Spring Activities in Lennoxville and Beyond

How to make the most of your spring school experience

Spring school has been deemed by some as one of the best parts about Bishop’s. The casual class schedule and sunny, summer weather makes Lennoxville far more enjoyable. It also allows students to explore parts of the Eastern Townships they have never seen or thought to explore.This will be my first (and last, since I’m graduating) time staying for spring school, and I’m pretty excited about it.  There will be far fewer students, which means spending more time with a few good friends, and more opportunity for meeting everyone else who will be here, too. Here are some ideas for some great places to visit and adventures to take part in in-between classes.

1.  The Coaticook Gorge

Summertime activities include 20km of hiking trails, walking across the suspension bridge 50km in the air, horseback riding, and mountain biking.  You could also go camping, check out the animals at their “mini farm,” stroll through the garden, or take in some art by local artists.

2.  The Lennoxville Golf Club

Opened in 1897, the course offers nine holes for golfers of all levels.  Owned by Bishop’s, it’s right next door, making it pretty accessible.  Go with a friend or two, or take some time to clear your head.  Either way, it’d be a good thing to take advantage of during your time here.

3.  Floats Down the River

I’ve never partaken in this BU ritual, but now that I’m staying until June, this should be my year—and if you’re here, it should be yours, too. Grab a floatie, a friend, a cold beverage and you’re good to go.

4.  BBQs and Beer

Finally, the weather is warm!  Take advantage of it by studying, sleeping, eating and drinking on your lawn.  Find a BBQ, buy some burgers and hotdogs, and keep your fridge stocked with beer.  There won’t be that many students here, and what better way to get acquainted with everyone than to chill outside every chance you get?

5.  BU Recreation/Aquatics Program

It seems that as soon as the weather gets warm, everyone is inspired to be more active.  There are plenty of recreational activities to sign up for—aquatics, pilates, yoga, kickboxing, tennis, and more.  They run from April 19 until June 14.  Sign up in person between April 13 and 15, or online up until April 14!

6.  The Jacques Robidas Sugar Shack

North Hatley is about 15 minutes away, and although it’s no Montreal, it is at least a change of scenery from Lennoxville.  And as long as you’re there, you might as well check out the Jacques Robidas sugar shack.  There you can check out their farm, go horseback riding, have a meal made with local produce, and of course stop by their healthy sugar shack.

7.  Magog

A bit further than North Hatley (30 minutes), Magog is worth a visit for its small-town charm.  Now the centre of a resort area, with its main street lined with quaint shops and cafes, it’s definitely worth a visit.   If you’re not so much into shopping, then maybe the nearby beach will interest you!  Ah, summertime.

8.  Mount Orford

If you want to be active but don’t want to pay for gym activities, pack some food and spend your day hiking Mount Orford.  Just a few minutes from Magog, it offers 56 trails, the longest of which is 4km.  You could easily make your stay overnight by setting up camp in the campground, too.

9.  La Ronde

Sometimes, you’ll just need a break from all these small towns, regardless of the charming activities they have to offer.  So round up a few friends and make your way to Montreal to experience La Ronde, a pretty wicked amusement park.  Get some poutine and a candy apple, slam around some bumper cars, and experience the thrill of some wild roller coasters (or maybe you should wait to eat until after The Goliath, which is over 53 metres high).

10.  Bike Auction

In May, Sherbrooke’s bike auction boasts an area packed full of bikes that are auctioned for next to nothing.  A friend of mine who stayed last year got a fully-functioning bike for $19.  It’s a great way to get some exercise, fresh air, and to explore Sherbrooke without going broke paying for the bus.