A route worthy of a road movie
The trip to Knowlton is an experience in itself, and we hope you have a four-wheel-drive car. You almost want to open the windows wide (and risk frostbite) as you drive past Brome Lake, with its colorful vacation cottages. We’re impressed by those who ice fish on the lake, and those who skate on its uneven surface.
We’re a little jealous of the big houses tucked away at the end of avenues of fir trees, and we stop on the lakeshore to walk to the village, or just a few kilometers, in a silence we’d almost forgotten. We pass dogs and locals cross-country skiing, and breathe.
When we arrive in Knowlton, we’re not sure we’re not in a micro Twin Peaks of Quebec… Small stone churches, Victorian houses, and a small waterfall lined with large millennial rocks.
Walks for all tastes
We’re particularly fond of the Coldbrook Trail, which starts opposite the waterfall and, in spring, becomes the Sentier Féérique , winding its way along the edge of the village to the elementary school, featuring creations by children and adults alike.
If you prefer to stroll the village streets, you’ll find some of Quebec’s finest antique and vintage stores, a cozy bookstore with everything you want to read (in French and English), and an old-fashioned toy store. It’s time to forget the passing of time and get nosy, on village time.
We warm our hearts and bellies
We eat the best onion rings in the Eastern Townships and duck straight from the Canard Lac-Brome factory down the street at Auberge Knowlton and drink coffee at Caron & Frères, or if we’ve had a really good walk, a beer at Bistro Pub Knowlton. Wherever you go, it’s warm and nostalgic, with a patina of time and local village life.
A rich cultural heritage to discover
Knowlton is also a village with a rich cultural heritage. Take advantage of your visit to explore its picturesque streets lined with Victorian houses, art galleries and artisan boutiques.
Don’t miss the Brome Lake Museum (SHCB) to learn more about the region’s history, and appreciate its English Loyalist architecture.
A perfect fall and winter getaway
What we’re trying to say is that Knowlton is an ideal destination for a fall or winter getaway just two hours from Montreal. It’s historic and movie-magic for Quebecers (for those on vacation) and nostalgic for the rest of us.
So pack your bags (for the weekend or the day), bring your family and friends and set off to discover Knowlton!
And don’t forget to pack plenty of room, because we’re not kidding when we tell you that the village’s antique dealers are the best in the Townships!