Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Sept 16, 2026
The perfect weekend comes in many forms, but few places deliver it quite like Quebec’s Eastern Townships. We’ve always had a soft spot for this region—its rolling hills, quiet country roads, and charming little villagest. Over the years, it’s become a place we return to often, sometimes for the food, sometimes for the landscapes, but above all for that feeling of slowing down.
We began along La Route des Vins, where vineyards spill across rolling hills in a rare microclimate that allows grapes to grow this far north. Each stop brought something new,: the smile of a proud producer eager to share their story, a local anecdote slipped in between sips, and unexpected flavors. At Vignoble de l’Orpailleur, we tasted wines while learning how the vines are carefully protected through Quebec’s harsh winters.
Lunch at Brasserie Dunham set the tone for the afternoon: a local meal enjoyed at our own pace. From there, we made our way to Knowlton, where tree-lined streets and small-town cafés make you want to slow your steps. Drawn in by the smell, we stopped at Café Caron & Frères for their famous tiramisu coffee and still-warm cookies, then wandered through Le Pantry for Quebec cheeses, jars of spreads, and gourmet treats to take along for the rest of the road trip.
By evening, we arrived at Espace 4 Saisons at the base of Mont-Orford, a perfect home base for exploring the region. Dinner next door at the eclectically decorated Burger Pub felt like the easiest kind of reward to end a long day on the road.
We started our morning with breakfast at Espaces Bistro, the hotel’s onsite restaurant, before taking the short drive into Mont-Orford National Park to hike Mont Chauve. The trail winds through forest before opening onto views of the surrounding lakes and hills, a peaceful reminder of the beauty of the Eastern Townships from above.
From there, we headed to Lake Memphremagog, where we rented kayaks from Club de Voile Memphrémagog. The afternoon flew by as we let the current carry us toward small river inlets.
Hungry after a day of adventure, we made our way to Bistro Koz for lunch on a waterfront terrace. The atmosphere was incredible: the sun setting over Lake Memphremagog, cyclists passing along the shore, and some of the best Mediterranean-inspired dishes we’ve ever tasted.
We ended the day at Bora Boréal, settling into our fully-equipped floating chalet as darkness slowly fell. The cabins scattered across the lake, the gentle sound of water against the wood, and the almost complete silence made us feel as though we were in a world of our own, suspended in the middle of the water.
On our third day, we followed La Route des Sommets toward Mont-Mégantic National Park. Since it’s possible to drive to two of the summits this time of year, we had more time to explore the trails and stop at panoramic lookouts before settling down for a picnic at the summit, with the cool morning breeze still swirling around us.
Before heading home, we made one final stop along La Route des Sommets at Mont-Ham, where a 360-degree view of the region gave us one last chance to take in the landscape and etch it into our memories. From there, we began the drive back to Montreal, with the landscapes of the Eastern Townships still visible in the rearview mirror, as the mountains gradually gave way to the city.
Hiking
8 Must Hikes this Autumn
Family fun
5 Ways to Explore Lake Memphremagog
Taste the Townships
10 Vineyards that Stand Out in the Townships
