Time Out for Natural Beauty
The Tomifobia Nature Trail is ideal for pedalling your way closer to nature. For those with time to explore, the bicycle path connects to a number of pleasant side roads.
Hackett Road
This rural roadway embodies the region’s spirit. It’s gravel surface requires you to take it slow, while the many twists and turns reveal a series of striking views. Hackett Road also features a short but nonetheless impressive tunnel of vegetation, as well as a majestic white elm—a species rarely seen in this corner of the world.
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This side trip begins in Ayer’s Cliff, a typical Eastern Townships village whose English-speaking heritage is evident in the handful of century-old houses. Park on Wulftec Street, behind the library and Wood’s Snack Bar. Get on your bike and set off on the Tomifobia Nature Trail. This 22 km bicycle path follows an old railbed linking the Eastern Townships to the United States. As you immerse yourself in nature, enjoy the cool summer breezes off the beautiful Tomifobia River. Along the way, various ponds provide excellent birdwatching opportunities. In the town of Stanstead, leave the bicycle path where it intersects with Principale Street. This section of the route takes you as toward the customs facilities at the crossing between Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby, Vermont. Turn down Canusa Street, whose name reflects the fact runs straight along the Canada-US border for a distance of 600 metres. Don’t worry! You’re allowed to travel down the street without a passport.
Get back on the bicycle path via Derusha Road. Here, you’ll get a close-up view of the river. Consider stopping for a snack at one of the available picnic tables. Continue on to Maple Street, and then take a left on Dufferin. After travelling a few metres, you’ll see Auberge Le Sunshine, a lovely yellow building where you can take a rest and enjoy a gourmet treat.
Keep following Dufferin Street as far as Hacket Street. There, take a left and continue for another 5 km. After turning left onto De la Rivière Road, it’s just a 2 km ride before you’re back on the Tomifobia Nature Trail.
The final section of the route leads gently back to Ayer’s Cliff, ending right next to Wood’s Snack Bar. Can you resist the smell of French fries and fresh poutine emanating from this local institution? If you have more of a sweet tooth, consider at stop at Ça Beigne, the gourmet donut shop housed in Auberge Ayer’s Cliff.