AUBERGE WEST BROME, QUEBEC – I first visited the Eastern Townships of Quebec 10 or 12 years ago.
I instantly fell in love with the rolling hills and the welcoming locals, not to mention the pretty villages like Sutton and North Hatley, and the amazing food. I’ve been back several times since, and I’ve enjoyed myself immensely every time.
This past visit was, unfortunately, just an overnight stay. But it was at one of my fave places in Canada; Auberge West Brome. Located a few minutes from both Sutton and Knowlton (Lac Brome), the property sits in a pretty valley and is dotted with sunny, yellow wooden buildings. The surroundings are both beautiful and tranquil.
Luscious scenery around Auberge West Brome in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Jim Byers Photo
This time we had room 215, which was enormous. There was a king-size bed, a dining table, a working desk, a very large screen tv, and a kitchen with a coffee maker, refrigerator and more. We had a nice deck overlooking a pretty meadow, and a huge bathroom with a big tub.
I think we stayed in the same building in 2022, when our daughter-in-law’s sister got married in a lovely, outdoor setting at the hotel. We didn’t have time, but there’s a nice indoor pool steps away from Building 2.
As much as I love the rooms and the surroundings, I think I like the food here even more. This time we stopped run for dinner, dining on black sea bass on a bed of couscous mixed with beets as well as duck confit on a bed of pappardelle pasta with mushrooms. It might have been the best pasta dish I’ve ever had, and I’ve been all over Italy. Simply incredible.
Duck confit and pasta with mushrooms at Auberge West Brome. Jim Byers Photo
We also enjoyed a very good kale salad with local peaches, a perfect apple tart for dessert, and a couple nice glasses of French wine, including a Sancerre rose.
Breakfast is just as impressive as dinner, with a buffet that includes croissants, eggs, crepes, yogurt, sausage, toast, and some of the best cheese I’ve ever sampled. They make wonderful cheese in this part of Quebec, and the selection at Auberge West Brome is always terrific.
They’ve redone the dining room in shades of dark green, and there’s a new roof over the outdoor terrace. Both areas look lovely.
Auberge West Brome in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Jim Byers Photo
Sutton, perhaps the most attractive town in the townships, is only about 10 minutes away, and Knowlton/Lac-Brome, which looks increasingly prosperous these days, is less than 15 minutes by car. Auberge West Brome is roughly 75 minutes from Montreal.
It’s a wonderful area for a quiet drive, and also very popular with cyclists.
