Around the Lake in Eastman: As Zen as It Gets!
Make your way around one of the MRC de Memphrémagog’s smaller lakes. No need to travel very far. With its new amenities, the municipality of Eastman offers cyclists a great route along the shores of Silver Lake (lac d’Argent).
Lac-d’Argent Road
The town of Eastman wanted to make a relaxing excursion down Lac-d’Argent Road easier for pedestrians and cyclists. A sidewalk and a paved roadway with a 30 km/h speed limit now offer views of Silver Lake (lac d’Argent) against the backdrop of Mount Orford. It’s the perfect for a reflective stroll!
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Lac d’Argent Road was given a major facelift in 2023 as part of a $6 million refurbishment project. The new layout is designed to reduce and slow motor vehicle traffic, allowing cyclists to safely explore the area.
Residents and visitors alike now have access to a pleasant route that is much safer to use. The shared roadway is about 2 km long and has a 30 km/h speed limit, giving everyone time to admire the lake.
Among other improvements, traffic calming measures have been implemented and a rest area was built at the intersection with Route 112.
In short, the area is as zen as it gets!
Des Diligences Road
Next, follow Des Diligences Road for several kilometres until you reach the Louise Portal Tail. This bicycle path is named for the local artist who cofounded the Correspondances d’Eastman literary festival in 2002.
History lovers will want to stop and take a look around the Anglican cemetery that borders the route. Some of the graves date to the late 19th century.
The path also connects to Route Verte No. 1, part of a province-wide trail network. You can follow the route westward toward Waterloo and Montreal, or eastward toward Magog and Quebec City. This junction provides a perfect opportunity to extend your ride or plan a break on a long-distance journey.
For now, let’s stick with our family-friendly outing of less than 10 km in length. The final section leads to the heart of Eastman via a paved trail, part of the active transportation plan being implemented by the municipality. Clearly, residents are interested in developing more cycling infrastructure!
This stretch of trail provides access to a series of small parks where you can stop and relax while contemplating the peaceful waters of Silver Lake (lac d'Argent) from the comfort of a chair painted in Eastman’s signature colour: blue. Bring along a good book and some snacks!
Cyclists can access the route from various parking lots, including the ones at 407 Principale Street, 160 George-Bonnallie Road (town hall) and 3 Des Diligences Road (corner of Khartoum Road).
The journey around the lake will take you past campgrounds, inns and other businesses catering to cyclists.
The part of the MRC de Memphrémagog is also home to Spa Eastman, where relaxation and well-being come first.