Airstreams near Dunham with fishing
Dunham offers gourmet delights in the heart of the Eastern Townships wine region.
Popular camping styles for Dunham
Airstreams near Dunham with fishing guide
Overview
Dunham is one of the Eastern Townships "Coeurs villageois" (heart villages), so named because they embody the beauty and character of this stunning part of Quebec. First settled in 1796, Dunham is made up of stone-and-brick houses planted with gardens, historic churches, antique stores and boutiques, and all-around charm. This is where Quebec's wine industry began and is at the centre of the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route. Close by are many scenic spots to pitch a tent, plus stunning national parks.
Where to go
La Routes des Vins
The Eastern Townships is where Quebec wines began, and four planned routes let you explore the very best of the region's vineyards, along with restaurants and gourmet experiences. There are routes to be explored by car, campervan, or bike, all showcasing how incredibly beautiful this area is as you meander through tiny villages and towns.
Yamaska National Park
Embrace lake life at this park set around a massive man-made reservoir and its beaches. From boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and other aquatic activities to wilderness hikes through lush forest, Yamaska is a great park for a relaxing camping trip. There are a variety of frontcountry camping options, as well as rustic campsites for canoe campers and cyclists touring the reservoir.
Arbraska
This outdoor adventure park has a huge network of ziplines and rope courses that take you through the boreal forest.
Mont Orford National Park
In Mont Orford, campers can find deep forest inhabited by white-tailed deer, lakes where great blue herons fish, and a massive climbing cliff. Other activities include fishing, biking (and winter fat biking), alpine hiking trails, bouldering, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Lots of campgrounds off the option to stay in a chalet or an equipped site, or to go as rustic as you want in one of many backcountry sites.
When to go
Although the Eastern Townships is considered a year-round destination (snowsports help the area thrive through winter, when camping is available at most parks), June through October tend to be the most enjoyable times to visit the area's lakes, markets, and vineyards. High summer can be very busy, spring can be wet, and fall brings some of the most scenic vistas thanks to harvest season and changing leaves.
Know before you go
- Dunham is just 10 kilometers north of the border with Vermont. If you plan on hopping over to the US, be sure to have the right documentation.
- Cellphone reception in Dunham should be fine, but once you’re outside the city, don’t take it for granted that you’ll be able to use GPS or other cellular services.
- Getting around Dunham and the surrounding parks will be near impossible without a car.
