Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin La Maison Lavande Paul Allen/Andfotography2 If you’re keen to add a countryside excursion to your Montreal city break, the Laurentians , just north of the city, is 22,000 square kilometers of pure delight that includes 9012 lakes, 103 rivers and 2 national parks. The region is popular for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking, biking and swimming in the summer. The lower Laurentian area, an hour of so from Montreal, is where you’ll find local producers and artisans in a lovely rural setting.
Abbaye d'Oka, Oka Abbaye Paul Allen/ Andfotography2 Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka is a former Cistercian monks' abbey founded in the late 19th century. Today it’s a quirky lodging with simple guest rooms and is often used as a film and TV location. The tranquil location and pretty gardens, with walks nearby, make it an ideal getaway.
Or simply stop by for a tour of the vast premises and buy some of the famous Oka cheese that was produced by the monks for over a century. Also on site is the The Sacred Bistro, where you can sample the famous Quebecois dish poutine, cheese and gravy covered frites. Here of course it’s made with the local Oka cheese.
Domaine Lafrance, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac Lafrance Cider distillery, Quebec Paul Allen/ Andfotography2 For the past twenty years, Domaine Lafrance has been producing a wide selection of delicious artisanal ciders and spirits. Located in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, in the Lower Laurentia.
