Step back in time at Manoir Hovey on the shores of Lake Massawippi. For Canadian travellers looking for a summer (or winter, if you’re planning ahead!) holiday at a historic town and country estate—this jewel in the Eastern Townships of Quebec is a must.

Take a kayak for a paddle around the lake after mastering your backhand during a private tennis lesson at the clay court. Or take your morning coffee to a seat in the garden overlooking the lake and simply bask in taking it all in.

Spend your afternoons exploring the region known for its agrotourism and cultural sites. One day on the “Cheese maker’s circuit” will have you enjoying curds, raw milk, sheep and goat cheeses while discovering the stories behind each local cheesemaker’s fine products. Another day you can visit the nearby Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac—a monastery beautifully built by Benedictine monks from France with multicoloured bricks and granite overlooking Lake Memphremagog. The abbey offers guided tours and walking trails and, if it’s the right season, apple picking in the orchard! Like all Relais and Chateaux properties, Manoir Hovey has a concierge to answer your questions, provide recommendations and make reservations for your visit.

Back at Manoir Hovey, enjoy an “Ode to Quebec” at Le Hatley Restaurant, the estate’s fine dining establishment. Chef Alexandre Vachon draws from his French Canadian roots to proudly celebrate ingredients grown in this bountiful region and creates illustrious menus based on the season. Le Tap Room Restaurant is also on site and offers a slightly more casual environment with a summertime terrace and an enormous brick fireplace to enjoy their signature Abenaki poutine by.

Alongside our nomination at the Wickaninnish Inn, Manoir Hovey was another Relais and Chateaux property to earn a “Top 3” in Canada spot in this year’s Travel and Leisure Awards, and also a spot in the World’s Top 100! We are so grateful to have received this award. Thank you to everyone who voted for us and for Manoir Hovey; it’s a testament to the calibre of properties in the Relais and Chateaux family as well as the incredible experiences Canada offers.