Mont-Orford National Park

Mont Orford rises to eight hundred and fifty-three metres in a park of about sixty square kilometres holding three lakes, Stukely, Fraser and Bran-de-Scie, and a set of summits linked by trails. The upper slopes carry stands of old-growth sugar maple, unusual in a region logged and sugared for two centuries. A gondola runs to the summit in the colour season and in winter for skiing. The park adjoins a ski resort whose proposed private sale of park land in the 2000s produced one of the larger environmental protests in Quebec, and the land was eventually returned to the park.

What you actually see

• The old-growth maples - unlogged sugar maple on the upper slopes.
• The three lakes - swimming, paddling and beaches in the park.
• The summit gondola - a lift running in autumn colour season and winter.
• The colour panorama - the Eastern Townships from the top in October.

When to go

June to October, with autumn colour in late September and early October the peak; the gondola runs then and in ski season. Summer is for the lakes and trails.

Honest expectations

The gondola runs only in certain seasons and weather. Autumn weekends bring heavy crowds. Beaches fill in July and August and the park caps day use.

Nearby

Magog lies south; North Hatley is southeast.