In the movies, autumn is neither too hot nor too cold, it never rains and in small towns you walk around all day in the orange light of the season. Unfortunately, in the real world, autumn is stormy and we’d like to spend a lot more time outside than we manage.
The kids collect red maple leaves from the streets of Montreal, and it’s only for a few magical moments that autumn feels like a movie.
That’s why we recommend a visit (which will be perfectly cinematic) 1h15 from Montreal. Fans of Gilmore Girls and Thanksgiving romantic comedies will be pleased – bring your cable-knit sweater and instant kodak, because the magic of ’90s TV autumns is alive and well in Dunham.
Wine, coffee and a stroll
Vignoble du Ruisseau
Dunham is renowned for its Vignoble de Ruisseau, a place where maple syrup takes center stage.
Here, you can sample refined tasting menus, with three- or six-course options featuring maple syrup in all its forms at the Ôma restaurant.
You can also take a tour of the vineyard, which has small trails for strolling, and finish with a tasting of the harvest, from $45/person.
Website? levignobleduruisseau.com
Épicerie-Café Dunham
For breakfast, lunch or coffee, stop by Épicerie-Café Dunham. It’s a kind of general store, with products from all the local farmers and breeders.
Marinated meats, gluten-free products, coffee, beer, cider – and, of course, wine from local vineyards.
We grab an egg-and-bacon or pancake breakfast, a good cup of coffee and we’re ready to stroll the streets of Dunham in the autumn sunshine.
Where? 3650, rue Principale, Dunham Quebec J0E 1M0
Walks
Many of the vineyards in Dunham and the surrounding villages offer walking tours of their grounds.
The ultimate in local sightseeing, of course, includes a bike ride along the back roads that wind through the fiery hills of the Eastern Townships.
Enjoy your visit to Dunham!