Sherbrooke in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Sherbrooke
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Maple syrup season peaks in April - cabanes à sucre (sugar shacks) offer fresh maple taffy on snow and hearty meals for C$25-35 per person
- Spring skiing at nearby Mont-Bellevue with corn snow conditions and longer daylight hours until 7:30 PM
- University crowd returns creating busy nightlife on rue Wellington Sud - bars stay busy until 2 AM on weekends
- Hiking trails at Parc du Mont-Bellevue become accessible as snow melts, offering 8 km (5 miles) of muddy but rewarding spring trails
Considerations
- Mud season makes many rural roads and hiking trails messy and partially inaccessible - locals call it 'les chemins défoncés'
- Unpredictable weather swings from snow flurries to 15°C (59°F) sunshine within the Easttimor day
- Some seasonal attractions like Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook may have limited hours or closed sections due to spring runoff
Best Activities in April
Maple Sugar House Tours in Eastern Townships
April is prime maple syrup season when sap runs strongest. Traditional cabanes à sucre serve all-you-can-eat meals with fresh maple products. Morning visits (9-11 AM) offer the best taffy-making demonstrations before afternoon crowds arrive. The 30-minute drive through countryside shows Quebec's rural spring awakening.
Spring Skiing at Local Hills
April offers 'corn snow' conditions - perfect for relaxed skiing with soft, forgiving snow. Lift tickets drop to C$35-45 compared to winter's C$65+ rates. Daylight extends until 7:30 PM allowing après-ski on sunny terraces. Mont-Bellevue stays open through mid-April most years.
Historic Sherbrooke Walking Tours
Cool April temperatures (5-10°C/41-50°F) make 2-hour walking tours comfortable without winter gear bulk. Spring light enhances photography of Victorian architecture in Vieux-Nord district. Guides share stories about lumber baron history while trees begin budding along rue King Ouest.
Magog and Lake Memphremagog Day Trips
30 km (19 miles) drive to Magog reveals impressive lake views as ice breaks up in April. Lakeside walking paths offer 5 km (3.1 miles) of paved trails perfect for spring conditions. Abbey Saint-Benoît-du-Lac across the lake begins Easter season tours. Return journey through wine country shows vineyard pruning season.
Coaticook Gorge Spring Hiking
45 km (28 miles) south, Parc de la Gorge shows dramatic spring runoff through 50 m (164 ft) deep gorge. Suspended bridge offers thrilling views of rushing water. April hiking avoids summer crowds while showing nature's power. 2.5 km (1.6 miles) of trails with varying difficulty levels.
University District Food and Culture Exploration
Université de Sherbrooke students return in April creating energetic atmosphere around campus. Rue King Ouest offers diverse restaurants serving C$12-25 meals. Evening pub crawls through Petit Champlain district showcase local microbreweries. Cultural venues like Centre Culturel begin spring programming.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Weekend Celebrations
Catholic churches throughout Sherbrooke hold special Easter services with traditional Quebecois elements. Abbey Saint-Benoît-du-Lac offers Easter egg hunts and monastery tours. Local bakeries prepare traditional pâtés and sugar pie for the holiday weekend.
Spring Equipment Swap Meets
Local outdoor clubs organize gear swaps at community centers where residents trade winter for summer equipment. Great place to meet locals and find deals on hiking boots, bikes, and camping gear. Usually held at Centre sportif Sherbrooke.