We might be a tad biased, but there’s nothing quite as magical as Brome Lake in the fall. A horizon dotted with multicoloured mountains, vineyards ripe with fruit, and village streets steeped in history. Located approximately 1h15 from Montreal in the Eastern Townships, every season casts Brome Lake in a distinctly charming light.
From September to November, Brome Lake is all about warmth, vibrance, and cozyness.
Is it even fall if you’re not strolling around with a coffee? Options abound in Brome Lake! Swing by Virgin Hill roastery for a local brew or one of their decadent seasonal creations. Stop at Raffields Centrale café for some of their delightful pastries and crepes, or La Pantry to grab a sandwich and stock up on local goods for the road. We also recommend trying the latest from Montreal’s Caron & Frères café, which opens its doors at the end of September.
If there’s one weekend to mark on your calendar, it’s this one! The inaugural Les Friands festival will bring winemakers, brewers, roasters, and other local producers together for a family-friendly gourmet celebration. For the adults: tastings, local art, and other wonders await. And for the kids: a mini-farm, alpacas, mini-putt, and inflatable games will keep them entertained. All of this will be taking place in Coldbrook Park, a charming green space nestled between Mill Pond and Coldbrook stream.
Whether you’re travelling on two wheels or four, the Eastern Townships’ wine route around Brome Lake is especially breathtaking during the grape harvest. Make a stop at Léon Courville, an estate with panoramic views of the Brome Lake valley that offers a guided tour of its expansive 80,000-vine vineyard. Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery with a nice bottle. Then, venture further to the renowned Val Brome estate, a well-loved vineyard and cidery. Just a stone’s throw away, 1km from the heart of Knowlton village, you’ll find Sugar Hill: a mountainside vineyard where you can sample a selection of nearly fifteen wines in its boutique.
Stretching over 11.5km, the Lac-Brome Path is a must-visit; follow its lead through a series of enchanting forests and wildlife reserves. Make sure to stop at Douglass Beach and the two Trestle Bay footbridges to admire panoramic views of the lake and its stunning autumn landscape.
There are a variety of roads suited for both gravel and road biking, so you can choose your own adventure!
Brome Lake has an unbeatable artistic and craft scene! Ceramicists, painters, glassblowers, sculptors, and weavers have all set up shop in the village, not to mention tons of antique dealers and local decor shops. You can find some of our favourite spots here.
Located in the heart of the village in a heritage stone building, the Sapin Bistro du Lac offers a seasonal menu that’s heavily inspired by local products. Ask for a table near the windows to admire the stream winding around the foot of the building. For fans of thin crust pizza and craft beer, Knowlton Co.’s reputation speaks for itself – it’s the perfect spot for a post-bike board game night. Craving a unique experience? Head to Chez moi, Chez toi for some Indian food. Don’t be fooled by its rustic exterior: on the inside, it’s buzzing with vibrant decor and dishes that are finger-licking good. We recommend the thalis, so you can taste a bit of everything!
So – where will you be going next?