FROM MONTREAL TO NORTH HATLEY

Balnea Spa
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1. Before putting the car into drive, make sure you’ve got some good tunes handy such as Lissy Trullie’s Self Taught Learner and Phoenix’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. Don’t get too much in a zone though; luxury awaits you just over an hour away at the Balnea Spa in Lake Bromont. Located on a private nature reserve, the spa boasts Turkish baths, Finnish saunas and salt-water whirlpools. Ahhh, pure Zen.

Frelighsburg
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2. Next up is the picturesque village Frelighsburg, which happens to be nestled in an apple-growing valley. But, we’re not here for the fruit. Head straight for the Magasin General, home to rave-worthy maple syrup pies.

Hovey Manor
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3. Now for the Sideways portion of your trek, make a few stops along the wine route [laroutedevins.ca] – be sure to hit Domaine les Brome and Domaine Pinnacle. Pack your camera because these spots offer amazing views. And don’t forget to buy some cider to enjoy back at hotel (the Hovey Manor gets our pick for its lake-view balconies and five-star restaurant).

St. Benedict’s Abbey
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4. Not exactly a Thelma and Louise kind of journey, the next stop is a 1912 monastery, St. Benedict’s Abbey. The views are stunning, the architecture is breathtaking, but it’s the made-on-site blue cheese (l’Ermite) that might just push you over the edge.

Bleu Lavande
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5. To satisfy your love of kitsch, visit the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, which is divided by the U.S and Canadian boarder. Before leaving the area, stop by Bleu Lavande—the largest Canadian producer of this pretty plant—you’ll feel like Anne of Green Gables strolling through their fields. Checkout Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning with Barbara Hershey, Rachel Blanchard and Shirley MacLaine for some inspiration.
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