Summer in the city—and in Montreal—has a palette of proto-nostalgic flavors that evoke the American movies we watched as children; they taste of freedom and anticipation, and carry the weight of a never-ending day. The taste of soft-serve ice cream, the sound of asphalt cracking under the weight of the humidex, the smell of a devastating forest fire in the West, vanilla perfume, and cannabis.
But sometimes, we long for a Quebec summer in the countryside, because the city feels suffocating, and because a Quebec summer has a very different flavor—that of the earth, village life, and long road trips.
Of course, we don’t always have the time or the opportunity to settle into a lakeside cottage for a month—or even a few weeks. In that case, for a real taste of summer in the countryside, we recommend attending one of the Eastern Townships’ iconic events: the Ayer’s Cliff Agricultural Fair.
(c) Ayer’s Cliff Fair
Ayer’s Cliff
The Eastern Townships, or Estrie(the region has two names depending on who you ask), is located northeast of Montreal and stretches along part of the Canada-U.S. border with Vermont.
The region is known for its agriculture and agritourism, as well as for its natural beauty and lifestyle in harmony with nature. In addition to fruit and vegetable growers and cattle and duck farmers, there are about fifteen cheese farms, thirty vineyards, microbreweries, cideries, and a Relais Châteaux property—the Manoir Hovey (a 20-minute drive from Ayer’s Cliff).
The Ayer’s Cliff Fair
The Ayer’s Cliff Fairrunsfrom August 27 to 30 this year and is one of the region’s largest exhibitions of agriculture, horticulture, and local crafts. Until the unfortunate year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it had been held in Ayer’s Cliff without interruption for 175 years (since 1845).
Since then, it has resumed with all the iconic events of a good old-fashioned country fair… This year, the Ayer’s Cliff Fair will be held on August 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2026, and the program is absolutely delightful.
Rides, inflatable pony races, and other activities for kids
Is there anything cuter than a child wearing mini cowboy boots meeting gentle sheep for the first time or taking a ride on a pony? No.
And for the kids, there are plenty of activities at the fair: there are rides (with cotton candy), an inflatable pony race, and games like races and tug-of-war. There will also be a hayball-throwing contest (with a “kids” category).
(c) Ayer’s Cliff Fair
Demonstrations by local farmers and ranchers
There will be a contest featuring shepherds and their sheep, demonstrations of draft horses and miniature horses, as well as displays of flowers and vegetables, an animal parade, and a crafts demonstration.
(c) Ayer’s Cliff Fair
(c) Ayer’s Cliff Fair
Races, talent shows, music
The Expo is also a showcase of local talent, and there will be races and rodeo events, including buddy barrel racing, gymkhana (rescue), harness racing, truck pulling, and plenty of concerts and country dancing.
(c) Ayer’s Cliff Fair
Practical Information
Where?Ayer’s Cliff, 977 Main Street, Ayer’s Cliff, QC
When?August27, 28, 29, and 30, 2026
How?Weekendpassfor $60, day pass starting at $12
