It won’t snow for Halloween this year, but the first snowfall in Montreal isn’t far off on the calendar. And when the hills of Quebec (and the city’s sidewalks) are covered in a blanket of white, it will feel a bit like the start of winter—even though it’s still fall until the solstice on December 21.
The weather forecast for the winter of 2026–2027 is quite promising: not too cold, plenty of precipitation, and a few storms to weigh the trees down with snow and create icicles along the windowsills.
A bit like every year—though last winter was particularly harsh. And then, to enjoy the first snow of the year in all its splendor, we’ll hop right in the car and head to Knowlton to spend the day there.
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KNOWLTON LAC-BROME, A CANADIAN IDYLL TO VISIT AMID THE YEAR’S FIRST SNOWFLAKES
The village of Knowlton Lac-Brome (or just Knowlton, for those who want to keep it short) is located in one of the most beautiful regions of Quebec: the Eastern Townships.
Knowlton is half Quebec-style TWIN PEAKS, half Norman Rockwell painting. Right away, we pass by large historic wooden homes, small stone churches, white and blue Victorian houses, and a small waterfall lined with massive, ancient boulders, in front of which we park—right in the middle of the village.
The little white picket fences, the dirt roads, and the village’s English origins make it a true postcard village—a kind of Canadian pastoral scene that warms the heart and, under the snow, is almost too charming to be true.
Knowlton is one of the two villages in the Townships that inspired mystery novelist Louise Penny to create the village at the heart of her stories: Three Pines. She was born in Knowlton and still sets her stories there. You can also stop for a coffee at Café Three Pines—located beneath Knowlton’s beautiful bookstore—which was launched by Louise Penny and friends and inspired by the “Bistro” in her books.
Where? Café Three Pines, below the Lac Brome Bookstore, at 45 Lakeside Road, Knowlton
She was also inspired by the village of North Hatley, where you can visit the J.B. LeBaron general store, which appears in the book *Révélation Brutale* from Louise Penny’s mystery series.
We also recommend, while you’re in Knowlton;
- to go for a walk on the Lac Brome Trail, which runs along the lake to the beach for 11.5 km and can be done on foot or by cross-country skiing once enough snow has accumulated on the ground
- to go eat a Caesar salad with fries and a slice of pie at the Auberge Knowlton
- like bringing back some local wine and duck rillettes from La Pantry
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We also have a soft spot for the Coldbrook Trail, which starts across from the waterfall and, in the spring, becomes a “Fairy Trail” that winds along the edges of the village all the way to the elementary school, showcasing creations by children and local artists. In the snow, it’s surreal and sparkles in the sun.
And then we’ll drive slowly, breathing deeply, because the air is pure out there and the snow smells so good.
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