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Kayaking Day Trips: Quebec and Vermont

Program Number: 13816RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/23/2013 - 6/28/2013; 7/14/2013 - 7/19/2013; 9/22/2013 - 9/27/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Eastern Townships, Quebec
Price starting at: $1,123.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Water Sports Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt; Gluten Free    

Join us as we kayak some of North America's most fascinating waterways: Lake Champlain for an in-depth look at our historical past, Lac Brome for the architecture and antiques, Lake Willoughby for its Robert Frost connections and Lake Memphremagog for Gregorian chanting and dazzling shoreline. Begin each day with a new exciting theme and lakeside treasure!




Highlights

• Observe the countless treasures, such as the quaint summer cottages of Lac Brome and the soaring cliffs of Lake Willoughby.
• Learn proper paddling techniques for all levels from expert instructors.
• Discuss a variety of topics such as Québecois history and politics during lively evening lectures.



Activity Particulars

Kayaking four hours per day; Class I on last day; kayaks and accessories provided; active program but all levels welcome. Swimming required.



Save $100 if you bring your own kayak.




Date Specific Information

6-23-2013, 7-14-2013, 9-22-2013

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
   Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
  Glen Sutton, QC 5 nights
 Outdoor Lodge in 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 Lodge directly. Contact the Outdoor Lodge to enquire about availability and rates for additional nights. Stayover rates include breakfast.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Contact Lodge directly. Contact the Outdoor Lodge to enquire about availability and rates for additional nights. Stayover rates include breakfast.
  Check out time: 11:45 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals to Glen Sutton. Check-in between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. You will be staying at Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton that night.
  End of Program:
Independent departures from Glen Sutton after lunch. Check-out is noon. You will be staying at Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. PASSPORT REQUIRED: We will be crossing the US/Canada border into Vermont - a passport is required for all travel to and from Canada by US citizens; and by Canadian citizens travelling to/from the US (by air, land and sea). Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up-to-date info. and/or http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng for current requirements.
  Parking availability:
Free parking on-site
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Glen Sutton, QC
  Nearest city or town:  Sutton and Mansonville, Quebec
  Nearest highway: Autoroute #10 in Quebec and Rt. #105 in Vermont
  Nearest airport:  Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Dorval, Quebec
  From End of Program
  Location: Glen Sutton, QC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

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.

 

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 take the 9:30 a.m. bus to Sutton (arrives 11:19). The later bus leaves Montreal at 5:30 p.m. (arrives 7:19 p.m.) The phone number for the bus company Veolia Transport is 877-348-5599.
 

Burlington

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals

 

Distance:

 

70 miles
   

If flying from the US, cheaper fares can often be found into Burlington, VT (70 miles from Glen Sutton). A rental car will be necessary to get from VT to the program site but it still may be more cost effective.
 

Montreal

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Veolia Transport/747 Express Aeroport P.E. Trudeau/Centre-Ville
phone: 514-842-2284 x5147864636
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Coach to Montreal $20/Express bus to airport approximately $9.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 1/2 hours (45 minutes from airport) 
   

1. Take coach (Veolia) from Sutton to downtown Montreal; arrives main bus terminal at 505 Maisonneuve East. Phone 514-842-2281 for schedules/rates. On Friday, bus to Montreal leaves from Sutton at 6:30 a.m. and 2:16 p.m. 2. Take 747 Express bus from the bus station in downtown Montreal to the airport - 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Purchase tickets at bus station or pay cash with exact change on bus. Only coins (no bank bills). OR Taxi from downtown to airport approximately $40 - $50
 

Glen Sutton to Montreal

 

To Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $20 (senior's discount available)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours 
   

Bus from Sutton to downtown Montreal bus station. Free shuttle between the program site in Glen Sutton and Sutton (12 miles each way). The bus leaves from Sutton. It is best to phone the bus terminal at 514-842-2281 for information, schedules, fares for the bus. The phone number for the bus company Veolia Transport is 877-348-5599.
 

Burlington, VT

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals

 

Distance:

 

70 miles
   

Cheaper air fares can often be found to/from Burlington, VT (70 miles from Glen Sutton). A rental car will be necessary to get from the program site to the airport in Burlington but it still may be more cost effective.
 
Driving Directions
  From Montreal via Champlain Bridge From Montreal - 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 North/Sutton, QC Take Autoroute 10 to Cowansville/Granby/Sutton exit. Porceed to Cowansville then to Route 104. Continue on 104 until 139 South and onwards to Sutton. Continue straight through town going south on Route #139 and in approx. one-half mile, take a left just in front of the building supply outlet, cross the railroad tracks and immediately turn right onto Chemin Scenic. Follow signs to Glen Sutton. We are the first building on the right as you enter the village - look for stone wall, large wraparound porch with white columns and red door. Welcome to the Outdoor Lodge.
  GPS Coordinates The Outdoor Lodge is located at 1351 Chemin de la Vallee Missisquoi in the village of Glen Sutton. Please note our mailing address differs from our physical address. If you are GPS equipped our front door is to be found at N45 degrees 02.374 minutes, W72 degrees 32.909 minutes.
  US - From East, South Leave Vermont Interstate 91 at Newport, last source for and continue on 105 West following directions to North Troy. Pick up 243N to the Canadian border. After customs, proceed to Highwater, cross railway tracks as well as two bridges and take first left onto Chemin de la Vallee Missisquoi. After passing the village of Dunkin, you will soon arrive in Glen Sutton. As you enter the village, proceed straight on until you reach the former Catholic Church (our stoneclad neighbour and now a private residence) on the left-hand side of the road.
  US - From West, South Exit Vermont Interstate 89 at 104 East (St. Albans). Turn right off 104E onto 105 East. Progress through Sheldon Springs, Enosburg Falls and Richford. (Hannafords is your last source of liquor supplies before entering Canada). After Richford***, stay on 105E then turn onto 105A and continue two miles to Canadian border. We are located approximately three miles straight ahead from the Canadian border. Our lodge is the second building on the right hand side as you enter the village (large wraparound porch, white columns, red door). Next door is the former Catholic Church, now a private home. You may park your car in the crushed stone area facing the main road or in the evergreen grove across the street. Side by side parking would be most appreciated. ***N.B. This crossing into Canada (the East Richford/Glen Sutton border station) is open until 4 p.m. only. If arriving after that time stay straight in Richford (do not turn Right at the big red brick church onto 105E), cross the Missisquoi River bridge, turn Right at the ‘T’, and go North to the Canadian border crossing near Abercorn. At Abercorn follow the signs to Glen Sutton.
Elevation Note: Glen Sutton is at 500' above sea level and nearby waters are +/- 400'.

Equipment Requirements: All equipment provided. Should you choose to bring your own boat you can save $100. Canadian. We must be advised ASAP if you are bringing your own kayak. Kayaks must be bulkhead equipped (non-sinkable). The kayaks we use are full on sea kayaks with either skegs or foot controlled rudders. These are sit-in, not sit-on boats. We will have 2 tandems along and the rest will be solo boats. All accessories and instruction is provided. Cockpit openings vary slightly but a typical opening would measure 32" x 16".
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: Arrivals & Orientation
(Sunday, June 23)
   
 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. REGISTRATION: Meet your hosts and fellow kayakers 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, including gluten free, can be arranged if requested in advance by noting on your Participant Information Form.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: Around 7:30 pm we gather for general introductions of guests and a detailed outline of the week ahead. Some guests will be brand new to the sport, others will be old hands: all are welcome. Following that will be a talk about Glen Sutton, the Eastern Townships and the general scene in this part of the world.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Kayaking: Lake Memphremagog and St. Benoit du Lac
(Monday, June 24)
   
 Breakfast: We breakfast at 8 am and there is always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc, fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: KAYAKING: Gather on the porch at 9 am and head for the water in Lodge buses. Our fleet of kayaks follows behind on a custom trailer. Thus our series of day kayaking trips gets underway. Transits to the water vary between 15 minutes and one hour. Each day's trip has a different theme. On this first morning we review equipment, safety and technique and then push off into Lake Memphremagog. After exploring much of the storied shoreline of this gorgeous lake we come to shore for our picnic lunch.
 Lunch: We gather for lunch at approximately noon at a pre-designated spot. Bag lunch.
 Afternoon: EXCURSION: After lunch we enter the meditative grounds of the abbey at St. Benoit du Lac for a one hour visit. This is a Benedictine Monastery. Featured in Gourmet magazine (September 2002) here is made the best Blue cheese in all of North America. Gregorian chant (about 40 minutes) follows and upon exiting the building we return to the water. KAYAKING continues: After 2 more hours on the water we head back to base.
 Dinner: Dinner at 6 p.m.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Evening lectures commence at 7:30 p.m. Topics might include the following: Heart Healthy Living, Canadian History, Quebec Politics Since the Quiet Revolution of the 60's or The Gerry Bull Story.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Kayaking: Lake Champlain
(Tuesday, June 25)
   
 Breakfast: We breakfast at 8 am and there is always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc, fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: KAYAKING: Gather on the porch for the 9 am departure, by Lodge bus, to Lake Champlain, one of the most historic waterways in all of North America. Later in the day a professional historian goes back in time to the early explorers and the French and Indian Wars, the Revolution and the British all the way up to the Prohibition days of the 20s and 30s to underline the fascinating history of Champlain's lake.
 Lunch: We gather for lunch at approximately noon at a pre-designated spot. Bag lunch.
 Afternoon: KAYAKING continues: We will boat the Vermont shoreline and weave about many islands in the process. A day steeped in history.
 Dinner: Cocktails at 5 p.m. in our "Great Room" and dinner at 6 p.m.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Evening lectures commence at 7:30 p.m. Topics might include the following: Heart Healthy Living, Canadian History, Quebec Politics Since the Quiet Revolution of the 60's or The Gerry Bull Story.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kayaking: Lake Brome/Knowlton
(Wednesday, June 26)
   
 Breakfast: We breakfast at 8 am and there is always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc, fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: KAYAKING: Gather on the porch for 9 am and then off to Lake Brome, Quebec. Home of Quebec's old-moneyed elite with their summer 'cottages' (best seen by water) we explore the inlets and coves (many guests consider the hours in the Quilliams Marsh as the highlight of the week) before turning our ships towards Knowlton (at the headwaters of the lake). This quaint town has the highest density of millionaires in all of Canada.
 Lunch: We gather for lunch at approximately noon at a pre-designated spot. Bag lunch.
 Afternoon: KAYAKING continues: We go back to the water for a Hardy Boys/ Nancy Drew paddle into Peacock Alley. End the water day at Gerry's Tikka Bar by the shore. Thence home to Glen Sutton.
 Dinner: Cocktails at 5 p.m. in our "Great Room" and dinner at 6 p.m. Evening lecture commences at 7:30 p.m.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Each week has one free evening where guests can sample our world-class movie collection, play bridge, play tennis on our lighted court or sample some local theatre.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Kayaking: Lake Willoughby
(Thursday, June 27)
   
 Breakfast: We breakfast at 8 am and there is always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc, fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: KAYAKING: Today we paddle Lake Willoughby. Known as the Switzerland of Vermont with its soaring 1000' cliffs (this was the first site in all of Vermont to see the return of the peregrine falcon) and wild Northeast Kingdom shoreline. This is also Robert Frost country and poetry will accompany this final full day of paddling.
 Lunch: Lunch at approximately noon at a pre-designated spot.
 Afternoon: KAYAKING continues: We continue our exploration of Lake Willoughby.
 Dinner: Dinner at 6 p.m.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Evening lectures commence at 7:30 p.m. Topics might include the following: Heart Healthy Living, Canadian History, Quebec Politics Since the Quiet Revolution of the 60's or The Gerry Bull Story.
   
Accommodations: Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kayaking: Missisquoi River/Independent Departures
(Friday, June 28)
   
 Breakfast: We breakfast at 8 am and there is always a hot dish: eggs, oatmeal, Red River cereal, etc, fresh fruit bowls, yogurts, local maple syrup, 6 kinds of bread.
 Morning: KAYAKING: As our program ends at noon today's paddle is in the neighborhood and will be down the beautiful and meandering Missisquoi River from the bridge in Highwater to the bridge in Glen Sutton. Mild current and much about the natural history of this enchanting area.
 Lunch: Lunch is either eaten on the porch or in transit.
 Afternoon: INDEPENDENT DEPARTURES: Independent departures from the lodge after lunch.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Glen Sutton, QC Glen Sutton and Environs
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.



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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