March Photo Contest: Where to Work Remotely in the Townships

Note: This was originally published in March, and so the contest is over. I thought it important to nonetheless include it, as I overhaul this site and translate it to English.

Many of us work from home at least part of the time, which is generally wonderful, but sometimes we need a break, away from our dog who is constantly seeking affection, the laundry basket that keeps catching our eye, or even just our four walls. Fortunately, we live in an area with a multitude of pleasant places where we can sit for a while, sip a delicious drink, eat a snack, and enjoy the ambient sounds.

Here are my favourites!

Bromont:

1. I have to say that Bromont is currently our favourite village for eating out, and it just so happens that two of the best cafés where you can work or sit and read are also located there.

Café 1792 was the first café I ever visited in the Eastern Townships, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I used to come here at the beginning of my career in real estate, even before I moved here, when I was thinking about what to do next, both professionally and personally.

Situé dans une vieille maison caractéristique de Shefford, il est extrêmement charmant. J'adore le fait que chacune de ses pièces ait une ambiance différente, ce qui permet de créer une expérience différente à chaque fois que l'on vient. Le café et les gourmandises sont délicieux, mais vous pouvez aussi acheter un cône à leur bar à glaces et le déguster sur la terrasse en regardant les gens, en été. Le service est excellent et toutes les personnes qui y travaillent sont agréables et semblent heureuses d'être là - vous êtes sûr de repartir avec le sourire !

2. Before opening in September of 2019, the owners of Pittstop Vélo-Café, Jean-Michel and Jean-Sébastien travelled together for a year, visiting Whistler, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and other places, and everywhere they went, they visited bike shops and other sports shops to get inspiration and take notes. Their vision gradually took shape, and both knew that the only place they wanted to settle down was in Bromont.

For the first three years, local coffee roaster Julius Café rented part of the space, and when they left, Pitt Stop decided to continue selling their coffee exclusively.

First, we pass through the cycle shop, where the team offers a selection of bikes and equipment. On this subject, Jean-Michel emphasises the importance of selling high-quality products, explaining that every time they receive a new bike, it feels like opening a Christmas present.

On your right, you will find a selection of protein bars, snacks, bottles of water and other accessories, located at the entrance to the café. This is where you will enjoy a wonderful teleworking session! The menu has evolved over time and includes smoothies, salmon bagels, various sandwiches, salads, pastries, local beer, and even a taco bar (with a self-service topping station on the side), in addition to the delicious Jules Café and Camélia teas.

I love the impeccably designed interior, with its mix of natural lighting and soft lighting, and its variety of seating options. An ideal place to lose yourself and concentrate for a few hours!

Cowansville:

Sauge Café is by far my favourite place to relax with a book or do some work in Cowansville. The interior is super cute, the staff are friendly, the menu is fun, but the real highlight is the grounds it's set on and what they've done with them! The first time I went there, I was sitting in a comfy chair overlooking the river, with my latte and notebook on the table next to me, munching on a veggie burger. I thought to myself, ‘This is why I moved here.’

There's great merchandise, fun local products, and during the summer months, you can sit by the fire, watch a show in the back, shop at a craft market, or even take a yoga class.

There is still much more to say, but I plan to sit down with the owners, get the full story, and take my own photos this summer, so that they can be the subject of an article of their own.

Knowlton:

Caron & Frères is a favourite spot for local brokers, who often meet with each other and their clients in this welcoming space with its tasteful décor. Formerly Bolt Café until it was purchased by the Carons, who own a café of the same name in Montreal, it offers delicious pastries, a variety of coffees and tasty sandwiches. Their small local grocery section includes a range of coffees, beers, non-dairy milks and other treats.

Orford:

I spent several hours nestled in a cosy corner of this charming café in Orford, which retains its charm whatever the season.. Le Café des Cantons has a beautiful wraparound terrace, a picnic area behind the car park and lots of nooks and crannies inside. In addition to its delicious hot drinks, smoothies, and lunch and snack options, the café has a few shelves filled with fun local products and another shelf containing books that you can borrow and browse through while enjoying your coffee.

Sutton:

Finally, I am delighted to have discovered this place in Sutton! L'Échappée Belle opened its doors on July 13, 2024, with the intention of becoming not only a café, bookshop, or chocolate shop, but also a social hub where people can come knowing they will see familiar faces. They have succeeded in being all that and more. I am delighted!

I must admit that I only went there once, and I went with the intention of writing about this space if it proved to be on par with the others I had in mind for this article. One experience was enough. François and I went there on a cold Friday in February; he settled down to work on his laptop while I chatted with Mikael, one of the owners, and browsed the local products and book shelves. They also have books and games that you can borrow on site. A group of primary school girls were playing one of these board games on the sofas by the window, and I couldn't help smiling because one of them is also called Rosemary. I ended up introducing myself and we bonded over our unusual name. The atmosphere was warm, friendly and cheerful throughout our visit.

It won't surprise you, given that they specialise in chocolate, but their hot cocoa is by far the best in the region! François and I tried a few items on the menu, and I had intended to try their energy balls, but I paid for them at the end and forgot to bring them home... Oops! I also bought two second-hand cookbooks and some local sweets. I can't wait to go back!

***The photos of L'Échappée Belle, with the exception of the one of the cocoa beans and the one at the chocolate counter, were taken by me, and all other photos were borrowed from each establishment's website or Facebook page.***

So, without further ado, here's the contest! This month, you can win one of FOUR prizes!

The prizes are:

A £20 gift card for Café 1792

A £20 gift card for Pittstop Vélo-Café

A £20 gift card for Sauge Café

Two hot chocolates from the Échappée Belle menu

How to enter:

Submit a photo of your workplace! It can be your home office, the truck you drive, the office you work in, the restaurant where you serve, etc. At the beginning of April, I will choose 10 finalists and draw one name from that list. You can submit your photo here. Good luck!