Montréal & Quebec City in Style

Our Eastern Townships escape begins with a private transfer from Montréal Airport, trading the city for Québec's rolling countryside. 

Once you land, a driver will be waiting to whisk you away to Manoir Hovey, our elegant lakeside home on the shores of Lake Massawippi. Set among mature trees and gardens, the historic property feels wonderfully removed from everyday life, with beautifully appointed rooms, a renowned restaurant, and a five-star spa for those who would like to arrange a treatment.

After settling into our rooms, we’ll head into North Hatley, a charming village known for its historic buildings, independent shops, galleries, and antique stores. There’s plenty of time to browse for something special as we wander along the village streets.

For our first dinner together, we’ll dine at Le Hatley, Manoir Hovey’s celebrated restaurant. A five-course tasting menu showcases Québec ingredients and local producers in an elegant setting, making it a fitting introduction to the food and wine of the Eastern Townships. 

Wake slowly to savor the hotel's delicious breakfast spread and perhaps drop into their free morning yoga sessions to start the day on a grounded note.

Later in the morning, we’ll visit Abbaye du Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, a remarkable Benedictine monastery overlooking Lake Memphrémagog. We’ll explore its striking architecture and learn about Benedictine life, including the tradition of work and contemplation.

The Abbey has been making cheese since 1943, so food is central to the story. We’ll discover the monastery’s cheesemaking tradition and enjoy a tasting of Abbey cheeses alongside cider and other regional accompaniments.

Then we’ll follow the literary trail to Knowlton, the inspiration for Louise Penny’s fictional village of Three Pines. We can browse Livres Lac-Brome and stop at Café Three Pines for a light lunch. There will also be time to explore Knowlton’s galleries, boutiques, and historic streets before dinner.

This evening, Parcelles gives us a chance to experience the region through another lens, with a thoughtful dinner rooted in farm-to-table ingredients and the terroir of this fruitful land.

Let's devote the day to the creative and culinary side of the townships. After a relaxed morning, we’ll head to Domaine Bergeville for a special half-day experience with the winegrowers. 

Known for its Québec sparkling wines, the estate offers an opportunity to learn about the vineyard, meet the people behind the wines, and enjoy a tasting paired with lunch. It’s a chance to see firsthand how wine is being made in this distinctive northern climate.

From the vineyard, we’ll continue to Georgeville, an artistic enclave on the shores of Lake Memphrémagog. We'll tour a few of the charming galleries, perhaps picking up a handmade souvenir to remember our time together!

As the day winds down, we’ll take to the water for a private pontoon cruise on Lake Memphrémagog. We can bring along a bottle of Domaine Bergeville and some snacks for a relaxed evening on the lake, watching the surrounding hills take on the warm light of sunset. 

We’ll wrap up the evening with dinner at Koz Bistro Méditerranéen, where Mediterranean-inspired cooking provides a fresh contrast to the flavors we’ve enjoyed throughout the day.

Our final morning is intentionally easy. After one last breakfast overlooking the lake, we’ll have time to enjoy the property and its setting on Lake Massawippi before checking out.

Then we’ll make our private transfer back to Montréal, leaving the countryside behind as we return to the city. Once there, we’ll check into William Gray in Old Montréal and have time to refresh before joining the rest of the group for our welcome cocktail and introductions.

It’s a gentle transition from our intimate Eastern Townships escape back into the energy of Montréal—and a lovely way to carry the friendships, flavors, and experiences of the past few days into the next chapter of the trip.

Bienvenue à Montréal! Try to arrive in the early afternoon so you don't miss a moment of the great adventure that awaits. Grab a 20-minute taxi/Uber ride from the airport to the historic Hotel William Gray in Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal). Overlooking Place Jacques Cartier, the hotel is surrounded by shops and restaurants, and is steps from some of Montreal's most cherished attractions, including the Old Port and the Notre-Dame Basilica.

We'll meet at 4:00 pm for a champagne toast on the rooftop terrace. Enjoy the stunning views of the St. Lawrence River before we head to The Aura Experience, a spellbinding fusion of light and music that brings Montréal's Notre-Dame Basilica to life. 

We'll enjoy dinner together at Liverpool House, a charming Montreal favourite from the Joe Beef team, known for its cozy, art-filled dining room and seasonal French-inspired cuisine.

Our day begins with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Then, we're off to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal for a private tour with our guide Barbara Tekker Brzezinski, who will regale us with the stories hidden behind the collections. 

After our cultural infusion, we'll brunch at Bar George, a delightful brasserie reminiscent of one in Paris. 

In the afternoon, we'll set out on a guided walking tour of Old Montreal, exploring its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.

Let's cap off this perfect day with a private cooking demonstration and dinner at Appetite Books with Jonathan — an intimate and interactive culinary experience that beautifully celebrates Montréal’s rich food culture.

We’ll start the morning with a light breakfast at the hotel—keep it easy, as a brunch cruise awaits. Later, we’ll board a boat for a leisurely brunch cruise along the St. Lawrence River, soaking in spectacular views of Montreal’s skyline and nearby islands while enjoying a delicious meal on the water.

After disembarking, our adventure continues with a scenic three-hour driving tour of Montreal. We’ll explore vibrant neighborhoods like Westmount and Outremont, visit the lively Jean Talon Market to experience its bustling atmosphere, and make stops at Café Olympico, as well as at the Belvedere and the second lookout on Mount Royal for breathtaking panoramic views. We’ll also pause at Beaver Lake to take in the natural beauty.

We'll return to the hotel to freshen up, then gather in the lobby for a short walk to dinner at Modavie Wine Bar, a stylish spot near the hotel known for its elegant atmosphere and curated selection of fine wines paired with contemporary cuisine.

For those interested in an extra evening outing, an optional drag show, Mado, offers a lively and unforgettable experience to cap off the night.

Au revoir Montreal! — Hello Quebec City! We’ll start the day with a transfer to the train station and settle in for a comfortable ride, enjoying breakfast on board as the beautiful scenery rolls by.

Once we arrive, we’ll drop our bags at the hotel before heading out for lunch at Bistro Le Sam, a cozy spot known for its delicious and inviting dishes.

After lunch, we’ll take a leisurely walking tour through Old Quebec, soaking up the history, charm, and stunning architecture that make this part of the city so special.

When the tour wraps up, we’ll return to the hotel to relax and get settled before checking into the iconic Château Frontenac, where the atmosphere is just as memorable as the views.

As evening falls, we’ll stroll to Rioux & Pettigrew for dinner, savoring creative plates made with local ingredients. 

We’ll begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off to visit the breathtaking Montmorency Falls. This stunning natural wonder, taller than Niagara Falls, offers spectacular views and plenty of photo opportunities. 

After taking in the beauty of the falls, we’ll transfer to the historic Plains of Abraham for a guided tour. Here, amidst the wide-open green spaces steeped in history, we’ll stop for coffee and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Following the tour, lunch awaits at Restaurant Le Parlementaire, a charming and elegant spot where you can savor refined Quebecois cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients. 

After lunch, we’ll head to the National Assembly of Quebec for a fascinating tour of this important political and historical site. 

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure, with dinner on your own to explore Quebec’s many dining options.

We’ll start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the serene Storm Nordic Spa. Make sure to bring your bathing suits, a water bottle to stay hydrated, flip-flops for comfort, and perhaps a good book to enjoy during quiet moments.

Once at the spa, immerse yourself in one of the many luxurious treatments designed to refresh your body and mind. Take full advantage of the thermal experience, moving through the warm baths, steam rooms, and relaxing lounges that create a perfect balance of tranquility and invigoration.

Midday, a delightful lunch will be served at the spa, offering nourishing dishes that complement the restorative environment.

In the afternoon, we’ll head back to the hotel, where you’ll have some free time to explore nearby shops or rest and unwind in your room, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

As the evening approaches, we’ll take a gentle walk to one of the city’s finest dining establishments, St Amour. Here, we’ll enjoy a remarkable farewell dinner in an elegant setting, savoring exquisite dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients to mark the perfect end to our day.

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments shared and the friendships formed along the way.

We can help arrange taxis or private transfers for the short drive to Québec City Airport if needed.