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Hiking and Walking Classics: Stepping Out At Your Own Pace and Vive Le Quebec

Program Number: 5448RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Eastern Townships, Quebec
Price starting at: $945.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt; Gluten Free    

Take on some of the finest hiking and walking in Eastern North America, enjoying spectacular rural scenery as you explore the best of Northern Vermont and Québec’s Townships. Take a revealing look at Québecois culture, discovering the history, music, politics and culinary specialties of this unique area.




Highlights

• Observe the pristine natural beauty with an option of an intense hike or a gentle walk.
• Along the trail, naturalists and historians interpret the history and scenery of Vermont and Québec.
• Discuss Québec unique history, politics and culture while sampling the region’s great wines and cheeses.



Activity Particulars

Groups flexible by activity level, all welcome. Hiking four-five hours up nearby peaks; walking three-four hours over gentle terrain. Daypacks required.




Date Specific Information

9-29-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Eastern Townships

The Appalachian foothills of southern Quebec contain some of the most fertile soil and bucolic scenery of the province, attracting visitors to its lakes, country villages, local gastronomical delights and Quebecois culture.
Accommodations
Comfortable lodging in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, in-ground pool.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Stephen Giesler
Stephen Giesler is an instructor and active participant in Road Scholar’s outdoor adventures, and along with his wife, Joy, is the host at Outdoor lodge in Glen Sutton. Since 1976, Stephen and Joy have been organizing outdoor adventures in the countryside of Southern Quebec and Northern Vermont. As a downhill skier since the age of three, multiple Gold Bar Canadian Ski Marathoner, whitewater kayaker on four continents, distance cyclist and tennis instructing fanatic, Stephen’s love of the outdoors and the sporting pleasures found therein has been shared with tens of thousands over the years.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   The Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
  Glen Sutton, QC 5 nights
 The Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Type: Lodge
  Description: Our main building was constructed in 1900 and served for over half a century as the big wooden schoolhouse to the kids of the valley. Totally renovated and refitted with all modern conveniences, the Lodge has all the amenities of a home away from home. The renovated interior boasts an abundance of American chestnut and birdseye maple. Our various outbuildings, all within a short walk or drive from the main Lodge, are comfortable and well appointed. The building has a "great room " with fireplace, extensive libraries which include world-class films, wraparound porch, outdoor deck on 2nd level and nearby swimming pool. WiFi throughout the property.
  Contact info: 1351 Vallee Missisquoi Road
Glen Sutton, QC J0E 2K0 Canada
phone: 450-538-5816
web: www.outdoorlodge.ca
  Room amenities: Our rooms, officially designated as four star quality, regularly elicit pleasure for the ‘home comfort’ levels they deliver. All are nicely furnished with comfortable beds, private bath, quality linens and good reading lamps. NOTE: Aloe vera skincare products strictly a no! no! as they destroy linens.
  Facility amenities: All rooms are either on ground floor or one floor up (nearly all have private bath). Homestyle high-end cooking with all menus chef-designed by our chef and kitchen team. We provide three meals a day, unless otherwise arranged. Our Lodge takes pride in the quality of our kitchen fare and our commitment to healthy and nutritious dining. Many guests refer to our cuisine as Elderhostel gourmet. In this age of fast cuisine, we think you’ll appreciate the effort that our dining team puts into all the ‘from scratch’ delicacies. Special needs diets can be arranged ahead of time. As our kitchen serves fixed menus we suggest you come equipped with some of your own specific food requirements should you have highly personalized needs (gluten intolerance, etc.) Thus you may supplement our house offerings.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Contact the lodge directly. Stayover rates include breakfast
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Contact the lodge directly. Stayover rates include breakfast
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals to the lodge in Glen Sutton; check-in between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. You will be staying at The Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton that night.
  End of Program:
Independent departures from Glen Sutton after morning class and lunch. Check-out is 12 noon. You will be staying at The Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up-to-date information.
  Parking availability:
Free on site.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Glen Sutton, QC
  Nearest city or town:  Sutton, Quebec and Richford, Vermont
  Nearest highway: Autoroute No. 10 in Quebec and Route No. 105 in Vermont
  Nearest airport:  Trudeau International Airport in Dorval (Montreal),
  From End of Program
  Location: Glen Sutton, QC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Montreal to Glen Sutton

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Veolia Transport/Montreal Bus Terminal
phone: 514-842-2281

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

approx.$20 one way, less if senior
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours 
   

Bus from downtown Montreal to Sutton (and return). Free shuttle between Sutton and the program site in Glen Sutton (12 miles each way). The bus leaves from the bus terminal in downtown Montreal at 505 de Maisonneuve East. Phone the bus terminal at 514-842-2281 for information, schedules, fares. Most participants take the 9:30 a.m. bus to Sutton. The phone number for the bus company Veolia Transport is 877-348-5599 (recommend that participants call the bus station for information).
 

Montreal

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
747 Express Aeroport P.E. Trudeau/Centre-Ville & Veolia Transport
phone: 514-786-4636 x5148422281

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Express bus from airport $9.00/Coach to Sutton $20
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 hours (45 mins from airport) 
   

1. Take 747 Express bus from the airport to the bus station in downtown Montreal - 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Purchase tickets at the Arrivals Level at the airport or pay the fare in cash with exact change on board the bus. Only coins are accepted (no bank bills). OR Taxi from airport to downtown bus station - approx $40 - $50. 2. Take coach (Veolia) from downtown Montreal to Sutton; leaves from downtown bus terminal at 505 Maisonneuve East. Phone 514-842-2281 for schedules/rates.

 
Driving Directions
  From the North Take Autoroute 10 to Cowansville/Granby/Sutton exit. Proceed to Cowansville thence to Route 104. Continue on 104 until 139 South and onwards to Sutton. Continue straight through town and follow signs to Glen Sutton. The Lodge is the first building on the right as you enter town.
  From the South East Leave Vermont Interstate 91 at Newport. Continue on 105 West towards North Troy. Pick up 243N (north) to the Canadian Border. After Customs, proceed to Highwater. Cross railway tracks and two bridges and then take first left onto Chemin de la Vallee Missisquoi. Straight on for 11 kilometres to village of Glen Sutton. The Lodge is the last building on left hand side in the Village.
  From the South West Exit Vermont Interstate 89 at 104 E (St. Albans). Turn Right off 104E onto 105E. Continue through Sheldon Springs, Enosburg Falls and Richford. After Richford, stay on 105 East and then turn on to 105A and continue another two miles to Canadian Border. After Customs, continue 3 miles straight ahead to Glen Sutton. The Lodge is the first building on the right-hand side as you enter the Village.
Elevation Note: Some hikes go above 3000' for a couple of hours in a day. All walks are at a much lower elevation.

Equipment Requirements: For Hikers: Hiking boots recommended, walking sticks may be useful, water bottle(s) mandatory, day pack for lunches, rain gear, etc. For Walkers: Comfy walking shoes recommended, walking stick optional, day pack for lunches, rain gear, binoculars, field guides, etc.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Orientation and Welcome Dinner
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Afternoon: LODGE CHECK-IN Participants arrive independently in the afternoon to the Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton. Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. until 5 p.m. All levels are welcome. REGISTRATION: Meet your hosts and fellow walkers & hikers in the commodious Great Room with its fireplace and extensive library that provides a casual and comfortable spot for refreshments and lively conversation.
 Dinner: WELCOME DINNER: Dinner is at the lodge in the open format kitchen and dining room. Enjoy high-end homestyle cooking with menus designed by Chef Joy and her kitchen team. Dinner will consist of salad or soup, entrée, and dessert. NOTE: Most special needs diets can be arranged if requested in advance by noting on your Health & Safety form.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: After dinner we gather for introductions and outline the walks and hikes of the week. Hikers are accompanied by one or two Lodge guides (depending on group size), walkers by one. Walks will focus on natural history with many chatting spots along the pathways we explore. Hikers will be more action oriented with neighborhood summits mostly our concern. One hike will be tougher- Mount Mansfield, the highest point in Vermont, has a summit height of 4393'. Programs are planned far in advance. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements for weather or other circumstances. Three evening lectures will occur over the week, chosen from "Heart Health, Longevity and Supplements", "History of Quebec Nationalism" and "The Gerald Bull Story". One evening is free. Participants are invited to switch groups depending on how strong or weak they feel on any given day. The walks tend to have more talking points so nature interpretation is an ongoing theme.
   
Accommodations: The Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Hiking and Walking/History, Flora & Fauna
(Monday, September 30)
   
 Breakfast: We breakfast at 8am. Always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc. fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: HIKING & WALKING: Gather at 9 to hand out the maps of the day. A little pep talk on the rigors ahead and then we pile into our vans to head for the hills or, for the walkers, to our trails and laneways. We can cross the US/Canada border on our adventures so picture ID is imperative. Hikers are accompanied by one or two Lodge guides (depending on group size), walkers by one. People move at their own pace and our strings of travelers gather at sites of interest to discuss the natural history and nature of the flora, fauna, etc. of what lies about.
 Lunch: Lunch is always taken as a group and generally eaten at a scenic highlight. Bag lunch.
 Afternoon: HIKING & WALKING continues: As a rule the hikes last between 4 hours (3 days) and 6 hours (1 day). Walks are 3-4 hours in duration. We are generally (Mt. Mansfield can be an exception) back in Glen Sutton around 4:30pm. Time to relax, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and settle in for a fine dinner at 6.
 Dinner: Our food options are often called 'Road Scholar gourmet' as we prepare everything before your eyes, use the freshest of ingredients and dedicate about twice the EH ingredients budget as the Guidelines Manual suggests.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Three evening lectures will occur over the week, chosen from "Heart Health, Longevity and Supplements", "History of Quebec Nationalism, and "The Gerry Bull Story". One evening is free. Participants are invited to switch groups depending on how strong or weak they feel on any given day. The walks tend to have more talking points so nature interpretation is an ongoing theme.
   
Accommodations: The Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Hiking and Walking/History, Flora & Fauna
(Tuesday, October 1)
   
 Breakfast: We breakfast at 8am. Always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc. fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: HIKING & WALKING: Gather at 9 to hand out the map of the day. A little pep talk on the rigors ahead and then we pile into our vans to head for the hills or, for the walkers, to our trails and laneways. We can cross the US/Canada border on our adventures so picture ID is imperative. Hikers are accompanied by one or two Lodge guides (depending on group size), walkers by one. People move at their own pace and our strings of travelers gather at sites of interest to discuss the natural history and nature of the flora, fauna, etc. of what lies about.
 Lunch: Lunch is always taken as a group and generally eaten at a scenic spot. Bag lunch.
 Afternoon: HIKING & WALKING continues: As a rule the hikes last between 4 hours (3 days) and 6 hours (1 day). Walks are 3-4 hours in duration. We are generally (Mt. Mansfield can be an exception) back in Glen Sutton around 4:30pm. Time to relax, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and settle in for a fine dinner at 6.
 Dinner: Our food options are often called 'Road Scholar gourmet' as we prepare everything before your eyes, use the freshest of ingredients and dedicate about twice the EH ingredients budget as the Guidelines Manual suggests.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Three evening lectures will occur over the week, chosen from "Heart Health, Longevity and Supplements", "History of Quebec Nationalism and "The Gerry Bull Story". One evening is free. Participants are invited to switch groups depending on how strong or weak they feel on any given day. The walks tend to have more talking points so nature interpretation is an ongoing theme.
   
Accommodations: The Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Hiking and Walking/History, Flora & Fauna
(Wednesday, October 2)
   
 Breakfast: We breakfast at 8am. Always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc. fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: HIKING & WALKING: Gather at 9 to hand out the map of the day. A little pep talk on the rigors ahead and then we pile into our vans to head for the hills or, for the walkers, to our trails and laneways . We can cross the US/Canada border on our adventures so picture ID is imperative. Hikers are accompanied by one or two Lodge guides (depending on group size), walkers by one. People move at their own pace and our strings of travelers gather at sites of interest to discuss the natural history and nature of the flora, fauna, etc. of what lies about.
 Lunch: Lunch is always taken as a group and generally eaten at a scenic spot. Bag lunch.
 Afternoon: HIKING & WALKING continues: As a rule the hikes last between 4 hours (3 days) and 6 hours (1 day). Walks are 3-4 hours in duration. We are generally (Mt. Mansfield can be an exception) back in Glen Sutton around 4:30pm. Time to relax, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and settle in for a fine dinner at 6.
 Dinner: Our food options are often called 'Road Scholar gourmet' as we prepare everything before your eyes, use the freshest of ingredients and dedicate about twice the EH ingredients budget as the Guidelines Manual suggests.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Relax by the fireplace, check out the library or our film collection or explore the area. Lots of nearby trails for a sunset walk.
   
Accommodations: The Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Hiking and Walking/History, Flora & Fauna
(Thursday, October 3)
   
 Breakfast: We breakfast at 8am. Always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc. fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: HIKING & WALKING: Gather at 9 to hand out the map of the day. A little pep talk on the rigors ahead and then we pile into our bus to head for the hills or, for the walkers, to our trails and laneways. We can cross the US/Canada border on our adventures so picture ID is imperative. Hikers are accompanied by one or two Lodge guides (depending on group size), walkers by one. People move at their own pace and our strings of travelers gather at sites of interest to discuss the natural history and nature of the flora, fauna, etc. of what lies about.
 Lunch: Lunch is always taken as a group and generally eaten at a scenic spot. Bag lunch.
 Afternoon: HIKING & WALKING continues: As a rule the hikes last between 4 hours (3 days) and 6 hours (1 day). Walks are 3-4 hours in duration. We are generally (Mt. Mansfield can be an exception) back in Glen Sutton around 4:30pm. Time to relax, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and settle in for a fine dinner at 6.
 Dinner: Our food options are often called 'Road Scholar gourmet' as we prepare everything before your eyes, use the freshest of ingredients and dedicate about twice the EH ingredients budget as the Guidelines Manual suggests.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Three evening lectures will occur over the week, chosen from "Heart Health, Longevity and Supplements", "History of Quebec Nationalism," and "The Gerry Bull Story". One evening is free. Participants are invited to switch groups depending on how strong or weak they feel on any given day. The walks tend to have more talking points so nature interpretation is an ongoing theme.:
   
Accommodations: The Outdoor Lodge Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Final Walk/Hike/Independent Departures
(Friday, October 4)
   
 Breakfast: We breakfast at 8am. Always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc. fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: HIKING & WALKING: Friday is a half day and we go on a vigorous walk from the Lodge for about 2-3 hours.
 Lunch: INDEPENDENT DEPARTURES: Program ends at noon. Bag lunch is provided.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Glen Sutton, QC Glen Sutton
Highlights include Benedictine Monastery with Gregorian chants (35 min. drive), antiquing, Quebec's wine district (30 min.), village of Lac Brome (35 min.), local museums, cycling, hiking, lakes and rivers for water sports. Shelburne Museum (1 hr. 40 min.) home to the largest collection of Americana in the world.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Traveller's History of Canada


Author: Robert Bothwell


Description: HISTORY, 2010, PAPERBACK, 220 PAGES An admirably concise march through Canadian history by Robert Bothwell, who has also written "Canada and Quebec: One Country, Two Histories." Compact, easy-to-read and covering from prehistoric times to today, it's a useful introduction to the country, designed specifically for travelers. (CND82, $14.95)



Frommer's Montreal and Quebec City


Author: Patricia Gajo


Description: Completely updated every year, Frommer's Montréal & Québec City features featureseverything you need to know to enjoythe sights and experiences that await you in two of North America's most romantic cities. America's #1 bestselling travel series with more full-color guides than ever before with foldout maps in annual guides.



History of the Eastern Townships


Author: C. M. (Catherine Matilda) Day


Description: Eastern Townships", is the name used for those townships in the province of Quebec lying south of the St. Lawrence River which were surveyed soon after 1791, to distinguish them from the Western Townships, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence and about the bay of Quinte, surveyed in 1783-4. In 1791 the English law of free and common socage was introduced by the Constitutional Act into Lower Canada ; and consequently the country south of the St. Lawrence was surveyed in townships, and granted in free and common socage, rather than in accordance with the seigniorial tenure that prevailed in the older parts of the province.



Pioneers Of The Eastern Townships


Author: C. M. (Catherine Matilda) Day


Description: In this book, Mrs Day describes the founding and development of the Eastern Townships in detail. The book also contains much biographical information about individuals and families who settled in the area. An invaluable reference for everyone with an interest in the early history of families of the Eastern Townships of Quebec (Lower Canada / Canada East).





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