Sutton, Quebec, is a charming town nestled in the southwestern part of the province. As part of the Brome-Missisquoi Regional County Municipality in the administrative region of the Estrie, Sutton boasts a rich history and a vibrant tourism scene. According to the Canada 2021 Census, the town is home to 4,548 residents and is considered part of the Eastern Townships.
Sutton, Quebec, like many other towns in the Eastern Townships, became a haven for United Empire Loyalists following the American Revolution. The first recorded Loyalists, including Richard Shepherd from New Hampshire, immigrated to the area in 1799.
Throughout the 19th century, Sutton expanded to accommodate its growing population. A school was built in 1808, followed by the town hall in 1859. Protestant and Roman Catholic churches were erected, as well as a railway station. Sutton officially became a municipality in 1892 and was later designated a town in 1962.
In 2002, the township of Sutton merged with the town, effectively doubling the population and significantly expanding the town's area. The economy transitioned from farming to tourism, largely due to the opening of Sutton Ski Resort in 1960. Today, Sutton is a popular year-round destination for activities such as road and mountain biking, hiking, and visits to vineyards and micro-breweries.
Sutton, Quebec, is conveniently located near the Canada–United States border with Vermont, 110 kilometres southeast of Montreal, 400 kilometres northwest of Boston, Massachusetts, and 90 kilometres west of Sherbrooke.
The town is also close to Mont Sutton, a popular ski resort with an altitude of 968 metres. The municipality is bordered to the west by the Réserve Naturelle Montagnes Vertes, accessible by footpaths provided by three separate organizations.
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Sutton had a population of 4,548 living in 2,388 of its 3,767 total private dwellings. This represented a 13.4% increase from its 2016 population of 4,012. With a land area of 245.69 km2, Sutton had a population density of 18.5/km2 in 2021.
Sutton, Quebec, stands out with one of the highest median ages in Canada, at 60.4 years. The town also boasts the highest proportion of artists in the country.
Historically an anglophone enclave in a predominantly francophone province, Sutton now has a diverse linguistic profile. Anglophones make up 24% of the population, compared to 69% for francophones and 5% for allophones. The town also has a significant Swiss population, with many residents speaking German. Sutton celebrates Swiss National Day at Mont Sutton ski resort every last Saturday in July.
