The Three Pines – Spring Departure

Spring is in full bloom in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, which is one of the most featured seasons of Louise Penny’s beloved novels.

Join us on this unforgettable tour where we will step into the landscapes and stories that inspired the award-winning novels of Inspector Armand Gamache, Louise Penny’s central protagonist. These charming villages include Georgeville, Knowlton, Stanstead, Sherbrooke, and Magog, while staying at Manoir des Sables, your home for the duration of the tour. Enjoy guided visits to iconic locations such as St. Thomas Church, Mr. Beliveau’s General Store, and the unique Haskell Opera House on the Canadian border. Discover Manoir Bellechasse, the inspiration for Murder Stone, and visit Abbey Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups on Lake Memphremagog, the inspiration for A Beautiful Mystery, with time to explore the boutique and sample their award-winning cheeses. You’ll even spend time in the heart of Three Pines in Knowlton, browse local shops and enjoy included meals at renowned local eateries. This is the Ultimate Louise Penny experience!

This is an active tour and is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Please note that it is not endorsed by Louise Penny and does not include any meet-and-greet or personal interaction with the author.

Day 1: Depart for Quebec’s Eastern Townships (D)

In the morning, you’ll meet our coach at your designated pick-up locations and depart for Quebec’s Eastern Townships, the landscapes that inspired Louise Penny’s beloved Three Pines novels. We’ll arrive at Manoir des Sables, our home for the duration of the tour. This incredible hotel offers a serene setting with views of Mount Orford and a private lake. Guests may enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including pools, dining venues, spa, golf course, and more. Later we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: The Three Pines Day Tour & Abbey Saint-Gilbert (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we begin our guided Three Pines tour. We’ll visit Georgeville, including St. Thomas Church and Mr. Beliveau’s General Store, followed by Stanstead for a tour of the Haskell Opera House, uniquely located on the Canadian border and featured in The Black Wolf. We’ll continue to Manoir Bellechasse, the inspiration for Murder Stone, where we enjoy an included group lunch. In the afternoon, we visit Abbey Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups on Lake Memphremagog, the inspiration for A Beautiful Mystery, with an audio-guided tour and time to visit the abbey boutique. Then we’ll return to Manoir des Sables for dinner.

Day 3: Knowlton – The Heart of The Three Pines (B, L, D)

Following our breakfast, we’ll travel to Knowlton – the heart of Three Pines. Visits include the local museum and bookstore, along with time to explore the village. Lunch is included at Auberge West Brome, followed by free time to discover historic buildings and notable locations from the novels. Afterwards we’ll return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 4: Magog & Sherbrooke (B)

After breakfast, we’ll visit Magog for a unique tour of the city. We will meet characters in Victorian costumes give us a personal tour of the city and an up-close guided tour of the exhibitions that will give you a glimpse into the history of Quebec. The tour is then followed by a social tea with sweet bites, and then time to enjoy the scenery and gift shop. Later, we’ll travel to Sherbrooke, the capital of the Eastern Townships, where we will have a walking tour of the many murals that shine as a creative story of Sherbrooke’s history. Enjoy dinner on your own and time to explore the waterfront and town centre of Sherbrooke before returning to the hotel.

Day 5: Winery Tour, Brockville & Return Home (B/L)

Once breakfast has finished, our first stop is at Le Vignoble du Russeau winery for a tour, tasting, and lunch. Afterwards, we will make our way east and stop in Brockville. You’ll have free time to explore Brockville and can even visit the popular Brockville Tunnel! Then you’ll be dropped off at your designated location and bid you farewell.

** Photos courtesy of Bonjour Quebec, Jean-Francois Hamelin & Mathieu Dupuis