Celebrating Slowness (4 days)

The Brome-Missisquoi region is a true jewel nestled at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, opening the gateway to the magnificent Eastern Townships. Here, time slows down as you savour every moment of your stay. In fact, slow travel is much more than a trend in this region—it’s a way of life.

With this itinerary, we invite you to explore the heart of our villages, where local crafts can be found at every turn of the road, and where you’ll meet people who have a true passion for our terroir. They’re the essence of the region’s culinary art of living. Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape, where the rolling hills seem to make time stand still.

Day 1—Town of Brome Lake

Auberge yoga salamandre

Brome Lake’s Coeur Villageois is located in the historic and picturesque town of Knowlton, a not-to-be-missed stop on the Townships Trail and the Route des vins. Selected several times as one of the most beautiful villages in Québec, this authentic and friendly destination is reminiscent of many New England towns, but here the locals speak French!

Take your time as you stroll through the village. Uncover some unexpected treasures on THE ANTIQUE CIRCUIT. Discover discover the many craft shops and art galleries on Chemin Knowlton and Chemin Lakeside, visit the MUSÉE DU LAC-BROME MUSEUM (open May to October) home to an important collection of First World War artefacts, including a Fokker DVII fighter plane, one of the few still in existence or experience an immersion in the world of bestselling author Louise Penny with the Three Pines guided tours (May to October). Finally, end the day on the terrace of Domaine Jolivent, a charming hotel where the nights are peaceful.

For a full day of wellness cares and rejuvenation, stop by the AUBERGE YOGA SALAMANDRE designed to offer a space for anyone wishing to spend some quality time in an environment conducive to introspection and inspiration. Whether alone or in a group, students or workers, travellers or simply looking for a restful retreat, all are welcome. You’ll discover a haven of peace in the heart of the forest. Creating your own wellness retreat has never been easier or more affordable.

Auberge yoga salamandre

Day 2—Sutton

Paradis perché, Diable Vert – Ethan Abitz

With its surrounding mountains, the river and its village heart, Sutton is a four-season destination. It’s well worth taking your time to soak up its history, enjoy the outdoor activities and local culture. Head out to AU DIABLE VERT for a relaxing day exploring the forest. More than twenty kilometres of trails for all ability levels are available, and for those looking for a longer nature escape, some may choose to head out on the SENTIERS DE L’ESTRIE network of trails.

Prolong the experience with the UNUSUAL LODGINGS of Au Diable Vert or inside a ready-to-camp installation at HUTTOPIA SUTTON.

Are you looking for a cultural and historical experiences? HERITAGE CIRCUITS offer excellent options. Take a slow-paced stroll through the village streets as you come across churches, cemeteries and ancestral homes. With its restaurants, village café, shops and theatre, the heart of the village is welcoming, authentic and bustling with activities.

Randonnée | Huttopia | Frelighsburg

Day 3—Frelighsburg and Stanbridge East

Moulin Cornell, Musée Missisquoi – David Maman

Your last day, but not the least. Head towards Frelighsburg, an exceptional town nestled at the foot of Mount Pinacle and the Appalachian Mountain Range where you’ll discover one of the last remaining wilderness areas, between Montréal and the US border. Surrounded by beautiful orchards, with the Rivière aux Brochets (Pike River) running through it, this member of the Association des plus beaux villages du Québec (Québec’s most beautiful villages) offers a rich architectural and cultural heritage legacy. Stop by LA RUMEUR AFFAMÉE for a cup of coffee and some Viennese pastries or at the ONEKA boutique for their natural body care products. the Heritage circuit and the RÉSEAU DE SENTIERS DE MARCHE EN FORÊT are two more excellent reasons to linger a while in the heart of the village.

Lastly, make a final stop in the town of Stanbridge East where you’ll enjoy an excellent meal at ESPACE OLD MILL, a project launched by Jean-Martin Fortier, a well-known vegetable grower in the region and beyond! You’ll be served a “Table fermière” menu paired with one of the region’s wine selections. When you arrive here, you’ll surely take a moment to view the gardens and greenhouses where several ingredients for the dishes you’re served are produced. In fact, you can even extend your stay by lodging in their small 5-room inn.

Right next door to the Espace Old Mill building, just by the Rivière aux Brochets, you’ll find the Cornell Mill, built in 1830 by Zebulon Cornell, a German-born loyalist. In fact, it’s the oldest water mill found in the Eastern Townships and among the last ones built in Québec. It stopped its wheat grinding operations in 1963 and today you can visit the MISSISQUOI MUSEUM (open May to October) which has occupied this space since 1964.

Rumeur Affamée | Espace Old Mill | Frelighsburg

Day 4—Dunham

Brasserie Dunham – David Larivière

Last day, but not least! Direction towards the very first canton of the Eastern Townships, a village located in the foothills of the Appalachians, in a hilly and bucolic landscape; Dunham. Taste the atmosphere of this charming village by stopping at Bernard le boulanger bakery and take a step back in time at Antiquités G. Chamberland antique dealer. Wine lovers will be served, since Dunham has the largest concentration of vineyards not only on the Wine Route, but in all of the Eastern Townships! Stop at one of them to sip a local wine while comfortably seated on the terrace. Finally, pack your bags at the end of the day in one of the rooms of the friendly BOHO Dunham on the 2nd floor of the renowned Brasserie Dunham.

BOHO | The Wine Route | Fresh bread