Spring
The arrival of spring is a just perfect time to discover the greater Saint-Hyacinthe area. Start downtown. Visit the public market and speciality boutiques then take a break on a patio or at a microbrewery, coffee roaster or tea shop. For a cultural outing, visit a gallery or the exhibition centre to see works by local and international artists. Performance venues in the city centre, including the celebrated Centre des arts Juliette-Lassonde de Saint-Hyacinthe, are a way to discover all kinds of artists. History buff? Follow one of the heritage tours. And don’t miss your chance to enjoy a seasonal must: satisfy your sweet tooth at one of the region’s sugar shacks.
Summer
Known for the high quality of its soil, this tourism destination offers a wide range of family-friendly activities at some 20 different farms (fruit, vegetables, meat and animal products). Take a guided tour, pick your own produce or shop at the farm stand. As part of your excursion, add downtown Saint-Hyacinthe to your itinerary and stop at the oldest public market in Québec that’s still in operation. Looking for entertainment? Your options include outdoor shows in downtown Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec’s largest agricultural festival (the Expo Agricole de Saint-Hyacinthe), classic car shows and more. For an exceptional nature experience: explore different parks, stroll through the themed gardens at Jardin Daniel A. Séguin or watch birds of prey take flight during a presentation at Chouette à voir! If a more invigorating activity is what you need, visit an outdoor centre, rent a watercraft and get out on the rivière Yamaska or check out one of the entertainment and recreation centres in the area.
Fall
There’s no better way to take in the autumn colours than relaxing on a patio or strolling along the rivière Yamaska. You can also make the most of the season by exploring the trails at Parc Les Salines or Boisé des Douze, a nature reserve. Bike season isn’t over yet! The area’s four road circuits comprise 481 km of shared and marked cycling paths. This time of year, the greater Saint-Hyacinthe area is bursting with nature’s bounty. Some 20 producers (vegetables, fruit, meat and animal products) offer guided tours, pick-your-own produce and farm stands. The region is also full of talented processors, so don’t forget to stop in at a microbrewery, distillery, vineyard or maker of delicious local treats. Cap off your tour with discoveries at some charming gourmet boutiques.
Winter
The magic of winter and the holiday season starts as soon as December rolls around. To fully soak up the ambience of this wonderful season, the greater Saint-Hyacinthe area hosts a variety of themed events and winter celebrations, including a Christmas market and activity days at Chouette à voir! For an enchanting experience, try ice skating on the ring in the heart of downtown Saint-Hyacinthe. You can go snow tubing, skating, cross-country skiing and hiking at Parc Les Salines. And to warm up? Visit one of this destination’s various exhibition spaces, catch a show or enjoy activities like an escape room, laser tag, glow-in-the-dark mini putt and more.
