Here in the Eastern Townships, times are tough for a lot of people right now. Over its history of more than 130 years The Old Mansion House has weathered a lot of storms, and will no doubt weather many more. But our hearts go out to our wonderful neighbours, so many of whom are facing a struggle to survive through these tough times. Local businesses have worked hard to find ways to adapt, supporting the community and looking to the future while dealing with the challenges and ensuring that no one is forgotten. We regularly share their posts on Instagram (click on The area to see our Instagram ..read more

Cycling is a great way to see the Eastern Townships, and you don't have to be super fit. CLICK HERE for examples of some lovely paths in the Townships that suit all levels of fitness and expertise, and will take you through wonderful landscapes with great views.  Or you can take a leisurely bike ride to explore the local towns and villages and the treats on offer at friendly cafés, bakeries, farms, orchards and vineyards. The Old Mansion House makes a good base this kind of trip – and an ideal setting to try out recipes with fresh produce bought along the way. One of our favourite treats ..read more

Sugar maple trees thrive in Quebec – they like cold winters, and for the sap to flow in spring they need cold nights and sunny days, so the climate is perfect. Starting around the middle of March, as the sap begins to rise, the sugar season lasts for around 6 weeks. And if you love sweet things, it's a great time to visit! Using traditional methods, syrup and sugar is produced in sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre), many of which are open to visitors throughout the season, with menus and activities offering a taste of the tradition. Visiting a sugar shack makes a wonderful day out, and the extensiv ..read more

We're delighted to learn from Instagram that talented local florist Alex has received a government award for her innovative company Alex à la Campagne. Using only locally produced, environmentally friendly flowers, foliage and materials, Alex creates beautiful decorations for home, gifts, and special events. In June 2019 she helped guests to transform The Old Mansion House into a magical venue for a 50th Wedding Anniversary, with delicate, colourful table decorations and buttonholes for the guests, some of which are shown below. You can find out more about Alex and her work on Instagram, @ale ..read more