This attractive city in southwest Quebec is famous for its excellent zoo, 40 city parks and Canada’s biggest French-language music festival.
Outdoor recreation, picturesque scenery, wildlife and interesting festivals welcome visitors to the city of Granby. Straddling the Yamaska River in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Granby has 40 city parks, which are ideal for walking, picnics and sports such as baseball, soccer and tennis. Take a short drive from the city center to Parc Avery, Parc Bellevue or Parc Terry-Fox.
Granby Zoo is a major city attraction. Here, spot over 1,000 animals from around the world. Get close to big cats, primates, venomous reptiles, hippos and myriad birdlife. Visit in the summer to enjoy the pools and waterslides of the zoo’s Amazoo Water Park.
Discover boundless opportunities for outdoor pursuits at Lake Boivin, located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the city center. Wander along trails and boardwalks and through forests and wetlands at the Centre d’Interprétation de la Nature du Lac Boivin. Find a children’s playground, open-air markets and winter skating rink at Parc Daniel-Johnson. Along the southern shore of Lake Boivin is a section of the Estriade Trail, part of the scenic Route Verte and one of several multiuse trails crisscrossing the city.
Experience Granby’s agricultural heritage at eco-tourism centers and working farms such as the Miner Heritage Farm and Verge Champêtre. Alternatively, play golf at Club de Golf les Cèdres, home to the Musée du Golf de Québec. In winter the club becomes a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing area.
Time your visit to enjoy one of Granby’s many cultural festivals. Watch performances by up-and-coming musicians at September’s Festival International de la Chanson, one of Canada’s largest French-language music events. Witness the preparation of a giant omelet at the Granby Giant Omelette Festival, which celebrates St. Jean Baptiste Day.
Granby is about a 1-hour drive from Montreal. Getting around is easiest via rented car or bike. During the mild summers or snow-covered winters, Granby is a true year-round destination. It’s also a gateway to Parc Nacional de la Yamaska, great for biking, kayaking, skiing and bird-watching.
