If you’ve got a layover in Sherbrooke, don’t let it go to waste sitting at YSC. The city, in Canada, is within easy reach — roughly 70 minutes by Taxi/Ride-share. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Before heading into Sherbrooke, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Canada vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Sherbrooke is roughly 70 minutes from YSC via Taxi/Ride-share. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in CAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Sherbrooke, we’d suggest Parc du Mont-Bellevue and Sherbrooke Murals Circuit. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Sherbrooke.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at YSC, check out Aircraft Spotting at YSC or Quiet Waiting Area & Wi-Fi to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Well on a Sherbrooke Layover
- In the city: Restaurant Da Leonardo and Augustin La Table are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Sherbrooke.
- At the airport: YSC Vending Machine Refreshments and YSC Self-Serve Coffee/Hot Drinks will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Transport from Sherbrooke Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Sherbrooke Airport into town:
- Taxi/Ride-share: About 70 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 90 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Sherbrooke might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$19 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$39 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage Options
Dedicated luggage storage at YSC may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Sherbrooke’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at YSC, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sherbrooke itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Canada that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at YSC
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, YSC has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Sherbrooke exploring the streets or relaxing at YSC, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.