A lotus-eater’s guide to the Eastern Townships: Where to stay

It takes little more than a drive through the Eastern Townships to see how active it can be: Its sloping roads will often see as many tire treads from cars filled with hikers, skiers and snowboarders bound for its parallel hill ranges, mountains, and valleys as it will cyclists.

If you’re one of them: This isn’t the guide for you.

This guide is for those looking for the easy way out, a lazy escape into the full-to-overflowing landscape of farmland, vineyards, breweries, restaurants, and cafés in the Eastern Townships.

If you’re looking for a place to spend the slowest of mornings sweeping pastry crumbs off bedsheets before driving out to a lake, just to lie in the grass until a lunch reservation? Followed by some wine or beer before hitting up your next reservation? And pulling over on the side of the road to get some stargazing in before calling it a night? 

You’re in the right place.

Where to stay in the Eastern Townships

Stillwaters

Offering two unique properties, Stillwaters has made a point of taking the vernacular architecture of the Eastern Townships and infusing them with modern touches and luxuries. With easy check-in, it’s a place to easily laze about without being disturbing, and setting up a homebase for a long stay in the region.

There’s the secluded, apartment-like stay at the restored 19th-century heritage building of Knowlton— ideal for couples or small groups—which places guests in close proximity with the easy-going town.

Then there’s the Dunham location, where guests can either book a room of the main house dating back to 1842 or the studio that’s neighboured by fruit trees: Perfect for families or groups, it features four bedrooms, a 50-foot pool, and plenty of space to host events like anniversaries or gatherings.

Both are decorated by incorporating local craftsmanship, like custom-made tables and vintage furniture as well as selections from nearby antique shops and Canadian artwork.

“Each address is historic with its own unique design—one features original brickwork, while the other has 200-year-old stonework—but both hold so much history and character,” says Stillwaters owner Richard Btaiche.

“At the same time, we’ve added modern touches, like excellent Wi-Fi and comfortable amenities, to create a seamless experience. The goal was to capture the essence of a European boutique retreat—making you feel like you’ve travelled far, even though you’re just an hour away from the city,” Btaiche adds.

Pinôt Boutique Hôtel

Pinôt Boutique Hôtel reimagines the turn-of-the-century Queen Anne-style Maison Tartre as a refined yet approachable gîte in the Eastern Townships. Created by hospitality veterans Véronique Lacoursière and Florence Pelland-Goyer, this intimate hotel balances heritage charm with contemporary sophistication, offering a serene getaway just 90 minutes from Montreal.

Set on Sutton’s main road, the property’s five rooms blend high-thread-count linens, spa showers, and plush bedding with monogrammed touches. From the cozy Classic rooms to the expansive Grande Suite under the eaves—with its soaking tub and panoramic views—every corner reflects the owners’ passion for curated comfort.

Inspired by boutique hotels in Portugal, she and Pelland-Goyer infused the house with warm, personal service and carefully chosen décor. Local craftsmanship shines in the custom-made tables and antique furnishings, paired with soft textiles.

Guests can gather around the farmhouse table in the pale-yellow dining room for a generous breakfast, retreat to the veranda overlooking the expansive garden, or lounge by the fire pit with a glass of Pinot Noir—Pelland-Goyer’s favourite wine and the hotel’s namesake. For added indulgence, in-room massages and facials can be arranged with trusted local practitioners.

La Cecil House

Set along the banks of the Rivière aux Brochets in the historic village of Stanbridge East, La Cecil House is a boutique inn that combines vintage charm with modern comforts. Partnered with Espace Old Mill, it offers proximity to one of the region’s finest farm-to-table dining experiences. 

With its four elegantly curated rooms and one spacious suite, La Cecil House caters to a range of visitors. Each room is appointed with queen beds dressed in high-quality linens, newly renovated private bathrooms, and vintage touches sourced from local antique shops. The suite, designed for extended stays or small groups, features garden views, a private kitchenette, and a living area complete with books, games, and a Smart TV—perfect for rainy days.

Whether picnicking at riverside tables or indulging in a meal at the farm’s gourmet restaurant, the partnership adds a unique culinary dimension to any visit. For those seeking relaxation, the covered front gallery offers a peaceful spot to sip coffee, while the sound of the nearby waterfall sets the tone for tranquil evenings.

Les Soeurs Racines

Le Gîte at Les Sœurs Racines offers a unique blend of agrotourism and warm hospitality: Hidden in Brome-Missisquoi, it’s a spacious countryside retreat designed for relaxation, reconnection, and a taste of rural living—all while offering the modern comforts and thoughtful amenities of great food and greater wine.

The house accommodates up to eight guests across three bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. Fully equipped for more culinary adventures and moments of quiet reprieve, its space invites visitors to settle in for either feasts prepared with fresh farm produce or more tranquil evenings spent unwinding. 

Outdoors, Le Gîte’s extensive grounds offer 5 km of forest trails, a sprawling summer garden, and amenities like a pool and outdoor spa. Guests can eat up fresh eggs and other farm-raised goods—pork, chicken, veal, and garlic are all available upon request. The space is shared with the resident hosts, who live in the adjacent house and are often working outdoors. More ambitious lotus-eaters who are curious about the workings of the farm are welcome to join in and learn.

There is, of course, a curated selection of bottles always on hand for wine lovers—simply reach out when booking to reserve a taste.

Hayfield Farm

On the serene landscape of Saint-Armand, just minutes from the Vermont border, Hayfield Farm Cottage provides a perfect escape for bon vivants. 

Located on ex-Joe Beef chef David McMillan family’s working vineyard, this thoughtfully designed cottage offers a blend of rusticity and modern convenience, making it an ideal destination for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those in need of a quiet getaway.

The cottage is a fully independent, tastefully furnished apartment adjacent to the hosts’ home. Inside, a chef-grade kitchen awaits, complete with a wood oven for preparing meals to enjoy on the terrace overlooking the greenery and the farm’s chickens.

Guests consistently rave about the thoughtful touches that elevate their stay—fresh farm eggs, seasonal vegetables, and cocktail ingredients provided by the host. The cottage’s design reflects a French farmhouse aesthetic, with elevated kitchenware, unique art, and decor that feels both sophisticated and homey. Outside, the farm’s grounds offer plenty to explore, including a small pond perfect for a refreshing dip, vineyard paths for an evening stroll, and a cozy table among the vines for sunset apéros.

Situated an hour from both Montreal and Burlington, the cottage is perfectly positioned for exploring nearby wineries, gourmet restaurants, and local markets.

Manoir Hovey

Along the shores of Lake Massawippi, Manoir Hovey provides the most luxurious of stays with a curated experience: Quiet elegance, connection to nature, and culinary excellence spread across 35 acres of rolling greenery and forested tranquility.

This Relais & Châteaux property offers both a haven for relaxation: Originally built in 1900 as a summer home inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Manoir Hovey’s steadily evolved over the years into one of Canada’s premier luxury resorts. The property’s timeless charm found in features like manicured gardens and serene lakeside vistas begets a slower pace of life. 

Intimate suites and private cottages feature nature-inspired interiors and thoughtful touches for personal and restorative stays. But at the heart of Manoir Hovey is Le Hatley Restaurant, where chef Alexandre Vachon’s sprawling tasting menus make you feel punch-drunk with satisfaction. For a more casual experience, Le Tap Room serves elevated comfort food, like beef bourguignon and regional Abenaki poutine, accompanied by a stellar wine list.