Valcourt

Valcourt is a town of 2,139 residents (2021 census) in the MRC du Val-Saint-François, in the Eastern Townships (Estrie), and the birthplace of Joseph-Armand Bombardier, inventor of the snowmobile. It is 30 to 40 minutes from Sherbrooke, Granby and Drummondville, and about an hour and a half from Montreal. It suits families and workers who want a well-equipped small town surrounded by countryside.

Living in Valcourt

Children attend École primaire de la Chanterelle and then École secondaire de l’Odyssée without leaving town. The Yvonne L. Bombardier library and the cultural centre of the same name keep cultural life going year-round. BRP, the company born in Valcourt in 1959 with the first Ski-Doo, still operates a plant here. For hospital care, residents go to Sherbrooke or Granby.

Outdoors and nature in Valcourt

The Club de golf de Valcourt, an 18-hole course, and the Val Plein-Air cross-country ski club are neighbours on rue Champêtre. A bike path crosses downtown and connects to the Route verte, notably via the Sentier de l’Ardoise toward Bonsecours and Racine. Parc Camille-Rouillard offers green space in town, and the Rivière Noire flows through the western part of the territory.

Culture and local flavours

The Musée de l’ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier tells the story of the invention that transformed winter travel and, on certain dates, offers tours of the BRP plant. The Joseph-Armand-Bombardier house, on rue Saint-Joseph, is a designated heritage building. Every February, the Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt, held for more than 40 years at the Yvon-Duhamel circuit in Maricourt, draws snow racing fans. At the table, Bistro Brandy Creek has occupied a century-old house on rue Saint-Joseph since 1994, and the Au Bec Sucré sugar shack welcomes visitors in spring.

Real estate in Valcourt

Valcourt offers single-family homes in quiet neighbourhoods, plexes near the centre and older homes on rue Saint-Joseph, while the surrounding rural concession roads offer hobby farms and country properties. The town attracts families, workers at BRP and other area businesses, and retirees who want services nearby. The Town offers a home ownership program: check with the Town for its conditions.

Frequently asked questions about Valcourt

How far is Valcourt from Sherbrooke?

Valcourt is about 40 km from Sherbrooke via Route 222, a 30- to 40-minute drive. Granby and Drummondville are a similar distance away, and Montreal is about an hour and a half away.

What is there to see in Valcourt?

In Valcourt, the Musée de l’ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier tells the story of the snowmobile’s invention, and Joseph-Armand Bombardier’s house is on rue Saint-Joseph. Every February, the Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt is held nearby, in Maricourt.

Are there schools in Valcourt?

Yes. Valcourt has École primaire de la Chanterelle and École secondaire de l’Odyssée, part of the Centre de services scolaire des Sommets.

Would you like to settle in the birthplace of the snowmobile, or sell your property in Valcourt? See our properties for sale, request a free home estimate or talk to a broker at BEAU, the real estate team.

Photo: Pandries (Wikimedia Commons user), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons