Experience Canada’s Coziest Getaway: Fireside Chess, Hard Cider, and Gourmet Grilled Cheese

There is something magnetic in the air of Canada’s Eastern Townships region.

Located smack dab between Quebec City and Montreal, the area’s French connection is vividly painted and the spirit of artisan entrepreneurship is palpable. It’s everything a quiet yet thrilling getaway should be, and it all begins at an iconic hotel called Manoir Hovey.

Named one of the World’s Best Resort Hotels in Canada by iBestTravel readers in 2018, Manoir Hovey is a rustic lakeside estate offering gorgeous rooms and suites with cozy fireplaces and balconies that provide scenic views of the surrounding woodlands. Opt for the Oriole Suite during the warmer months for its outdoor amenities, or choose the Bellechasse Suite in the colder months for its central location within the main building.

While the hotel’s impressive accommodations may tempt you to stay indoors, the property is adorned with details that ensure your trip is unforgettable.

For instance, immerse yourself in century-old books in Manoir Hovey’s rustic library while enjoying French-pressed, artisanal tea beside a crackling fireplace.

You can also relax in the vintage teepee on site while sipping cordials and engaging in a fireside chess match. The teepee’s antique ambiance sets the tone for long conversations over delightful cocktails.

These unexpected moments intertwine to narrate the story of Manoir Hovey’s legacy. As a member of Relais & Chateaux, the hotel also serves as a cultural beacon of the Eastern Townships. This is particularly evident at their signature restaurant, Le Hatley, where a seasonal tasting menu showcases the region’s diverse ingredients and craftsmanship.

Visit a Castle Monastery Where Gregorian Chanting Monks Make Hard Cider

Indeed, you read that correctly. During both visits to the Eastern Townships, a trip to the Saint Benedict Abbey has stood out as a memorable experience. Included in the Manoir’s Chants, Cheeses & Wine tour, this site whisks visitors into an architectural marvel that has been home to Benedictine monks since 1912.

Each day, the monks conduct a mass filled with the powerful sounds of ancient Gregorian chanting. Although the chants are in Latin, the resonance envelops the arches of the abbey, making it impossible not to feel its profound impact. After the spiritual service, a stroll through the grounds reveals enchanting corridors of multi-colored granite and fairy-tale-like views of Lake Memphremagog.

The monks at Saint Benedict Abbey have prioritized self-sustainability, which has led to the production of hard apple cider from their orchards and cheese from their cows. While we picnicked on these delightful treats in the monastery, during the warmer months, you can enjoy them under the sun. Additionally, the monastery conducts silent retreats, which some claim have completely transformed their perspectives. Reservations are necessary, and the waitlist can be extensive.

Indulge in the Ultimate Cheese Experience

Fromagerie La Station is more than just a dairy farm and cheese factory; it exemplifies true entrepreneurship. The business represents four generations of farmers and has seen rapid growth in size and production. In 2019, they opened an onsite warehouse capable of storing 30,000 wheels of cheese.

Daily tours of the farm illuminate the process of transforming milk into cheese, but even a tasting of their cheese paired with one of their grilled specialties is enough to warrant a visit. While I was there, I crafted a sandwich I dubbed the “Eastern Township Grilled Cheese,” infusing one of La Station’s new cheese varietals with maple syrup. Trust me; it’s a must-try.

Return Home With a New Signature Scent

The last thing I anticipated from this trip was a newfound appreciation for soap and perfume, yet my purchases on the journey home proved otherwise. From the enchanting scents at La Grange du Perfumeur to exquisite soaps at Savon des Cantons, my enthusiasm was boundless.

La Grange du Perfumeur, operated by perfumer Alexandra Bachand and her husband, Eric Delbaere, allows customers to experience artistry in crafting scents within their self-titled “Barn of the Perfumer.”

This establishment is the first perfume house open to the public in Canada. The standout fragrance, Dream in Paris, has gained attention and is set to feature in an art exhibition focused on historical aromas.

Those who enjoy artisanal soap should make their way to Savon des Cantons, a boutique producer of pure olive oil and coconut oil soaps with infusions ranging from lavender to coffee. I particularly loved their men’s scents, notably Blue Note and Viking, perfect surprises for any discerning gentleman who values high-quality artisan products.

Toast Regional Wine at Boutique Vineyards

The Eastern Townships’ scenic Wine Route features 22 vineyards that can be explored by tour, car, or even bicycle. Both unique and familiar wine varietals are available along the trail, which also includes charming villages and restaurants where visitors can savor the local wines.

It’s a Country Getaway You Won’t Forget

When you observe the rolling mountains and flat country landscapes intertwining throughout the townships, you’ll recognize that you are in an intriguing region of Canada’s countryside. Exceptional accommodations, historical charm, and the ethos of boutique excellence serve as the prime highlights of the region’s burgeoning tourism scene. Although the towns and villages are lively, the nightlife here is best enjoyed next to a warm fire with a glass of cold whiskey.