QUÉBEC

Knowlton

Home to Canadian author Louise Penny, Knowlton also provides the main inspiration for her 18 novels. This quaint, historic, town in the Québec Eastern Townships was founded in 1855 and is a well-preserved Victorian village. With a population of only 5,600, it maintains its charm with both English and French traditions.

The “Three Pines” Perspective

There is nothing like visiting the setting of a familiar story.  Here, in the Québec Eastern Townships, become immersed in the places described in the beloved Louise Penny mystery novels. Your guide, a local raconteur, well-versed in the people and places from the Gamache series, will acquaint you with the nooks and crannies of towns that are featured in the books, bringing the stories to life. After this trip, you will want to read, or re-read, these intriguing mystery novels! 

North Hatley

Founded in 1897, the village of North Hatley is known as one of the most beautiful small towns in Québec. Its landscapes offer breathtaking views, and much of its architectural heritage in the form of century-old homes have been transformed into charming inns and restaurants.

Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac

This Benedictine community was founded by monks from France who, in 1912, purchased this agricultural property on the west shore of Lake Memphrémagog.  Overlooking this pristine lake, surrounded by mountains and an apple orchard, Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac is a perfectly serene and peaceful site for the abbey’s residents, and the inspiration for the novel “The Beautiful Mystery”.  In the book, a monk is murdered and Chief Inspector Gamache uses his wisdom and sensitivity to solve the mystery.  In real life, the abbey is a living community, and the products crafted here support the monastic life, maintaining this unique heritage. Learn about monastic life, and their cheese and cider-making businesses, and witness the Benedictine monks chanting, as they have done for centuries.

Lac-Brome Museum

Relive the past of Knowlton, the historic heart of Brome Lake, and discover the life and culture of the inhabitants of the region during the 19th century. The Lac-Brome Museum is comprised of several heritage buildings including the old courthouse, the former fire station, The Children’s Museum, The War Museum, and the log home of Paul Holland Knowlton, founder of the village. The museum is maintained by the Brome County Historical Society.

Manoir Hovey, North Hatley

Providing the inspiration for Manoir Bellechasse in “The Murder Stone”, Manoir Hovey is a luxury manor with a timeless, almost magical character. Designed in 1900, based on George Washington’s Mount Vernon summer home, Manoir Hovey marries elegant, authentic architecture with contemporary service in an idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Massawippi. Stepping from the Tap Room onto the terrace, visitors will quickly see why it was an inspirational location for the fictional murder!

Old Montréal

Dating back to the 17th century and spanning several blocks near the St. Lawrence River, Old Montreal is loaded with charm and full of surprises! Become acquainted with landmarks such as the Notre Dame Basilica, the Place d’Armes public square, and the Pointe-à-Callière museum with city archeological ruins. Wander the cobblestone streets to find galleries, museums, patisseries, and charming boutiques. 

Explore The Area Around Three Pines

The fictional village of Three Pines, from Louise Penny’s signature Inspector Gamache mystery novels, does not exist as one distinct town to visit. It is possible to experience the well-known places such as the Manoir Hovey in lovely North Hatley, and Boulangerie Sara because Three Pines is a compilation of numerous places in the Québec Eastern Townships. 

Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac 

The setting for “The Beautiful Mystery”, Saint-Gilbert-Entre-Les-Loups monastery, is based on this beautiful abbey.   

A Delightful Getaway!

This is your opportunity to be whisked away from the ordinary and be immersed in a picturesque setting from a bygone era. Enjoy the lovely countryside of rural Québec, bringing a friend or fellow book club members to indulge in a few days of stress-free leisure. 

Free time in Old Montréal

Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and explore the historical architecture, visit the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica, or get immersed in the museums, art galleries and boutiques.

• Private coach transportation
• Our unique Connections Program
• 3 nights of accommodation
• 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
• Sights and locations portrayed in Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache novels
• Local professional guides, knowledgeable raconteur, and all entry fees
• Services of a Professional Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include all applicable taxes

Included Highlights

• Guided tour of the region with local raconteur and “Three Pines” expert
• Guided tour of Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac
• Guided visits to historic towns such as Knowlton, Magog and North Hatley to see their contributions to the “Three Pines” lore
• Lac-Brome Museum
• Visit Manoir Hovey, the inspiration for “Manoir Bellechasse”
• Free time in Old Montréal

Day 1: Travel to Québec Eastern Townships

Enjoy the passing scenery as we leave Ontario and head east towards the Eastern Townships of Québec. Arrive at our accommodations and feel free to unpack and settle in, since we’ll be staying here for three nights. Timing will allow you to become acquainted with the resort, walk the grounds or simply rest and freshen up after the day’s journey. Join fellow travellers and Chief Inspector Gamache fans for a welcome dinner.

Stay: Hôtel Chéribourg, Orford, QC 

Nights: 3

Meals: D

Day 2: Three Pines Exploring - The Abbey and The Manor

After an enjoyable breakfast at the hotel, board the motorcoach and take a short drive through some lovely countryside to “Saint-Gilbert-Entre-Les-Loups” (Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac), the fictional abbey setting for the book, “The Beautiful Mystery”. A private tour will introduce us to the lives of past and current monks and includes a visit to their boutique showcasing their award-winning cheese.  Our raconteur will link aspects of the abbey to the novel, bringing the story to life. Lunch will be enjoyed at the upscale Manoir Hovey in the quaint town of North Hatley, the location inspiration for “The Murder Stone”.  This manor is the place Armand and Reine-Marie go each year for their anniversary and is seen in the Three Pines video series. After enjoying the beautiful grounds of this manor, referred to as “Manoir Bellechasse” in the novels, embark on an afternoon program that visits additional locations that combine to create Three Pines as described in the book, “The Cruelest Month”.

Meals: B, L

Day 3: Three Pines Exploring 2:  Knowlton and area

A gem of the Eastern Townships, this town of Knowlton is known as the heart of Three Pines and is also the home of the author Louise Penny. With a population of only 5,600, it maintains its charm with both English and French traditions. Knowlton inspired “Still Life” (book 1), and “How The Light Gets In”. Visit the Lac-Brome Museum. Our local raconteur will provide context, connecting the local geography to Three Pines.  After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore Knowlton’s boutique shops, and then it’s back aboard the coach to visit a few more places of interest with contributions to the Three Pines businesses and characters.  Dinner at the hotel provides another opportunity to share your favourite insights and observations.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Old Montréal, then homeward

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our journey westward. We’ll stop in Old Montréal, with free time to explore and wander the old streets with its many historic sites and shops. Lunch will be on your own at one of many restaurants and cafés, then the journey continues homeward, eager to crack open our Chief Inspector Gamache novels with new insight into the characters and the village called “Three Pines.”

Meals: B

Hôtel Chéribourg, Orford, QC (3 nights)

Awaken your senses by experiencing an unforgettable stay at this upscale resort located at the foot of Mont Orford. Hôtel Chéribourg features an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness centre, and a newly renovated spa.

This 4-day motorcoach tour follows pickup route C1, and includes our unique Connections Program. The pickup locations are:

• Brampton
• Markham
• Whitby
• Bowmanville
• Port Hope
• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Cobourg
• Trenton
• Belleville
• Napanee
• Kingston

We recommend comfortable rubber-soled shoes for the walking tours of the sights.

If you would truly like to indulge, spa services are available at the resorts, and should likely be arranged in advance.

Who is Louise Penny?  Do I need to have read the books?

For those unfamiliar, she is the Canadian author of the award-winning, bestselling series of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache mysteries. In 2017, she received the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canadian culture. A mini-series, Three Pines, based on the books, is available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video. The Chief Inspector Gamache series novels presently total 18 books, translated into 29 languages, and are read by fans around the world.

While knowledge of the mystery novels will provide an added dimension to the experience, prior reading of the books is not necessary. This short tour exploring scenic Québec Eastern Townships, becoming acquainted with its history and English-French culture makes a lovely getaway.