The CLD de Brome-Missisquoi is taking the public on trip back in time with its new “Brome-Missisquoi Prohibition Heritage Trail.”

Stretching 130 km and passing through seven municipalities, the trail is an audio-guided tour that covers the history of the temperance and prohibition period in the region from 1848 to 1933. 

Panels are installed throughout Brome-Missisquoi where people will discover interesting characters and stories. The goal of the trail is to discover the region, it’s history, and to hopefully expand the project into something more with collaborations in the community. 

“Considering Brome-Missisquoi has the wine-route, 22 vineyards, micro-breweries, distilleries, cider houses, we said well, the prohibition is a perfect fit for us,” said Guylaine Beaudoin, coordinator for touristic development for the CLD. “Plus, talking with different people, many citizens know about prohibition, but without really knowing the real story.”

Beaudoin highlighted stories of crime, alcohol, prostitution, and entrepreneurship that people will have the chance to discover. 

“At each stop is a panel and it’s important to mention that the Prohibition Trail is in French and English, but people can also download a podcast from our website,” added Beaudoin. “They can listen to it before doing the trail or when they are the site.”

Beaudoin said that the CLD team is proud of the podcast with the podcast and the panels completing each other. 

“It’s animated by the colourful Alfred Carpentier, who is a fictitious alcohol smuggler, but whose stories are based on actual events I can guarantee you,” she said. “We worked with the historian Laurent Busseau who validated all of the texts for us.”

The panels will recount different stories that shaped the prohibition period between 1848 and 1933. The panels are also are situated on sites that hold historical significance. 

“You’ll find out how hotel owners were selling their liquor. What I can tell you is that they developed a secret code hidden and plain site on the menu. Also, you’ll learn about the hotels and bars that straddle the Canadian and American border,” noted Beaudoin. “(…) The Prohibition Trail, the way we talk about it, is also a way to discover the different towns in Brome-Missisquoi.” 

Beaudoin mention that the prohibition period is a part the Eastern Townships’ culture and heritage making it an important period to highlight. The CLD also plans to expand the project over the next couple of years. 

“When people are here, it’s going to be another reason to come to Brome-Missisquoi. If not, it’s going to be a reason to extend your stay in Brome-Missisquoi,” she said. “The other thing that we want to work on in the next two-three years, I think there are so many possibilities of events that we can create or work the businesses. (…) This is the first step.”

For information, visit the Brome-Missisquoi Prohibition Heritage Trail website. 

Listen to the full interview below: