bus tours eastern townships

Bonjour and welcome to

Three pines tours.

Louise and Gilles are delighted that you are considering to visit Three Pines.

We invite you to discover the charming villages and beautiful sights of the Eastern Townships that have inspired Louise Penny to write such great novels for us.

Louise & Gilles

Let us take you on this journey through fabled Three Pines and follow what inspired Louise to write The Brutal Telling, How The Light Gets In, Dead Cold, The Cruelest Month, Still Life and The Murder Stone…etc. Unearth the canvas where Armand, Clara, Myrna, Ruth, Gabri, Olivier, and Reine-Marie come to life in the printed word.

The tour comprises a mélange of locations that have triggered louise’s imagination and will captivate yours too. this full day tour is presented in five chapters., a day of discovery:, the three pines inspirational trail, chapter one:.

Chapter Two:

Chapter Three:

Chapter Four:

Chapter Five:

Information

This exclusive experience follows Louise Penny’s inspiration for Three Pines and in Gamache’s footsteps.

Genaral information

Does not include:.

Three Pines Tour: This exclusive experience follows Louise Penny’s inspiration for Three Pines and in Gamache’s footsteps.

All Chapters $375 cdn (approx $275 usd)  / person, full day

Prices are subject to local taxes. Montreal departure are possible. See the FAQ section for more info.

• Tour transportation
• Your accompanying raconteur
• Afternoon amuse-bouches
• All admissions and visits listed in the chapters
• Travel Insurance
• Shopping treasures
• Accommodations

Geographically speaking, where does the tour take place?

The tour takes place in the Eastern Townships. The townships are located approximately the same distance from Montreal as it is from Burlington, Vermont (approx.. 1h30 minutes). Québec City is 3h00 away from the Townships. See the map at the very end of the Web site.

When does the tours operate?

How can we find out about availability, how does the billing work, what is your cancellation policy, can we reserve a hotel in montreal and drive the day of the tour, can we customize our tour, can we have fewer chapters in one day, where does the tour originate, where do you suggest we stay while in the townships, can you provide a pick-up in montreal the day of the tour, can you provide a pick-up at the montreal airport, what type of vehicle are we driven in, how much does the tour cost, can you accommodate larger groups of people, should we reserve for diner the day of the tour, should we pay our raconteur a gratuity.

As the owner of the Hillhouse B&B we would be happy to accomodate you. Otherwise, please ask us for recommendations as we will be happy to help you find the perfect fit.

Give-back to

Three pines.

Why not make a difference while you visit by donating a children’s book; English or French. Your books will be donated to a Reading to an Animal program of “Mains dans la Mains” This is an activity for children with reading difficulties. The non-judgment of the animal allows the child to reduce his stress when faced with challenges and to experiment small victories. This promotes self-esteem and allows the child to open up more and lessen his discomfort with reading.

Local wineries

Taste the region

The region of Three Pines is the birthplace of Quebec’s viticulture. It features 22 vineyards that offer delicious rosés to strong reds and let’s not forget ice cider made from Quebec apples. Walk through the grapevines and soak in the great scenery. Tastings and tours are offered by most wineries.

Cruise on Lake Memphremagog

Cruising Away

Cruise magnificent Lake Memphremagog aboard a luxury yacht and be seduced by the scenery.

Enjoy a delicious lunch. Three hours from beginning to end.

Eastern Townships

Things to Do

There are many good reasons to plan an outing to the Townships!

Sports, nature and outdoor activities, arts, culture and heritage, events, festivals and more!

Let yourself be driven around to taste the region

Ride along on a full day tour that is sure to entertain and delight! or choose a short walking tour to discover the history of Knowlton!

get in touch

Three Pines Tour Knowlton, QC Canada

[email protected] www.threepinestours.com

Reservations (450) 242-2209

Collaborators

• Français ( French )

Discount apply on daily tours and excursions' bookings for groups of 4+​

Day trip to eastern townships.

Explore the beauty of the Eastern Townships region of Quebec as you make your way around its country-sides and towns. Your day will begin with a complimentary pick-up from your hotel in downtown Montreal. Once aboard the tour vehicle, you will embark on a 1.5 hour ride towards the Memphrémagog region. After a short break, your adventure will begin with a stop at the Shore of the Lake from where you will be able to take pictures. Next you will be taken through scenic country roads in the Memphrémagog region to visit the Saint Benedict Abbey and admire the architecture of this jewel perfectly integrated in nature. You will also learn about monastic life and discover different products made by the monks. After that you will reach Magog and visit the Park de Magog Bay and enjoy its marvelous scenery before heading to downtown for some free time where you can enjoy a quick lunch or a snack (on your own expense). Later, journey along the country roads to the village of Ayer's Cliff a renamed retreat from city life. Here, you will have a stroll by Lake Massawipi and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. From here, you'll head towards the City of Sherbrooke via Hatley village and the borough of Lennoxville where you will see the only English speaking university in Quebec outside of Montreal, Bishop's University. Next, you will have a chance to visit downtown Sherbrooke and stop for a picture of its City Hall and Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral. Admire the promenade de la gorge (the Magog River gorge) before venturing in the upper scale neighborhoods of Sherbrooke and see its Victorian style houses. Before heading back to Montreal, stop for a stroll in the Jacques-Cartier park and admire the view from there.

Starting time : 9:00 AM Participants (max) : 12 CAD 205/p.p. (discount apply to groups of 4+)

• Complimentary pick-up and drop-off from downtown hotels
• Commented driving excursion
• Bilingual tour guide
• Small-size group (12 max)
• Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Short walks

Not included:

• Private transportation
• Food and beverages (except water)

6311 somarlaed ave.Unit 1002 Montryal.QC h3x 2c1

+1 (514) 549 1605

[email protected]

LIENS RAPIDES

N-tours est une entreprise touristique basée à Montréal. Nous nous spécialisons dans l’organisation de tours de ville de Montréal et des excursions pour les individus et les petits groupes. Selon l’intérêt du client, nous pouvons brosser un portrait global ou plus exhaustif de la ville, des Montréalais et de leur style de vie, ainsi que des régions avoisinantes

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• Terms and Conditions

Eastern Townships Hiking 6 Days

• Accommodations

Travel back in time and take in the old-world flavour of Québec’s Eastern Townships. In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, uncover the delights of charming French villages, lush green valleys, enchanted woods, and idyllic farmland. The cross-Québec “Route Verte”, abandoned rail lines and forested pathways will lead you from stately Victorian Mansions and captivating covered bridges to the underground labyrinth of one of Canada’s oldest copper mines. Hunt for that one-of-a-kind memento in the shops and artists’ galleries you encounter along the way. Embrace the region’s storied past and culture in one of many scenic villages; enjoy your nights in cozy accommodations and remember to sample the finest in local cuisine. The romance of this landscape is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

Straight-talk: The Classic level Accommodations here are somewhat more modest than our Classic accommodations; the Luxe options are quite luxurious in Ayer’s Cliff, at Ripplecove Hotel & Spa and in North Hatley at Manoir Hovey, a Relais & Chateaux property that is one of the finest in Canada.

North Hatley

North Hatley, QC, Canada

Magog, QC, Canada

Orford, QC, Canada

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

5 nights hotels All breakfasts and 1 dinner Luggage transfers Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information Detailed route instructions and maps Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager Area manager available on call throughout the tour Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits

ARRIVE / DEPART

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Classic Accommodation: CAD $1,875 Single Supplement: CAD $470

Luxe Accommodation: CAD $2,295 Single Supplement: CAD $580

*Prices before tax. Province of Quebec applies 14.975% GST+QST.

North Hatley Arrive in North Hatley. If you arrive early enough, take some time to explore the town and take in the verdant beauty that made this area immediately attractive as a summer get-away for the wealthy. Wander down streets lined with stately Victorian mansions once owned by well-to-do southerners who preferred the Townships as a summer retreat following the American Civil War. It is said that many drew the blinds of their railway cars as they passed through New England, which they commonly referred to as “Yankeeland”.

North Hatley Begin with a transfer out to the quiet university town of Lennoxville. Take a moment to delve into the history of the region or appreciate the work of a local artist in this culturally rich village. Your return route is an easy stroll to North Hatley along meandering river banks, through shady woods and down a forgotten rail trail. Savour the romance of the postcard-picturesque covered bridges you pass on your journey. Stop and head underground to explore Capelton Mine, one of the oldest copper mines in Canada. Hiking Distance: 8 up to 19 km, elevation gain 135 m.*

Today is quite literally a walk in the Parc (du Mont Orford, that is!). Choose the adventure that beckons you and we will look after the details. There are four alternatives, ranging from a short loop trail past lakes and lookouts to a vigorous trek over roots and rocks to a dazzling mountaintop vista. Whether you decide on the Etang, Mont Chauve, Mont Alfred-DesRochers or Pic de L’Ours walk, you will come away with a mind clear of troubles and a day full of memories. At the end of your day you will be taken to the lively town of Magog to discover one of its many wonderful restaurants. This lively town sprang up in the late 1700’s around a saw- and flour-mill. Take the time to explore the shops and boutiques of Magog. Hiking Distance: options from 6 to 24 km, elevation gain up to 660m.*

Begin your day with a trip to the beautiful and contemplative Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey on the west shore of Lake Memphrémagog. Be sure to pick up a sample of the monks’ delightful cheeses and pies as well as a sampling of their potent apple ciders, before returning to Magog. You will then have the opportunity to explore the marsh trail along the Rivière-aux Cerises and along the north shore of Lake Memprémagog. Keep an eye out for the legendary lake creature – Memphré, that is said to inhabit the lake. Hiking Distance: 8 km, elevation gain 50 m.*

Mount Orford

Explore Mt Orford Park including a lovely circuit of Étang aux Cerises, a pretty lake that boasts nice views of Mt Orford, or a more challenging ascent of Mount Orford itself with outstanding views from its summit. You have many choices for dinner a short stroll from the hotel and if inclined, take in a concert at Orford Musique, a beautiful concert hall that often hosts prominent musicians. Hiking distance: 12.5km/7.7mi. with an elevation of 135m or 10km/6.2mi. with an elvation of 725m.*

Enjoy a final few moments at your beautiful accommodation in Eastman before departing for home or another adventure.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Nestled on the shores of Massawipi Lake in the centre of North Hatley, this chocolate-themed inn offers a lake view. It features a restaurant with fireplace and an on-site boutique. Enjoy a breakfast of cahocolate crepes or waffles!

With an outstanding view of Lake Memphremagog, this property was re-designed in 2021 into a boutique hotel with contemporary decor and friendly, attentive service. Downtown Magog is 600m away.

Located in the magnificent Magog-Orford region, the Estrimont Suites & Spa hotel invites you to escape and enjoy the Scandinavian baths. Unwind in the relaxing pools, hot tubs, Finnish sauna and yurt; or pamper yourself with a massage.

This Relais & Chateaux property is one of the finest in Eastern Canada. Superior rooms are unique and have lakeside views and the restaurant is superb. Located 3 km outside the town of North Hatley.

Trip Reviews

“I most enjoyed spending time outdoors in nature walking with a long time friend. The meals we had were excellent and the people were super friendly. The scenery was beautiful.”

“Very accommodating owners at the hotels, nice updated digs, spotlessly clean. The area manager was more than excellent. He is efficient, friendly, personable and most accommodating. I think he has some good ideas about routes, length and timing based on his experience with Randonnee clients.”

“Great info about the areas. All B&B’s were fine. The Randonnee Tours service was great, very accommodating and helpful. We will travel with you again – we like what you offer.”

“The service provided by the area manager was excellent. The quality of the accommodation was excellent as were the breakfasts provided. The hosts were very friendly and helpful.”

“We loved the spa Eastman, even stayed and extra day. The area manager is wonderful, a real asset for Randonnee, He helped us with every phase of the tour, including customizing the last day to match my wife capacity. The central office staff was very helpful regarding our possible taking our dog along. An excellent job by all!”

“We found the area manager to be knowledgeable, friendly and extremely accommodating. As an example, he indulged our interests by stopping at a vineyard.”

“The inn keepers in North Hatley and Magog are fabulous; and the breakfasts, superb. The North Hatley B&B is especially wonderful with all its Scottish influence.”

“Our area manager Phillipe and his whole family (who assist him) were great… In fact this was a very people oriented trip and for that a pleasure. The hiking program was nicely balanced… We feel we saw and experienced quite a lot.”

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Eastern Townships

A trip through the Eastern Townships is a chance to appreciate lovely country landscapes and lakes like Massawippi, Memphrémagog and Des Nations. The region’s tourism routes take you through picture-postcard villages where fine foods and local products are offered on a silver platter. Tempted?

• Why you should go:  nature, foodies, historical
• Length of the trip: 3 days
• Distance: 366 km

Useful info

Highlights of this road trip.

• Abbaye de Saint-Benoit-du-Lac with cheese tasting
• The sweet fragrance of lavender fields at Bleu Lavande
• Antique dealers and century-old homes in North Hatley
• A tour of the old Capelton Mine
• A stroll through Sherbrooke to admire the trompe-l’œil murals

Trip itinerary

Montreal – Ayer’s Cliff – 190 km

• From Montreal, go east on Autoroute 10, then exit onto Route 245 and continue to the Abbaye de Saint-Benoit-du-Lac . You’ll get a “taste” of monastic life, in more ways than one: your tour ends with a mouth-watering stop in the boutique, with its selection of cheeses, sparkling cider, and spreads, all locally made with traditional methods (plan for 1 h 30).
• Are you a fan of natural soaps and body care products? Just a short drive up Chemin Nicholas-Austin, you’ll come to the Savon des Cantons Soap Factory and its boutique.
• From there, continue to Route 112, toward Magog, and stop for lunch and craft beers at Microbrasserie La Memphré . Afterward, go for a stroll (or a bike ride) in Parc de la Baie-de-Magog (Pointe Merry) , along the shore of Lake Memphrémagog. Keep admiring the lake as you drive along Route 247 South toward Fitch Bay and your next destination: Bleu Lavande . You can tour the lavender farm, or simply make a few purchases at the boutique while you take in the view (and the fragrance!).
• Get back on Route 247, then take Chemin de Fitch Bay, beside Lake Lovering, to Route 141. Just before you arrive in Ayer’s Cliff, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night, there’s a municipal rest stop with a fine view of Lake Massawippi .

Ayer’s Cliff – Sherbrooke – 42 km

• In the morning, we suggest a stroll along the shore of Lake Massawippi followed by a tour of the quaint village of Ayer’s Cliff , with its picturesque houses and churches dating from the 19th century.
• Take routes 208 and 143, followed by Chemin Sherbrooke, to North Hatley. This village, with its profusion of antique dealers , art galleries and shops , is an essential stop on any trip to the Eastern Townships. The perfect spot for lunch? The Pilsen Restaurant & Pub , in a late-19th-century building that was originally a horse-drawn-carriage factory, then a hardware store, a microbrewery, and finally a restaurant. Go for the décor, the menu, the ambience, and the idyllic lakeside setting.
• On the way to Sherbrooke via Route 108, stop at the old Mine Capelton . Go underground to explore the mine itself as well as its 150-year history (plan for 1 h 45). If you have time, take a side trip to Bishop’s University and admire the architecture of its two dozen campus buildings, most of which date from 1843.
• Continue on to Sherbrooke, where you’ll spend the night. Before or after your evening meal, make time for a stroll along the Sherbrooke Murals circuit : a true open-air art gallery.

Sherbrooke – Montreal – 134 km

• Time for some exercise before you hit the road! Walk along the shore of  lac des Nations to the Magog River gorge and back, then stop at the Marché de la Gare to stock up on regional products.
• You don’t want to leave town hungry, so grab a delicious lunch at the famous Auguste Restaurant.
• Take Route 112 West to Autoroute 10 and head back to Montreal.

Interested in this road trip?

See the TripTik

Food and lodging

It pays to be a CAA-Quebec member!

Enjoy savings at these establishments

• Auberge Ripplecove * in Ayer’s Cliff
• Hôtel Grand Times * in Sherbrooke
• Microbrasserie La Memphré in Magog
• Le Riverain in Ayer’s Cliff (AAA/CAA 4 Diamonds)
• The Pilsen Restaurant & Pub* in North Hatley
• Auguste Restaurant* in Sherbrooke

*CAA-recommended establishment

We can book your car and your hotels!

CONTACT a counsellor

CAA Plus RV option

A must for a successful holiday

Quebec- On the Trail of Louise Penny

Abbaye de Saint-Benoit du Lac

Exploring the Epic Sites That Created the Backdrop to

Louise penny’s captivating novels.

Award-winning Canadian author Louise Penny has captivated the world with her compelling mystery novels set primarily in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.  Her wildly popular books from the Three Pines series have consistently topped the New York Times bestseller lists and have been translated into 29 languages, selling more than 10 million copies worldwide.  Her recent collaboration co-authoring  State of Terror  with Hillary Rodham Clinton has cemented her as one of the mystery genre’s all-time greats, and this spring Travac wants to take you to the centre of her universe as we visit the idyllic real-life locations that inspire the settings to her novels.

Travac’s special three-day excursion will take you into the heart of the Eastern Townships and to the locations that have been immortalized by Penny and her brilliantly fashioned characters.  We will visit the Victorian village of Knowlton- the direct inspiration for Penny’s fictional village of Three Pines- with stops at Brome Lake Books and the Brome County Historical Society Museum where Jane’s painting from Still Life  is on display.  Your tour will continue with visits to many sites that are cherished parts of the fabric woven in Louise Penny’s novels, including (among others) Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac (the inspiration for Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups Abbey in  A Beautiful Mystery ), old Hadley House, and of course, Sarah’s Boulangerie.  We will also make stops at Elderberry Farm, Sherbrooke’s famous murals, and enjoy high tea- an Eastern Townships tradition that Penny and Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of Three Pines would no doubt appreciate.

Travac’s fabulous Louise Penny adventure will be very popular- early booking is essential.   Join us as we uncover the important settings that make Penny’s novels so endearing and the secrets behind them!

May 15-17, 2024

June 10-12, 2024

July 17-19, 2024

September 9-11, 2024

September 18-20, 2024

October 2-4, 2024

October 16-18, 2024

Tour Itinerary

This morning we will leave Ottawa and make our way towards the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Our first stop will be Vitality Elderberry Farm in Lac-Brome for a tasting of their delicious berries that are known for their health benefits. We will then make our way to Knowlton, a town known to Penny for its pastoral beauty and the inspiration for Three Pines in her books. While in Knowlton, your lunch will be included. After lunch, we will visit Brome Lake Books. This small village bookstore has all the trappings of an early 20th century building with bookcases filled with both hardcovers and paperbacks. You can even leave a message for Louise Penny in a book dedicated to this purpose. After your visit to the bookstore, you will take a short walk to the Brome County Historical Society Museum where you will find Jane’s painting from Still Life. After our visit to Knowlton, we will visit an award-winning winery, just outside of Magog, known particularly for its sparkling wines.

We will begin our day in Sherbrooke with a guided tour of the town and its famous murals. We will then make our way to the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre for high tea, a tradition Louise and Armand would appreciate. Housed in a Neo-Georgian residence built in 1862, Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre is a non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, the support, and diffusion of the cultural and heritage traditions of the Eastern Townships. This Centre is a favorite haunt for many in the region. After tea, we will visit La Station Fromagerie, winner of several regional, provincial, and national awards for their cheese made from organic raw cow’s milk. The cows feed on organic pastures that give their cheeses a very local flavour. Our last stop is Georgeville, where you can visit the General Store, the inspiration for Mr. Belliveau’s General Store, and St George’s Church, inspiration for St Thomas Church. You will also see the old Mansion House, the basis of “Hadley House” which figures prominently in Penny’s novel A Fatal Grace. The Old Mansion House was built in 1889 and once had the distinction of being Quebec’s oldest hotel in continuous operation. The house began its life as a coaching inn, serving travelers making their way from Montreal to Boston. Over the years, folklore has surrounded the house which Penny picks up in her novel.

Our final day begins with a journey to Sutton. On our way, we will stop at Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac. This abbey was the inspiration for Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups Abbey in A Beautiful Mystery. The abbey itself has a history that dates back to 1912. At the time of its construction, it was rather isolated, but in an incredibly beautiful locale. The Benedictine monks of the Saint-Benoit-du-Lac abbey are famous for and have been making cheeses since 1943. You will have the chance to tour the abbey and to purchase some of this incredible cheese.  Before we bid farewell to the world of Three Pines, you will also have a chance to visit the delicatessen (La Rumeur Affamée) on which Sarah’s Boulangerie was based.

We hope you will enjoy this tour into the world created by Louise Penny in her many Three Pines novels.

Itinerary subject to change.

Hotel Information

Otl gouverneur.

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