The Best of the Eastern Townships

There is something fundamentally different in the air of this Eastern Townships winery—something I couldn’t quite grasp but that made me want to stay forever. The winery, which specializes in ice wines and ciders, was founded a few years ago by three young, passionate investors and lifelong friends, and it has since received immense praise, both from its clientele and the wine industry. For me, I think the setting is what sets it apart from other wineries. A charming bright-red barn overlooks acres of dense forest and rolling hills.

Visitors coming to Montreal in the fall should expect two things: incredibly colorful foliage and an abundance of apples. Although Montreal is a big city, nature is never far away. Indeed, the Mont Saint-Bruno National Park is just a half-hour ride from the island, and it offers plenty to do on a sunny day—like hiking, cycling, and apple picking. The orchard is not only incredibly beautiful to wander in, but it also has a nice on-site coffee shop, with a dessert menu offering all things apple. Open late August to mid-October.

Few places so close to Montreal can boast as many hiking options as the Eastern Townships. The numbers really do speak for themselves: Between the 25 summits (that’s a euphemism—they’re only just over 1,000 meters high), the 4 national parks, and the 500-plus kilometers of hiking trails, just about anyone can create his own day trip itinerary, perhaps with a few winery stops along the way. I think autumn and winter are best, when the scenery is the most striking. There are even showshoes available for rent. And, Mont-Mégantic is the most famous star-gazing site in the country, with a dedicated center and scientific classes.