Windsor

Windsor is the most populous town in the MRC du Val-Saint-François, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships (Estrie), with 5,294 residents in the 2021 census, at the confluence of the Saint-François and Watopeka rivers. About 20 minutes from Sherbrooke via Highway 55 and about 1 hour 45 minutes from Montreal, it suits families and workers who want a complete small town close to the big city.

Living in Windsor

Windsor has everything you need on site: Saint-Philippe and Saint-Gabriel elementary schools, École secondaire du Tournesol, a CLSC (local community health centre), the Patrick-Dignan library, a municipal pool, the J.A. Lemay sports centre and a community centre. The economy relies on the Domtar paper mill, still in operation with nearly 900 employees, and on the Parc industriel de la 55. In 2026, Windsor marks its 150th anniversary with a year of festivities, from the Fête nationale to the holiday season. The nearest hospitals are those of the CHUS, in Sherbrooke.

Outdoors and nature in Windsor

The Parc historique de la Poudrière, on rue Saint-Georges, offers more than 20 km of four-season trails along the Watopeka River, with loops of 2 to 11.3 km, plus snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Cyclists ride the Sentier de la Rive, 25 km between Windsor and Richmond on La Cantonnière network, part of the Route verte. In summer, a guided canoe or kayak trip links Windsor to Richmond along 17 km of the Saint-François River.

Culture and local flavours

Founded in 1864, the Windsor powder works is presented as the oldest black powder factory in Quebec. Its remains now form a designated heritage site with an interpretation trail, and the park hosts a Christmas market in mid-November. For food and drink, the Confrérie Artisans Brasseurs microbrewery, on rue Maurice-Bachand, stands out for its fruit beers.

Real estate in Windsor

Windsor offers single-family homes in residential neighbourhoods, plexes near the centre, older homes inherited from the town’s industrial past and lots on the outskirts. The town attracts young families, people working in Sherbrooke and the region, retirees who want services nearby and plex investors. An address’s value depends on proximity to schools, services and Highway 55.

Frequently asked questions about Windsor

How far is Windsor from Sherbrooke?

Windsor is about 23 km from Sherbrooke, roughly 20 minutes via Highway 55. Montreal is about 1 hour 45 minutes away by car.

What is there to do in Windsor?

In Windsor, the Parc historique de la Poudrière offers more than 20 km of four-season trails along the Watopeka River. The town also has a municipal pool, a sports centre and access to La Cantonnière cycling network.

Are there schools and a CLSC in Windsor?

Yes. Windsor has Saint-Philippe and Saint-Gabriel elementary schools, École secondaire du Tournesol and a CLSC. The nearest hospitals are those of the CHUS, in Sherbrooke.

Thinking of moving to Windsor or selling your property there? See our properties for sale, request a free home estimate or talk to a broker at BEAU, the real estate team.

Photo: Mario Hains, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons