Whether you’re a Montrealer by birth, by adoption or just passing through, you’ll appreciate the unique vibe of the Quebec metropolis; cosmopolitan, artistic, at the cultural intersection of Europe and America…
But don’ t miss the chance to experience Quebec as a region, and this time we’re talking about a village in the Eastern Townships: Ayer’s Cliff.
And Ayer’s Cliff is home to one of the region’s most important summer events – the Ayer’s Cliff Rodeo. This year, it takes place from June 12 to 15. We tell you all about it…
Ayer’s Cliff and the Eastern Townships
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.
It’s in Quebec, where the official language is French, but many of its inhabitants, especially near the border, speak English, and the villages on the shores of Lake Massawippi and Lake Memphremagog – including Ayer’s Cliff, which is on the water’s edge – are predominantly English-speaking.
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 minutes’ drive from Ayer’s Cliff).
Ayer’s Cliff, the largest village on the shores of Lake Massawippi, is at the center of the area’s nautical activities (kayaking in the morning and pontooning in the afternoon – it’s almost a religion here) and agricultural activities. In addition to lakeside strolls, sunbathing at Plage Massawippi (the only beach with free supervised swimming on the lake) and hiking or biking in the surrounding area, there are two not-to-be-missed events held here every summer.
The Ayer’s Cliff Rodeo and Fair
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).
Every year, there are horse races, conferences on new agricultural technologies, amusement rides, tractor rides, concerts… It’s a true celebration of the region, and not to be missed!
For info, click here!
In June – from June 12 to 15 this year – it’s the Ayer’s Cliff Rodeo , and in addition to the rodeo events that draw the crowds, it’s a big party for all the cowboys (and cowboy lovers) in the region. Line dancing, musical stages and a local artisan fair are all on the program. There’s also a strongman demonstration and, if you really enjoyed it, a photo opportunity with them afterwards...Yee-haw!
For info, ” 2=”” 3=”/>” link_url=”https://rodeoayerscliff.com/programmation/”>click here[/trackLink]!
and also…
Ayer’s Cliff -the village- is very small, and in the Eastern Townships we recommend that you drive far and wide to discover the most beautiful places in the area.
The village is one of the stops on Route 415, a tourist route with some of the best views in the area, indicated by blue signs reading “Route des Cantons”.
Ayer’s Cliff is perfect for visiting all year round, but we recommend visiting the village in summer, when it becomes the beating heart of the whole region…
Bon rodeo!