Summer in the city – and in Montreal – has a palette of proto-nostalgic flavors reminiscent of the American movies we watched as kids, with the taste of freedom and expectation and the heaviness of an endless day. The taste of soft ice cream, the sound of asphalt cracking under the weight of the humidex, the smell of a devastating western forest fire, vanilla perfume and cannabis.
But, sometimes, we long for the Quebec summer in the country, because in the city we’re suffocating, and because the Quebec summer has a very different flavour – that of the land, village life and long car journeys.
Of course, we don’t always have the time or the opportunity to settle down in a lakeside cottage for a month, or even a few weeks. In that case, for a real injection of summer in the country, we recommend a visit to one of the Eastern Townships’ emblematic events: the Ayer’s Cliff Agricultural Fair.
Ayer’s Cliff
The Eastern Townships, or Estrie (the region has two names depending on who you ask), is northeast of Montreal and stretches along part of the Canada-U.S. border along Vermont.
The region is known for its agriculture and agri-tourism, and for its beauty and living in harmony with nature. In addition to fruit and vegetable producers and cow and duck breeders, there are some 15 cheese dairies, 30 vineyards, microbreweries, cider houses and a Relais Châteaux – Manoir Hovey (20-minute drive from Ayer’s Cliff).
Expo Ayer’s Cliff
The Ayer’s CliffFair runs from August 21 to 24 this year, and is one of the region’s biggest exhibitions of local agriculture, horticulture and crafts. Until the sad year of Covid 19, it had been held in Ayer’s Cliff without interruption for 175 years (since 1845).
Since then, it has resumed with all the emblematic events of a good country county fair … This year’s Expo Ayer’s Cliff will be held on August 21, 22, 23 and 24, 2025, and the program is absolutely delicious.
Rides, inflatable pony races and other children’s activities
Is there anything cuter than a kid in mini cowboy boots meeting sweet sheep for the first time, or taking a ride on a pony? No.
And for the kids, there’s plenty to do at the fair; there are rides (with cotton candy), an inflatable pony race and tug-of-war games. There will also be a hay-bale-throwing contest (with a “kids” category).
Demonstrations by local farmers and breeders
There will be a shepherd and sheep contest, a draft horse and miniature horse demonstration, flowers, vegetables, an animal parade and a craftsman demonstration.
Races, talent, music
Expo is also a showcase for local talent, with rodeo races and events; buddy barrel, gymkhana (rescue), harness racing, truck pulls and plenty of live music and country dancing.
Practical info
Where? Ayer’s Cliff, 977, Main Street, Ayer’s Cliff, QC
When? August 21, 22, 23 and 24, 2025
How? $60 weekend passport, daily ticket from $12