Would you be surprised to learn that Canada’s crime capital is in the heart of cottage country? Well, it is—if you count fictional destinations.
“Three Pines” is a gorgeous, secluded village that generates much of the murder and mayhem that Inspector Gamache must contend with in Louise Penny’s novels. It’s home to a cozy bookshop, snug cafes serving up flaky pain au chocolat—and no shortage of trouble. Penny’s writing was inspired by the village of Knowlton, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, and visitors will discover that it’s every bit as charming as Three Pines, albeit with a much lower crime rate!
Knowlton is about 90 minutes east of Montreal and 60 minutes west of Sherbrooke. It’s one of seven villages in the Town of Brome Lake (Ville de Lac-Brome), which was founded by New England Loyalists in 1802 and retains its Anglophone heritage today. Whether you’re a mega-fan of Louise Penny’s work or simply want a mini-getaway, here’s what you should check out in Knowlton and the surrounding area.
Brome Lake Books
In Penny’s fictional Three Pines, Myrna’s bookshop is a source of endless coziness, and Brome Lake Books is the same. This sunny spot has an excellent selection of books, gifts, and cottage-friendly treats (including fun mugs and bespoke coffee blends inspired by Penny’s main characters). There’s locally made pottery, cute decor items, and a well-curated children’s area. Brome Lake Books does a wonderful job offering Three Pines-related content without it overtaking the entire shop. Before you leave, add a pin to the world map which tracks how far Penny-fans have travelled to visit Knowlton.
Auberge Knowlton and Le Relais restaurant-bistro
Any fan of Penny’s work knows that heavenly food is as much a part of the plot as devilish behaviour. While no single Knowlton establishment is acknowledged as the main inspiration for Oliver and Gabri’s bistro and inn, Auberge Knowlton could easily be the muse. Built in 1849, it is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the Eastern Townships. Just like its fictional counterpart, it is filled with antiques and offers novel-worthy maple syrup tarts, seafood pasta, and French onion soup at its in-house restaurant, Le Relais.
La Rumeur Affamée
Just a short drive from Knowlton in the village of Sutton sits La Rumeur Affamee, a mouthwatering old-fashioned bakery. Could this be the inspiration for Sarah’s Boulangerie? Three Pine’s fictional bakery hasn’t seen any crime (yet!), but its famous baguettes appear in just about every book. This is the perfect place to stock up on yummy picnic fare for exploring the region.
Douglass Beach
If the residents of Three Pines invited you out for a day on the lake, you might have a reason for concern (after all, this is where a sneaky electrocution occurred in Penny’s A Fatal Grace). But Knowlton’s real Douglass Beach is gorgeous and family-friendly year round, perfect for winter skating and summer swims.
Studio-Galerie France Clavet and Galerie Blanka
Art plays a significant role in Louise Penny’s books. While many Three Pines art studios are set in private homes, plenty of public artistic experiences await a visitor to Knowlton. Studio-Galerie France Clavet and Galerie Blanka are two galleries well worth checking out.
Lac-Brome Path
In Three Pines, there always seems to be trouble brewing in the woodland paths around the village, but in Knowlton, plenty of serene hiking is available. Start with the Lac-Brome Path. This 11.km linear trail connects downtown, the lakeshore, the Quilliams-Durrell Reserve, and a viewpoint at Trestle Cove.
La Knowlton Co
Established in 2019, La Knowlton Co hasn’t appeared in any Louise Penny book yet, but we predict that will change. The modern brewery on the outskirts of town is a warm, friendly space that serves fiery wings, juicy smash burgers, savoury homemade pizza made with a 72-hour fermented sourdough crust, as well as a long list of classic and creative beers. You can’t help but imagine characters like Ruth getting in trouble by not paying her tab while Clara works on a mural next to the patio.
Want to see even more of the iconic spots that inspired Louise Penny, including a nearby monastery, a resort, and a general store? You can participate in a Three Pines tour! The only trouble you’ll find is the good kind when you pause for some wine and cheese.
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