When the streets of Montreal are salted and slippery and snow is falling in the sunshine, it’s a good indication that it’s time to visit some of the region’s beautiful villages. It’s cold, winter is well and truly here, and we’re going to enjoy it before the air warms up and spring arrives.
Less than a two-hour drive from downtown Montreal, the region’s prettiest villages are even more charming under the snow…
The trip toKnowltonis an experience in itself, and we hope you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle. You’ll almost want to open the windows wide (and risk frostbite) as you drive along Lake Brome, with its colorful little vacation homes. We’re impressed by those who go ice fishing on the lake and those who skate on its uneven surface.
When you arrive in Knowlton, you’re not sure if you’re in a micro version ofTwin Peaks in Quebec…Small stone churches, Victorian houses, and a small waterfall lined with large, ancient rocks.
We eat the best onion rings in the Eastern Townships and duck straight from the Canard Lac-Brome factory down the street atAuberge Knowlton, and we drink coffee atCaron & Frères, or if we’ve really walked a lot, we drink a beer atBistro Pub Knowlton. Wherever you go, it’s warm and a little nostalgic, weathered by time and local village life.
What we’re trying to say is thatKnowltonis an ideal destination for a fall or winter getaway just two hours from Montreal. It’s the history andmovie magic that peoplelook for in Quebec (for those on vacation) and it’s nostalgic for others.
Mont-Tremblant promises an enchanting experience, whether you’re sampling local dishes or admiring the scenery.
Mont Tremblant is one of the most beautiful mountains in Quebec for winter sports, and the ski resort has some of the best slopes in the region.
The village of Mont Tremblant, inspired by the small mountain villages of the German Alps, is worth visiting after a day of skiing. To learn more about its history, read more here!
Magog, a lakeside village 1.5 hours from Montreal
Located in the Eastern Townships, about an hour and a half from Montreal, Magog is worthy of a romantic comedy setting, bordered by Lake Memphremagog—said to be so deep that it is inhabited by a creature that can be seen on foggy mornings…
In winter, it freezes over and becomes a playground for skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling enthusiasts. You can stroll along the snow-covered shores and warm up around a campfire while admiring the mountains in the background. It’s the perfect getaway for lovers of nature and tranquility.