Over the last two days AM has been highlighting the vibrant city of Montreal and all that it has to offer. However don't forget to wander; there are some great day trips just outside the city.

The Eastern Townships are approximately one hour's drive from Montreal, on the border of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The rolling hills and lakes are cottage country for many Montrealers. The area is dotted with historic villages, which make great destinations for people who like antiquing, art galleries and local theatre.

It is also a growing destination for foodies. Keep an eye out for the logo of the Createurs de Saveurs or "creators of flavour."  It means that the restaurant is part of a group of farmers, growers and sellers who specialize in local produce like cheese, elk, rabbit, venison, duck, apples and all things maple, to name a few. The Cafes de Village all offer regional fare or for a high end dining experience make a reservation and stay at the growing number of up-scale inns.  The area is a popular spot for wine tasting as well. Driving the 160 km Wine Route (encompassing 18 vineyards) makes for a great day.

Mount Orford National Park, Mont Megantic National Park and Frontenac National Park are all great for hiking and cycling.The ASTROLab in Mont Megantic is an astronomy centre with a museum and two observatories. It is situated in the first International Dark Sky Reserve, which means there is no light pollution offering unimpeded views of the night sky. 

Other highlights include:

VéloVolant at Au Diable Vert where you pedal up in the air on a flying bike attached to a cable, getting a bird's eye view of ravines, across mountains, over waterfalls and into the forest. You have to be 12 years and older to do it.

The Granby Zoo is rated one of the ten best zoos in North America. Don't miss the baby tigers and the new habitat for their red pandas. 

The combined train ride/cruise package aboard the Orford Express, a tourist train running between Sherbrooke and Eastman,  and Le Grand Cru, a luxury boat excursion on scenic Lake Memphremagog is a new offering this summer. 

A highlight of this summer for sure will be from August 2 through 17 when the city of Sherbrooke hosts the Canada Games. 4200 athletes will come to compete for honours in 20 disciplines in 20 different venues.

If you want to head in a different direction, just north of Montreal is the Laurentians.  With lively and picturesque villages, 9,012 lakes and 103 rivers there is no shortage of things to do and see. In the lower Laurentians, which is only 30 minutes from downtown Montreal, drive Le Chemin du Terroir. Self-guided  tours  highlight the area's agricultural tourism. A sample day could be; grab the ferry at Hudson, stop by the Abbey to buy some cheese, then hit one of the wineries to buy your wine and one of the many bakeries for your bread. Go to Pure Lavande and have a picnic in a  lavander field.

And although better known as a ski destination, in summer Mont Tremblant is a fantastic place to spend some time. You can golf, zip-line, mountain bike, play mini-golf and bungee jump, just to name a few of the activities offered. The Mont Tremblant Water Sports Centre situated on the shores of the 12-km-long Lake Tremblant, is perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
 
Mont Tremblant National Park has two supervised beaches: Crémaillère in the La Diable sector, and Lac-Provost in La Pimbina sector. If you are is up for something a little more challenging, consider the Via Ferrata Du Diable, a hiking-climbing path along the Vache Noire rock face, affording you incredible views when you reach the 200-metre summit. You navigate the rock face attached to a professional guide by a safety tether.

For something a little less heart pounding check out Le P'tit Train du Nord - the Little Train of the North. It is a 200-km linear park in the heart of the Laurentian region that opened in 1996. The park follows an abandoned railway line that has been converted into biking and hiking trails running from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier. Various companies offer shuttle services if you only want to bike one-way. The trail is easy to navigate (and flat!) and courses through picturesque landscapes dotted with rivers and lakes. Many of the former railway stations have been retrofitted as cafés, bistros, boutiques and other enterprises where you can get your bike serviced or simply take a break.  Vacances Laurentides offers a free planning service for your next adventure outing. Various unique packages are available, including the popular bicycle and baggage transportation services.

This summer Mont Tremblant is hosting the North American IRONMAN Championship on August 18, 2013.  The two-loop, 42.2 km run portion of the course will take full advantage of the famous Le P'tit Train du Nord. Additionally athletes will swim in Lake Tremblant and bike in the National Park's forests. 

Finally to assist in your planning here are some of the new accommodations recently opened in the region: