Founded when many of the area’s residents were anglophones, Bishop’s University offers an English-language, liberal education in the bilingual Eastern Townships. Today, about a quarter of students are native French speakers and, while classes are taught in English, students can write exams and assignments in French. Bishop’s offers a close-knit student community, and it’s not uncommon to see faculty and students sharing a drink at the local pub.

“Bishop’s is a student-centred university on a human scale,” says Michael Goldbloom, who is wrapping up 15 years as principal. “We are committed to providing a sound and liberal education in an intellectually vibrant, ambitious, caring and inclusive community.”In a suburb of Sherbrooke, Que., the university sits at the confluence of the Saint-François and Massawippi rivers. The campus has several Victorian-era red-brick buildings surrounded by groves of pine trees. The region, flanked by heavily wooded mountains, features boundless outdoor activities, including excellent cross-country ski trails.

Recent developments include renovations to the Library Learning Commons and a revamp of the Johnson Science Building, which includes a rooftop greenhouse. A new 93-room residence opened this year. Plans are underway to transform historic Divinity House into Kwigw8mna, an Indigenous student centre. It will feature space for classrooms and offices, apartments for visiting Elders and a dedicated space for the Indigenous Cultural Alliance student club.