A Taste of Local Wine

If you are a wine lover, you will enjoy a visit to La Halte des Pèlerins, a family-owned winery located on the outskirts of Sherbrooke. The winery was established in 2007, and produces a range of wines, from white to red, from dry to sweet, and from still to sparkling. The winery uses mostly hybrid grapes, which are adapted to the cold climate of Quebec, and employs organic and biodynamic practices. The winery also has a beautiful vineyard, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the mountains. You can visit the winery and taste their wines, accompanied by cheese and chocolate, and learn about their production process and philosophy. You can also buy their wines at their boutique, or join one of their events, such as concerts, workshops, or picnics. The winery is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the tasting fee is $10 per person.

Lac des Nations: A Relaxing Oasis in the City

Lac des Nations is a man-made lake, located in the heart of Sherbrooke, and surrounded by a park, a promenade, and a bike path. The lake was created in 1974, as part of a project to revitalize the city center, and was named after the Expo 67, which was held in Montreal, and featured pavilions from different nations. The lake is a popular spot for recreation and relaxation, and you can enjoy various activities, such as boating, fishing, skating, or walking around the lake. The lake also hosts several events throughout the year, such as fireworks, festivals, and concerts. Lac des Nations is a peaceful and scenic place, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy the nature and the views.

Sanctuaire De Beauvoir: A Place of Faith and Beauty

Sanctuaire De Beauvoir is a Catholic shrine, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and located on a hill overlooking Sherbrooke. The shrine was founded in 1955, by a group of priests, who wanted to create a place of pilgrimage and prayer, inspired by the Lourdes grotto in France. The shrine consists of a chapel, a basilica, a grotto, a rosary, and a garden, and attracts thousands of visitors every year, especially during the month of May, which is dedicated to Mary. The shrine is also known for its architecture, which blends Romanesque and Gothic elements, and for its stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the life of Mary. The shrine is open daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. You can also join a guided tour, which is offered on Sundays at 1:30 p.m., and learn more about the history and the significance of the shrine.

Sherbrooke’s Cultural and Gastronomic Scene: A Feast for the Senses

Sherbrooke is not only a city of attractions, but also a city of culture and gastronomy. The city has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with many venues, events, and festivals, that showcase the local and international talent. Some of the highlights include:

• The Centre Culturel de l’Université de Sherbrooke, which is a multipurpose complex that hosts concerts, theater, dance, and comedy shows, as well as exhibitions and conferences.
• The Théâtre Granada, which is a historic theater that was built in 1929, and features a variety of performances, from musicals to rock concerts, in a stunning Art Deco setting.
• The Festival des Traditions du Monde de Sherbrooke, which is an annual festival that celebrates the diversity and richness of the world’s cultures, through music, dance, food, and crafts.
• The Festival du Cinéma du Monde de Sherbrooke, which is an annual festival that showcases the best of international cinema, with screenings, workshops, and guest appearances by filmmakers and actors.

Sherbrooke is also a city of gastronomy, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, that cater to every taste and budget. You can find traditional Quebecois cuisine, such as poutine, tourtière, and maple syrup, as well as international dishes, such as sushi, pizza, and tacos. You can also enjoy the local products, such as cheese, wine, beer, and chocolate, that are made with passion and quality by the local producers. Some of the places to try include:

• Le Bouchon, which is a cozy and elegant restaurant that serves French cuisine, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
• Le Tapageur, which is a trendy and lively restaurant that serves fusion cuisine, with a mix of Asian, Mediterranean, and Quebecois flavors.
• La Suite, which is a chic and modern restaurant that serves Italian cuisine, with a selection of pasta, pizza, and seafood dishes.
• La Halte des Pèlerins, which is a family-owned winery that produces a range of wines, from white to red, from dry to sweet, and from still to sparkling, and offers tastings, tours, and events.

Conclusion: Sherbrooke is a City Worth Visiting

Sherbrooke is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are looking for culture, nature, or adventure. It is a city that combines history, innovation, and beauty, and offers a variety of attractions, activities, and experiences. It is a city that welcomes visitors with its charm, hospitality, and diversity, and invites them to discover its secrets and treasures. Sherbrooke is a city worth visiting, and you will not regret it.