Knowlton and the Léon Courville Vineyard – Circling the Shore of Lake Brome
On the shores of glistening Lake Brome stands an old Loyalist village by the name of Knowlton. Founded by Loyalists escaping the Revolutionary War, they brought the charm of New England to Quebec’s pristine landscapes, resulting in a must see destination. Now tack on some vineyards and eastern Canada’s sublime fall foliage, and you have perfection!
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Table of Contents
Geography
Located in the western extent of the Eastern Townships, a region of South-East Quebec along the border with the united states. this maple covered area also happens to have wonderfully productive soil once cleared.
A Brief History
For more information on the history of the Eastern Townships please see my blog post on the region, here.
Exploring the Lake Brome Area
There is plenty to do in this region in any season! But for my own personal preference, summer is the best time to explore Brome.
Lake Brome
The beautiful lake, that has given name to the region, has a handful of wonderful beaches. This comes in handy after a day of hiking!
Ski Bromont
In winter this powder covered paradise offers more then 100 ski runs and plenty of hiking trails during the summer and fall months.
Knolton
The belle of the ball, this old Loyalist town is home to many impressive buildings. Founded as far back as 1802 by United Empire Loyalists from New England and New York, it was originally named Coldbrook after the watercourse that runs through the village.
The village grew in importance, and by 1855 it become the county seat of Brome County. This new stature is reflected in some of the downtown buildings such as the handsome Old Court House and Registry Office of Brome County. This Greek revival is now part of the Brome museum complex and its interior can be visited.
Across the street you will find the old town hall, built of masonry.
As well as St Paul’s Anglican Church, a stone structure that is typically English in character.
Behind the courthouse off of St. Paul street you will find Brome’s best attraction, the Brome County museum. First established in 1897 as the Brome Historic Society, it is an outdoor open air museum consisting of several buildings with interior displays.
The main building is the memorial hall donated by Paul Knowlton, that once served as the high school. It dates from 1854.
Both inside and outside of the buildings you will find displays on the regions history, from the time of the First Nations people until today!
The complex includes the 1815 wood structure constructed by Paul Holland that signalled the start of the settlement.
While out front you will find a building housing the tourism office and the location where you can buy tickets from the museums interior displays.
One of the fun facts I learned about the town is that it was in fact the location of Canada’s first prohibition legislation, the Dunkin Act, a fountain having been erected in his honour in 1896. The irony is that the passing of the Volstead Act south of the border turned this region of Quebec into a smugger paradise, giving rise to famed hillside passages in Vermont such as Smugglers Notch due south of Knowlton.
Many of the businesses are located at the interchange of Knowlton and Lakeside Road. The funny thing about this town is that it is so small that it feel more like a little country hamlet, lending to its charm.
One of the iconic buildings in this section of the town is the old library. Built in 1893, it is dedicated to a former member of parliament from the region.
At the intersection itself you will find the old Knolton Inn from 1849. Its front sports an iconic multi story balcony. This building is actually the oldest inn in the Eastern Townships!
Near the march off Knowlton Road you will find a pretty masonry building owned by the United Church Of Canada, this is again a testament to its anglophone charecter.
Finally if you are hungry, you will need to stop by the lively Knowlton Pub, and its charming patio!
Léon Courville Vineyard
This vineyard located to the east of the town of Knowlton was founded by the ex-ceo of the Bank of Canada and it shows! This tastefully decorated property, and barn like sales house is a delight to visit.
It does not hurt that the wine is bloody delicious!
From the heights of the property you can explore the vineyard or take in your purchase of a bottle while looking out at Lake Brome and the surrounding mountains.
Conclusion
Best explored in the summer or early fall, Broome is a wonderful destination for those off all ages. From its historic loyalist foundations, rum running history to its wineries and outdoor activities there really is something for everyone.
