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.

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.