25 Fun facts about Sutton
A post by L’Atelier Touristique
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To mark the New Year, we’re introducing Sutton through 25 facts you may not have known.
The name “Sutton” comes from an English toponym generally meaning “southern farm/agricultural village.” Sutton-in-Ashfield, England, is often cited as a possible source of inspiration in historical research.
52. That’s the number of kilometres of hiking trails found in the Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton, a network connected to the Réserve naturelle des Montagnes-Vertes (Green Mountains Nature Reserve).
At the time of the first census in 1803, Sutton had 500 residents. Today? Around 4,500 people (2021).
Mont SUTTON ski resort opened in 1950 thanks to the Boulanger family, businesspeople who played a major role in the town’s growth.
2015. 2015. The film Shut In, starring Naomi Watts, was filmed in Sutton.
The largest Swiss National Day celebration in the world—outside of Switzerland itself—takes place… on Mont Sutton!
47. That’s the number of kilometres of mountain biking trails offered by the Plein Air Sutton network.
Sutton is the only place in the Eastern Townships where you can try VéloVolant (aerial cycling), ziplining and yooner sledding!
The Sutton Tour des Arts is the oldest arts tour in Québec and brings together around 40 artists from Sutton, Lac-Brome, Mansonville, and East and West Bolton. The 37th edition will take place from July 11 to 19, 2026
The Great Sutton Fire of 1898, which destroyed some 35 buildings, led to the installation of the municipal aqueduct and the creation of the volunteer fire department.
Wine lovers will be happy to know that four vineyards are located in Sutton: Vignoble du Ruisseau, Domaine Girouard, Domaine Bresee, and Château Ste-Agnès.
Did you know that alpaca fibre is one of the softest natural fibres in the world? The owners of Alpagas Sutton can tell you all about it—stop by and visit their shop to see (and feel) for yourself!
There are three heritage trails in Sutton that you can explore for free with an audio guide, allowing you to learn more about the history of the village and the region.
The first occupants of Sutton were the Western Abenaki, who came from Vermont and Odanak.
Did you know Sutton hosts a fiddle festival? The Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival has existed since 2014 and celebrates both the fiddle and traditional music more broadly. The next edition will take place from August 6 to 9, 2026.
Since 2018, Au Diable Vert – Mountain Station has been home to the world’s first open-air planetarium, ObservÉtoiles.
The first permanent settlers of Sutton—American Loyalists—arrived toward the end of the 18th century.
Did you know you can pitch your tent at the summit of Mont Sutton? Yes! The summit offers 21 campsites with exceptional panoramic views.
If you’re a cycling fan, you probably know that Sutton is especially well endowed with dozens of kilometres of cycling routes, including 47 kilometres of gravel roads.
The action of the very popular novel Bondrée by Andrée A. Michaud takes place in Sutton. This crime novel was published by Québec Amérique in 2015.
A fan of glade skiing? You should know that 45% of Mont SUTTON’s skiable terrain is made up of tree runs—a must!
The park at d’Arts et de Rêves is a unique place in the Eastern Townships. This outdoor creative space features giant sculptures by renowned artists and is open to the public free of charge year-round
While finding accommodation can be a challenge in some villages, it’s certainly not an issue in Sutton. The town offers more than 20 places to stay, including hotels, inns, campgrounds, and more
Aspiring historians, take note: the Héritage Sutton Historical Society holds hundreds of archival documents, some dating back more than 200 years!
Did you know? Mont SUTTON’s alpine touring trails are among the most beautiful in the Eastern Townships!
Translated by AI