Major city · Canada
Cowansville
Skip as a base: Cowansville is a half-day stop for the Bruck Museum and Lake Davignon nature centre, 20 min from Bromont's ski hill.
Cowansville is a small Brome-Missisquoi town on Autoroute 10, 20 km from the US border and about an hour from Montreal. Its pull is practical, not scenic: a local history museum, a lake-side nature centre with swimming and boat rental, a bakery, and quick access to Bromont's ski and bike mountain. Most travellers pass through on the way to Sutton, Bromont or Magog, and one night covers it.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Oct for the lake and cycling; Dec–Mar for skiing at Bromont
- avoid Nov and early Apr (mud season, lifts and lake closed)
- Airports
- YUL · YQB
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Cowansville911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cowansville, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are winter driving on Autoroute 10, deer on rural roads at dusk…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 1 h 15 min by car via Autoroute 10; no direct bus to Cowansville.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: sights sit 2–6 km (1.2–3.7 mi) apart along rue Principale and rue du Sud, and Bromont is 13 km (8.1 mi) away.A car is the practical choice: sights sit 1.2–3.7 mi (2–6 km) apart along rue Principale and rue du Sud, and Bromont is 8.1 mi (13 km) away.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastry at a bakeryC$5–9 (≈ US$4–7)
- Sit-down mealDinner main, mid-range restaurantC$22–35 (≈ US$16–30)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubC$8–11 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across towncheckC$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$15–35 (≈ US$11–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entrycheckC$5–12 (≈ US$4–9)
- Budget bedCampsite pitch (tent or RV), a night, per roomC$35 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomC$140 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 1 h 15 min by car via Autoroute 10; no direct bus to Cowansville.) · YQB Québec City Jean Lesage (About 2 h 45 min by car; usually not the better gateway.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Feb
Best
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Mar
Best
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Apr
Avoid*
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
Best
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: Jun–Oct, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C) low), wettest Dec (15 rain days), driest Feb (11). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Cowansville: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
14 rd
Feb
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
11 rd
Mar
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
12 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
12 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
13 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
13 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
14 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: sights sit 2–6 km apart along rue Principale and rue du Sud, and Bromont is 13 km away. Two local taxi firms cover the town if you are car-free. There is no town bus network for visitors.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bromont ski area and water park
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Car via Autoroute 10, about 15 min
Skiing, night skiing, mountain biking and a summer water park; the main reason to sleep here in winter.
Sutton
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Car via route 139 south, about 20 min
Village, hiking and a second ski hill; pairs well with a Cowansville morning.
Granby Zoo
goDoor to door: About 35 min
Car via Autoroute 10 west, about 30 min
Full day with kids; go at opening in July and August.
Magog and Lake Memphremagog
goDoor to door: About 50 min
Car via Autoroute 10 east, about 45 min
Better as a base than a day trip if you have two nights in the region.
Montréal
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 20 min
Car via Autoroute 10 west, about 1 h 15 min
Doable as a day trip but you lose 2.5 h to driving; sleep in Montreal instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Rue Principale / town centre
Walkable to the museum, cinema, bakery and most restaurants; the only area where you can leave the car parked.
Boulevard Jean-Jacques-Bertrand (Autoroute 10 side)
Highway-facing motels and the Hotel Cowansville; convenient for one night in transit, nothing on foot.
Chemin Brosseau / north edge
Camping Domaine Tournesol and La Fermette Fumée; car required for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or hotel double room1 × 1 night × C$140 | C$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Rental car, one day, compact1 × C$80 · check; fuel extra | C$80 |
| Bromont lift ticket, one day2 × C$90 · check | C$180 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$74 |
| Trip total≈ C$407 per person per day, bed included | C$814≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax added at checkout; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry at a bakery | C$5–9 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Poutine or a lunch main | C$14–22 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Dinner main, mid-range restaurant | C$22–35 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Draught beer in a pub | C$8–11 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Taxi across towncheck | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Museum entrycheck | C$5–12 (≈ US$4–9) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$15–35 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No useful public transport inside town: without a car, plan taxis or stay on rue Principale.
- The LimoCar bus from Montreal runs only about twice a week with a transfer in Ange-Gardien: check days before you build a plan on it.
- Winter driving on Autoroute 10 and the side roads is snow-and-ice: winter tires are required in Quebec from 1 Dec to 15 Mar.
- Many restaurants close one or two weekdays; check hours the same day.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CowansvilleCowansville
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé (health advice)811
Embassy
No embassies in Cowansville: the US consulate general and most embassies are in Montréal; Canada's emergency line is 911.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi across town: C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) (check)
- Drive Cowansville → Montréal, Autoroute 10: about 1 h 15 min, about 100 km (62 mi)about 1 h 15 min, about 62 mi (100 km)
- Drive Cowansville → Bromont ski area: about 15 min, 13 km (8.1 mi)about 15 min, 8.1 mi (13 km)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Un café, s'il vous plaît — I would like a coffee, please (un ka-FAY seel voo PLEH)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
French is the everyday language; a bonjour on entering a shop is expected.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cowansville. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct for the lake and cycling; Dec–Mar for skiing at Bromont · avoid Nov and early Apr (mud season, lifts and lake closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YUL: drive time bands, taxi and rental fallbacks, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster on rue Principale with verified cutoffs: Bruck Museum, cinema, bakery, restaurants.
- Lake Davignon nature centre page with season dates for swimming, boat rental and the water park.
- Bromont page with lift hours, night-skiing days and summer water-park dates.