Mont Sutton Bucket List

Mont Sutton is only a short drive from Montreal, Quebec but it brings you to a magical world of magnificent views and abundant skiable terrain. Located in the Eastern Townships, it’s within the town of Sutton, Quebec, about 5 km directly east of its urban district. We spent the weekend discovering the best of the best of Mont Sutton and the surrounding area to create a Mont Sutton bucket list. Come along as we introduce you to the best accommodations, dining, and ski options so you can live your own Mont Sutton bucket list.

Mont Sutton Bucket List 

The Best of Mont Sutton 

Mont Sutton Private Lessons
Mont Sutton offers customized private ski and snowboarding lessons. You can gain confidence in all conditions, master carving and speed, achieve control, and have fun while building your skills. The instructors are friendly and knowledge and the process is simple. From the time you arrive on site until you relieve your feet when you take off your boots, you will love private lessons at Mont Sutton.

We opted for snowboarding lessons since we’d never tried it before. Our instructor was encouraging, even when we couldn’t get off the ground, and she constantly remained focused on honing in our our technique to give us the most from the lesson.

Mont Sutton offers small group lessons as well, but if you want to get the best bang for your buck, go with private lessons and master your technique.

The Family Zone
With the Family Zone, Mont Sutton put together family facilities located in the same area to offer a safe and fun experience. It’s a must for your Mont Sutton bucket list if you’re traveling with children.

This zone includes:
1. A magic carpet that is easy to get onto, ride up and get off of for learners
2. A chairlift specific to the zone that only gives access to easy trails, allowing you to stay in beginner trails without the possibility of accidentally finding yourself in a more difficult trail
3. A safe drop-off area in the parking lot that will allow you to unload your children and equipment without having to make your children carry their equipment through the crowded parking lot
4. A nearby lunch room where you can take a break and enjoy one of our delicious home made meals
5. A daycare on the same floor as the lunch room where little ones will have fun all day long
6. A beginner’s park with fun modules that encourage young skiers to improve and develop new skills
7. A forest of wonders that consists of a forest trail with an enchanting decor
8. A slow-down zone surrounding the Family Zone, warning more daring skiers that they are entering a family area

Besides its Family Zone, Mont Sutton offers many services for a perfect family stay. Both children and parents will enjoy their ski trip without hassle.

Where to Eat 

A L’Abordage Microbrasserie
Nestled in the beautiful village of Sutton, just a few minutes away from Mont Sutton, A L’Abordage Microbrasserie crafts its beer right on site and serves up delicious pub fare including burgers, fish and chips, and poutine. The low-key atmosphere is a delight after a morning of hitting the slopes.

Their poutine is made with real cheese curds and a must for your Mont Sutton bucket list. (It goes without saying that it should be coupled with a A L’Abordage Microbrasserie beer.) While their focus is on craft beer, the restaurant has plenty of food options for children and they have coloring books on hand to keep children entertained.

Auberge des Appalaches
Auberge des Appalaches is a refined and creative French cuisine restaurant. Their chef, Christian Beaulieu, former owner of Bistro Beaux Lieux, prepares each dish with high-quality and invitingly fresh local products. Reminiscent of the French Alps, the two dining rooms at Auberge des Appalaches are portals to an authentic vintage universe.

Where to Sleep

Domaine Tomali-Maniatyn
If you want to enjoy a cozy stay in luxury with a homemade gourmet breakfast, Domaine Tomali-Maniatyn is the best accommodation for your Mont Sutton bucket list. Their luxurious suites offer a beautiful view over the nearby mountains and valley. Each suite is furnished with comfortable antiques and has a private bathroom.
Their indoor swimming pool creates a tropical climate all year long. Its water is lightly salted for a more comfortable and natural feel and the room is kept warm and cozy even on the cold winter days.
It’s the exceptionally friendly atmosphere at Domaine Tomali-Maniatyn that really puts them over the top. Our hosts personally welcomed us and showed us around the property. It was like staying with family. The home-cooked breakfast was prepared with such love and attention to detail that we savored every moment.

How to Get There

The drive to Mont Sutton is mostly highway driving but it can be difficult to get up the mountain to Domaine Tomali-Maniatyn and the last stretch on Maple Road can also be difficult when icy. I’d suggest four-wheel drive or an SUV. We took the Mazda CX9. This seven-seater is large enough to comfortably carry a whole family and all of their ski gear safely to Mont Sutton. The heated rear seats are a treat for the kids in the back and the heated seats and steering wheel are a welcomed addition for the driver. The third row of seats can be folded down for additional storage space. We easily fit two adults, one child, all of our gear, including three snowboards and boots, and supplies for three days. Winter in Quebec can be unpredictable. Even with an SUV, be prepared for winter conditions by packing a shovel and a scraper.

Do you have a Mont Sutton bucket list? The area is packed with bucket list worthy activities and experiences and it’s only a short drive from Montreal. It’s worth the journey.