enjoying the good life in Quebec’s Eastern Townships

I’ve been to Quebec, Canada, numerous times, but only recently had the pleasure of visiting the region known as the Eastern Townships.

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I’d heard how lovely the Eastern Townships region is, with its visitor-friendly mountains that become busy ski slopes in winter. But I hadn’t realized what a fabulous four-season destination the Eastern Townships are for gourmands. If you love luxury travel, fine wine, craft beers, haute cuisine, fresh cheeses, and terrific chocolate, you will enjoy exploring the culinary pleasures of Quebec’s Eastern Townships.

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Every course of every meal is an artistic delight in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

great places to stay in the eastern townships

As someone who loves creature comforts, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the amenities of two of the region’s finest hotel properties.

We adored the setting of l’Hôtel Château-Bromont, located at the base of Mount Bromont. See the top photo and pin it so that you can plan to visit. There’s a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a fountain with comfortable seating in a forested area, and outdoor hot tubs and comfortable seating on the Terrace level where you can enjoy drinks or a light meal. There is also an indoor pool and courtyard in the main building and a full service spa in a separate building. We peeked in at the Amerispa, but they were closing early the night we were there, so we enjoyed night caps on the terrace. The end of a perfect day.

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The junior suites at Chateau Bromont are perfect for friends staying together as there is an upper level with separate sleeping area. My friend Virginia is giving us her best diva impression in this shot.

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I adored the beautiful gardens at the Chateau Bromont in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

Clear skies eluded us during our stay at Hôtel Suites Lac-Brome, so after a walk down to Lake Brome we spent most of our time indoors, enjoying a fabulous four-course dinner followed by time in the spa.

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The Hotel Suites Lac-Brome near the town of Knowlton, Quebec, is the perfect destination for foodies and families.

Also known as Auberge Lac Brome, the Hôtel Suites Lac-Brome near the village of Knowlton, is magical from the moment you arrive. We were not blessed with a sunny sky during our brief visit, but the warmth of the staff, haute cuisine, and inviting lakeside location made the journey to this four-star 38-room property so worthwhile.

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Our very knowledgeable server at La Brise du Lac chose a different wine for each of our courses from the hotel’s extensive 225-label wine list.

Executive chef Patrick Plouffe of La Brise du Lac Restaurant at Hôtel Suites Lac-Brome treated us to an excellent four-course meal. I think my favourite course was the Beef Carpaccio appetizer paired with a wonderful Pinot Noir.

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The Beef Carpaccio at La Brise du Lac restaurant was magnificent paired with a Pinot Noir red wine.

I hope this post has whetted your appetite for the many flavours of the Eastern Townships of Quebec. My next post will highlight some terrific chocolate diversions and other culinary offerings you might come across while strolling the streets of the scenic francophone villages of this region.

My sincere thanks to Destination Québec for making this trip possible.

Doreen Pendgracs

Known throughout the Web as the "Wizard of Words", I've been a freelance writer since 1993. I researched and wrote Volume I of Chocolatour that won a Readers' favourite Award in 2014. Always enjoy experiencing new destinations and flavours.

86 Responses

  1. Judi Cohen says:

    Love Quebec! Your writing about the Eastern Townships is so inspiring!

  2. Ami says:

    I am in love with those sprawling lawns and those flowers. Makes me feel so relaxed already. Love your food pics here.
    Ami recently posted…The calming vibes of Lamayuru Monastery in LadakhMy Profile

  3. Francesca says:

    Well, apparently the Eastern Townships are for me. I need nothing more than craft beer, cheese, and chocolate ๐Ÿ˜€
    Francesca recently posted…A delightful day at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park, KansasMy Profile

  4. Sandy N Vyjay says:

    The Eastern Townships region looks really beautiful. The two hotels too seem to have a unique charm of their own. The food looks presented so artistically, I would actually hate interfering with it!

  5. Menorca says:

    Never been to that part of the world but always curious to know more!

  6. Well this is a very cool post to read as I am in Montreal and that area is so cloise by. Love going there once in a while for a day or a weekend.
    Evelyne CulturEatz recently posted…Ukrainian Cheese Filled Crepes | Nalysnyky | ะฝะฐะปะธัะฝะธะบะธMy Profile

  7. I’ve done a lot of exploring in Ontario (as my husband is from the northern parts) but have not spent much time in Quebec. You always hear about the big cities, but there are always treasure to find if you step off the beaten path. The Eastern Townships of Quebec certainly have a lot to offer, especially if you are a foodie. Yum!
    alison abbott recently posted…Coastal Stay 250 Main Hotel in Rockland MaineMy Profile

  8. Betty Jackson says:

    There are so many places we will have to visit when we venture East. This sure is one of them Thanks for bringing it to our attention,

  9. The location of the hotel is so exotic. No wonder the warmth of the staff makes up for the not-so-good weather you faced. The hotel sounded like a heaven for food lovers. I would love to check out the property if I am around Quebec in future!

  10. I will totally travel for food, and it sounds like there is a lot of great culinary dishes to be had. Thanks for sharing. On my list!
    Lara Dunning recently posted…Four Ways to Experience Deception Pass Bridge + Jet Boat Tour Giveaway!My Profile

  11. Sue Reddel says:

    We just loved this part of Quebec. It’s beautiful and there are so many great local foods to eat. Can’t wait to read your take on the chocolate in that area.

  12. I’ve only visited Quebec once – and always meant to go back. The Eastern Townships look fascinating! And you obviously had a ball!
    Fiona Maclean recently posted…Dining at The DonMy Profile

  13. neha says:

    Life indeed seems to be very good in Quebec. Wondering how it was not there in my bucket list yet. I will plan a trip here soon.

  14. Quebec has been on my bucket list for a while but I hadn’t heard of the Eastern Townships. If all the food is as good as this I’ll have to add them to the list as well!
    Karen Warren recently posted…Why I Visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine (and Should You Bother?)My Profile

  15. You sure did whet my appetite for fine food and fabulous hotels! Looks like a beautiful place to visit!!

  16. I dearly love getting off the beaten tourist track. Thanks for sharing a new area that I knew nothing about!

  17. As if I needed yet another reason to get myself north! Okay, I did…this post will go over to my husband who could plan every trip around the food he wants to eat!

  18. I’ve never heard of the Eastern Townships in Quebec. Next time, and I’ll look forward to some fine dining.

  19. I haven’t been to Quebec. Will have to add to my travel list. Your pictures are enticing and the food looks and sounds amazing.

  20. I have a friend from Quebec, must ask him to describe it more!
    Dannielle | While I’m Young recently posted…A Virtuous Vegan Lunch In London At Nosh Garden KitchenMy Profile

  21. You had me at “creature comforts” and the Chateau Bromont looks like a lovely place to relax and enjoy all of its offerings. Your photo of the gardens is beautiful and it sounds like your visit was filled with delicious food and drink in a wonderful setting!
    Anita @ No Particular Place To Go recently posted…A Rant-A-Thon From a US and a Canadian Expat: Bureaucratic ContortionsMy Profile

  22. Erica M says:

    Eastern Township Quebec seems so quaint and pretty. I don’t get much of that living in a city. And I start to just crave places that are cute with character. Looks like you enjoyed a lot of great food. I love the picture with the strawberries. That dish is so pretty that I would almost feel bad to eat it.

  23. Shannon says:

    This looks like such a lovely town! I’ve never been to Quebec but now I have a good list of things to do/stay/visit if I ever do make it out there. Thank you!

  24. jane says:

    I haven’t been to the Eastern Townships, either, but Quebec is always such a great destination for people who love to eat! Looks like you made the most of your hotel stays, given the nasty weather, too.
    jane recently posted…Railways, Rum Joints and Rhythm: A history of all that Jazz in MontréalMy Profile

  25. I’ve been to Quebec City and Montreal, but haven’t explored the province beyond that. These places in the eastern townships look lovely. But when you mention a spa, Doreen, i can’t help but think of your chocolate spa experience! Do these hotels have chocolate spa treatments?
    Rachel Heller recently posted…Dubai Miracle Garden: Absurdity in the desertMy Profile

  26. Jeri says:

    If I ever make it to Quebec, I will now have Eastern Townships in the back of my mind as a place worth visiting. More and more, I find myself drawn to quaint villages rather than big cities.

  27. Rosary says:

    Eastern townships looks like a charming little place, loved your photos too! I hope I can have the chance to visit Quebec in the future. Thanks for sharing Doreen =)

  28. A suite with a spiral staircase! Yes, please! I need to visit the eastern townships in Quebec!

  29. I went to Quebec with my children years and years ago when they were still young, but I barely remember it now. I would love to go back though, it’s a gorgeous location.
    Rhonda Albom recently posted…Sunset from Mount Victoria Devonport in New ZealandMy Profile

  30. I am headed to Quebec City next May and I am so excited! I will check these out!

  31. What a lovely place to stay. The view there seems to be breathtaking.
    I saw in the one picture the sky slopes in the mountain, I bet this place is busy in winter too.

  32. Emily says:

    A four-course meal followed by a trip to the spa sounds like my kinda getaway!

  33. Phoenicia says:

    What beautiful settings Doreen! The flower garden looks amazing. Canada looks so clean – definitely my kind of place. My holiday destination list is growing by the day.
    Phoenicia recently posted…How well do you deal with disappointment?My Profile

  34. Linda Strange says:

    Reading Susan Cooper’s comment:. Other than going to Expo ’67( you can guess how long ago that was) I ‘ve not been in Quebec, either. From what I’ve heard from other experienced travelers, it’s almost “other-worldly”. Between the Eastern Townships and Old Quebec City I gather there’s nothing quite like it. And Montreal is known for it’s culture, music and night- life. The lushness & colour of these wonderful buildings and grounds, not to mention Doreen and Virginia’s descriptions & photos of the hotels, food, drink and all , make it very enticing ! If I could only visit one, I think I’d choose this lovely area before the others.
    Do you think my high-school French would get me anywhere?

    • Hi Linda and thanks for sharing your thoughts. Indeed, your high school French would help. I have 8 years of French in public school, plus a course in conversational French at St. Boniface College. It helps get me by, but most Quebecers do speak and understand English–though they lack confidence in speaking English. With effort from both parties, the message usually gets across just fine.
      Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…enjoying the good life in Quebec’s Eastern TownshipsMy Profile

  35. Ok, now I need to consider visiting some of these amazing places in Quebec Canada if not for the food alone. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Susan Cooper recently posted…Macaroni Grill on My Patio: #MacaroniGrill #CateringMy Profile

  36. I have not visited the Eastern Townships yet, but think it would be a great area to travel to.
    Donna Janke recently posted…History Goes Underground in the Tunnels of Moose JawMy Profile

  37. It looks beautiful. I will be in Quebec in March for a conference. I will be sure to check it out. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures.

  38. michele says:

    I’d love to return to the Eastern Townships! I remember their artisanal cheese very well! Looking forward to hearing about their chocolate scene

  39. Flora says:

    Love hearing about your trips, Doreen! I enjoy the arm chair travelling with you!

  40. Good to know. I will have to check that out before we hit the road. Thanks Doreen.
    Ceci Flanagan-Snow recently posted…How to capture summer memoriesMy Profile

  41. It is, indeed, a beautiful area. In the fall my husband and I are planning a road trip through the area on our way to visit relatives in western Ontario and I’m looking forward to the exploration. We’re travelling with Harley, though, our Standard Poodle so I doubt we’ll be staying in 4* hotels. We’ll need to find dog-friendly accommodations!
    Ceci Flanagan-Snow recently posted…How to capture summer memoriesMy Profile

  42. Catarina says:

    Have always heard positive things about Quebec and your pictures and writing confirm my impression. The closest to Quebec I ever came was talking to your High Commissioner in London about doing a report about the area in The Observer. But we never went ahead with it. Honestly can’t remember why.
    Catarina recently posted…Would you, like George Clooney, trade places with Richard Branson?My Profile

  43. It was an eye-opening pleasure to explore the region with you Doreen. I’d experienced the natural beauty of the Eastern Townships before, but it was gratifying to see how the local food and drink scene has exploded with an emphasis on local ingredients. I can see it becoming a popular summer destination for Americans (just 10 km from the border), though they’d have to overcome their fear of French and appreciate that almost everyone in Quebec speaks English when necessary.

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