Destinations Archives

Checking In: Union Hotel Toronto

November 4, 2025

A stylish boutique stay steps from Union Station brings art, design and a touch of literary flair to the city’s core.

Tucked inside a restored heritage building on York Street, Union Hotel Toronto feels like the kind of downtown stay Toronto’s been missing—creative, comfortable and just the right amount of cool. With 189 rooms, a café-lounge that hums from morning to night, and design rooted in local makers, it’s a modern nod to the city’s artsy side.

The vibe is easy-going yet polished with warm lighting, mid-century oak furniture, soft neutrals and pops of colour from Canadian artwork. The lobby has plenty of seating, and a suspended fireplace adds a sleek and cozy touch. Every room features original pieces that tell a bit of the city’s story: Emily May Rose’s cheeky raccoons, Victoria Day’s train-station homage and Hello Kirsten’s vibrant nod to the neighbourhood’s textile roots. Together, they make the place feel less like a hotel and more like a cool friend’s apartment.

Rooms come in four styles—Chic, Groovy, Swanky and the Posh Suite—each with small but thoughtful touches: Routine amenities, Fellow kettles for your tea ritual, and Loftie sound machines that help you drift off after a night in the city. Local studio Whence co-designed many of the in-room details, while circular-design pieces by Cyrc (soap dishes, trays and tissue boxes) keep sustainability in the mix.

Downstairs, Humble Donkey anchors the lobby and doubles as a great coworking space. By day, it’s fuelled by Sam James Coffee Bar espresso and Circles and Squares Bakery; by night, when the lights dim, flatbreads and martinis appear on the menu. Upstairs, there’s The 6ix, a flexible social space with a courtyard for events.

A literary twist gives the stay extra heart: every room includes a Giller Prize–listed or winning book, with a mini CanLit library waiting by the front desk. And don’t check out without browsing the lobby’s UH Marketplace, where you can grab locally made souvenirs like an upcycled denim tote by designer Gino Marocco.

Union Hotel Toronto manages to be central but not basic. It’s a stylish, quietly playful stay that celebrates the city’s art, design and character in all the right ways.

It’s in the Details

Locally made Routine bath products, custom furniture by Whence, and upcycled denim totes from Gino Marocco keep every corner grounded in Toronto craftsmanship.

On the Menu

At Humble Donkey, start with a latte and a Breadhead croissant, then circle back for truffle fries, the Donkey Burger and an espresso martini.

What to Do Nearby

Stroll ten minutes south to The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery on the waterfront for rotating exhibits and installations. In the evening, catch an indie screening at TIFF Lightbox, about a 15-minute walk west on King Street.

Room to Book

The Posh Suite offers extra space, a sitting area and curated local art.

See Wolves, Whales and Northern Lights on This New Arctic Tour

November 4, 2025

Untold Story Travel’s newest itinerary pairs luxury with once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters in Northern Norway.

If the idea of living among wolves and swimming beneath the Northern Lights sounds like a fantasy, Untold Story Travel is turning it into reality. The luxury tour operator—known for its bespoke, boundary-pushing itineraries—has unveiled Wolves, Whales & the Northern Lights, a private six-day journey through the wilds of Northern Norway that blends adventure, comfort and conservation.

Set in the snow-covered valleys of Målselv, deep inside the Arctic Circle, guests spend five nights at Wolf Lodge, an ultra-exclusive retreat that feels more like a secret sanctuary than a hotel. It’s home to a resident pack of socialized Arctic wolves, and under the care of wildlife expert Stig Sletten, travellers can observe and interact with them up close—a rare experience that’s as humbling as it is unforgettable.

The adventure doesn’t stop there. A private whale safari with marine biologist and National Geographic photographer Audun Rikardsen takes guests into icy fjords to spot orcas, humpbacks and sperm whales. For those feeling extra brave, Untold Story can even arrange a guided orca swim beneath the Northern Lights—a moment of pure awe that feels straight out of a dream.

Days are filled with snowmobiling and dogsledding, wood-fired saunas, and chef-prepared lunches served in a traditional lavvu tent. Evenings bring gourmet dinners by Chef Gunnar Jensen, named “Norway’s Best Chef,” with plates of reindeer, Arctic char and king crab. And when the aurora dances above a snow castle and bonfire outside, it’s easy to forget the rest of the world exists.

Rates start at around USD $30,000 per person, including accommodations, private chef and all guided excursions. Every stay supports the Polar Park Wolf Welfare Fund, helping protect the animals that make this part of Norway so extraordinary.

Discover Authentic Mexico in Tepic

October 20, 2025

In Nayarit’s capital city, vibrant traditions meet Riviera luxury — and WestJet makes it easier than ever to experience both.

With its lively plazas, centuries-old artistry, and colourful markets, Tepic is Mexico at its most authentic. This capital city of Nayarit remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism, offering travellers a rare opportunity to connect with Indigenous traditions, colonial heritage, and a thriving culinary scene. And when it’s time to unwind, the Riviera’s golden beaches and luxury resorts are just a short drive away.

This winter, WestJet Vacations brings Tepic within easier reach than ever before, with new direct flights from Calgary.

A City Steeped in Story

Begin in Tepic’s historic centre, where leafy plazas open onto cobblestone streets lined with pastel façades and neoclassical architecture. The soaring Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption commands the skyline, while the Casa de Amado Nervo — birthplace of one of Mexico’s most celebrated poets — invites a quieter pause.

Culture here feels alive, woven into daily rhythms rather than packaged for visitors. In nearby Huichol villages, artisans create beadwork and yarn paintings of dazzling precision, each design a spiritual narrative passed down through generations. At the Centro Cultural de los Cinco Pueblos, you’ll see how Huichol, Cora, Tepehuan and Mexicanero traditions continue to shape the region’s identity.

Beyond the city, remarkable adventures await. The Islas Marías, once a remote penal colony, has been reborn as a protected cultural and natural reserve, where guided tours pair fascinating history with untouched beaches. Closer to town, Tepic’s bustling markets spill over with handwoven textiles, rustic pottery and culinary treats — from smoked marlin tacos to candied pitaya — each flavour and craft a direct link to Mexico’s heritage.

Part of Tepic’s allure is its easy connection to the coast. Within a couple of hours, the cultural capital gives way to Riviera Nayarit’s surf breaks, palm-fringed beaches, and luxurious resorts.

At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, expect AAA Five Diamond indulgence, including the SE Spa’s new Chakra Healing Sessions that blend ancient Mexican practices with contemporary wellness techniques. Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort offers adults-only tranquillity with a rooftop infinity pool gazing over Banderas Bay, while Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort blends family-friendly programming with sleek design. Multi-generational groups will find thoughtful extras at Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa, where the exclusive Family Selection program delivers personalized touches for every age.

A Culinary Crossroads

For many travellers, food is Tepic’s most unforgettable calling card. In its markets, cooks prepare recipes unchanged for generations, while contemporary chefs reinterpret regional flavours with creative flair. The city also provides a gateway to Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, one of Mexico’s premier culinary festivals, where Michelin-starred chefs share kitchens with local innovators. Hands-on cooking classes and artisanal tequila tastings offer another lens into the region — one where tradition, geography and craft converge in every bite and sip.

The Best of Both Worlds

What makes Tepic extraordinary isn’t only its cultural depth or its coastal proximity, but the way the two worlds intertwine. Here, a morning of Huichol artistry can flow into an afternoon of spa treatments by the sea, and evenings might mean sipping tequila in a buzzing plaza or watching the sun sink into the Pacific.

In Tepic, you don’t have to choose between authenticity and indulgence — you can have both, often in the very same day.

Plan your escape with a flight and hotel package from WestJet Vacations, and experience the best of Mexico’s heartland and Riviera luxury in one unforgettable journey.

Six Adrenaline Fixes in New Zealand’s Adventure Capital

October 20, 2025

On New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown proudly calls itself the Adventure Capital of the World — and with good reason. This scenic lakeside town has a knack for coaxing even the most sensible travellers into trying things they’d never attempt anywhere else. From carving a jet boat through a narrow canyon to plunging headfirst off a bridge, here’s a taste of Queenstown’s adrenaline buffet.

Bungy Jumping

Inspired by the land divers of Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island, bungy jumping was invented in New Zealand, and Queenstown offered the world’s first commercial jump in 1988. Today, the 134-metre-high Nevis Bungy holds the record as the country’s highest jump, but the 43-metre-high Kawarau Bridge remains the most popular. For extra bragging rights, ask to dip your head into the river below.

Canyon Swinging

Home to the world’s first canyon swing, Queenstown invites you to leap off a cliff, freefall for 60 metres, and then swoop into a 200-metre arc at speeds up to 150 km/h. The Shotover Canyon Swing, just ten minutes from town, offers an à la carte menu of jump styles — from solo or tandem leaps to backwards, seated, or the nerve-shredding “cutaway.”

Jet Boating

The Shotover Jetboat is a Queenstown institution, inviting passengers to skim over as little as 10 cm of water at 85 km/h through the narrow Shotover Canyon. Invented by Kiwi Bill Hamilton to navigate the country’s shallow rivers, the jet boat’s speed and manoeuvrability are extraordinary. The signature Hamilton Turn — a full 360° spin — sends spray flying, which is why complimentary waterproof ponchos are more than a courtesy.

Paragliding

From a launch area atop the Skyline Gondola, it’s clear why Bob’s Peak is regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular places to go paragliding. Snow-frosted mountains, the glimmering Lake Wakatipu, and views of Queenstown provide a stunning backdrop to this gentle ride of a lifetime. Tandem pilots do all the work, warm thermal air keeps you afloat, and the soft landing below is surprisingly easy on the nerves.

Skydiving

Few thrills match the rush of freefalling at terminal velocity. NZone, one of the busiest and most experienced skydive operators in the world, is known for helping nervous first-timers embrace the plunge. With the Southern Alps framing the horizon, even the scenic flight up is a thrill. Then the door opens, your tandem instructor signals it’s time, and you’re out in the open sky.

Skyline Lugeing

Another New Zealand first, the luge is a three-wheeled cart with a low centre of gravity and simple steering and braking controls. Push back on the handles to slow down or let gravity take over and race the track as fast as your nerves allow. A modified ski lift whisks you and your luge back to the start. The course is accessed via the Skyline Gondola, which climbs 450 metres above Queenstown — the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere.

Step Inside Black Lagoon, the Halloween Bar Popping up Across Canada

October 20, 2025

From Toronto to Vancouver, this immersive experience invites guests to don their costumes, raise a glass, and summon a spirit (or two).

If your idea of Halloween involves more mezcal than monsters, the Black Lagoon pop-up bar s might be your perfect haunt. What began as a goth-horror cocktail concept dreamed up by bartenders Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage has grown into a North American phenomenon — part theatre, part mixology, and entirely spooky.

Now returning to Canada for another season, Black Lagoon transforms ordinary bars into occult playgrounds draped in cobwebs, red light and rock-and-roll attitude. Each location features an original menu of fiendishly named cocktails — from Forever Midnight to Nocturna Colada — served by bartenders who look ready to headline a metal show.

At The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall, Toronto’s subterranean Black Lagoon kicks off the festivities with all the eerie trimmings: rubber severed heads dangling from the ceiling, a horror-film soundtrack (think Werewolves of London, Boris the Spider, and Thriller), and a crowd that embraces the dress-code suggestion: “Come as your spookiest self.”

“We’re expanding the Halloween experience,” says Jas Bowles, part of the Toronto team. Meanwhile, Bowles’ colleague Veronica Cox says bar visitors shouldn’t be nervous about ordering a Widow Maker, despite its foreboding name. “It was the only drink created for Black Lagoon that doesn’t have alcohol, she notes. “It sounds lethal, but it’s the one that’s going to spare you a hangover in the morning.”

A Cross-Canada Haunting

This year, Black Lagoon spreads its dark wings across the country. Here’s where you can raise the dead — or at least your glass:

Toronto, ON – The Walrus Pub & Beer Hall (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Vancouver, BC – Butcher & Bullock (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Whistler, BC – The Raven Room (Oct 3 – Nov 2)
Calgary, AB – Charlie’s Watch Repair (Oct 1 – Nov 1)
Edmonton, AB – Dolly’s Cocktails (Oct 1 – Nov 2)
Ottawa, ON – The Standard Tavern (Oct 13 – 31)

Each city adds its own flair, but the spirit remains the same: a celebration of horror culture through handcrafted drinks and immersive design.

The Hottest New Caribbean Resort Openings to Watch This Season

October 7, 2025

The Caribbean continues to expand its luxury portfolio with an impressive lineup of brand-new properties that deserve a place on your radar. These four resorts are among the season’s most coveted debuts — each offering irresistible inspiration to start planning your next escape.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic

Since its August 2025 debut, this adults-only escape has been one of the Dominican Republic’s most buzzed-about openings. Its 500 rooms start at a generous 592 square feet, with the showstoppers being the beachfront suites, where your private terrace leads straight to the sand. Expansive infinity pools seem to spill into the Punta Cana coastline, while 11 distinct restaurants keep every craving satisfied. Add in a full-service spa and a serene, grown-ups-only vibe, and you’ve got a sophisticated sanctuary made for unwinding in style.

Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

Since opening in February 2025, this property has made history as Cuba’s first resort featuring overwater villas. The adults-only sanctuary on Playa Pilar showcases 252 meticulously appointed rooms, including six overwater villas with private infinity pools suspended above crystal-clear waters. The 24-hour butler service and personalized concierge attention reflect a commitment to service excellence, while four restaurants and exclusive beach areas create an intimate luxury experience in Cuba. Managed by Gaviota, the resort marks an exciting new chapter in Cuban hospitality.

Princess Senses The Mangrove, Jamaica

This spectacular resort, which opened in September 2024, has quickly become a crown jewel of Jamaica’s luxury scene. Part of a larger complex with Princess Grand Jamaica next door, the resort encompasses 401 oceanview suites and 14 overwater villas with private infinity pools. The impressive 19,376-square-foot spa complex and six pools create an environment where wellness and indulgence converge beautifully. Guests enjoy access to 14 restaurants and 15 bars across both Princess Senses The Mangrove and the adjacent Princess Grand Jamaica, ensuring endless culinary options, while exclusive Platinum Club room categories elevate the experience through dedicated butler attention and VIP amenities and services.

Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Set to welcome its first guests by year’s end, this 500-room adults-only resort brings a refreshingly modern spin to Caribbean luxury. Embracing a “flexibility over formality” ethos, it caters to travellers who value authentic experiences and laid-back sophistication. Four pools — plus swim-out suites — pair with five specialty restaurants and a speakeasy-style jazz club, while activities like paddleboard yoga, kite-making workshops, and tours of the resort’s eco-garden blend indulgence with a genuine sense of place.

These standout openings reflect the Caribbean’s ongoing evolution as a premier luxury destination, each delivering fresh experiences, world-class dining, and exceptional amenities. With Sunwing Vacations, getting there is effortless thanks to all-inclusive packages from major Canadian gateways, complete with flights, transfers, and every detail handled for a seamless escape.

Stay: The Pearle Hotel & Spa

October 7, 2025

By Rafeena Baksh

A Restorative Stay by the Lake in Burlington, Ontario.

Staycations have become increasingly popular, especially for women trying to balance work and home life. While some involve a short drive for a change of scenery, mine lately have been spent at home — reorganizing kitchen cupboards, folding laundry, and tackling a running list of chores. The result? A Marie Kondo–level tidy home that somehow leaves me more exhausted than before.

In a world where caring for others has become second nature, I’ve realized how easy it is to forget what it feels like to be cared for — or to truly care for myself. So, I decided to ditch the guilt of leaving that overstuffed utensil drawer unorganized and treat myself to a weekend at The Pearle Hotel & Spa. As I drove down Elizabeth Street, glimpses of Lake Ontario’s calm waters set the tone for a tranquil escape. The hotel’s white stucco exterior gleamed in the sunlight, standing out against the deep blue of the lake.

At the front entrance, the valet attendants greeted me with a smile, unloaded my bags, and whisked them away — no juggling luggage through check-in or circling for parking. It was a small but meaningful touch that immediately signalled the start of something different.

Inside, the lobby welcomed me with soft light and a calming scent. Curious, I asked about the fragrance during check-in, and the concierge slid a small square of paper across the counter with a knowing smile: White Tea and Thyme by ScentAir. The aroma was so soothing that I almost missed the architectural showstopper — a spiral staircase that seemed to rise in gentle concentric circles, leaving me feeling perfectly grounded at its centre.

In the corridors, a display dedicated to the hotel’s namesake, Pearle, caught my attention: vintage photographs, a white-stained writing desk, a typewriter, and blue floral wallpaper. The vignette felt like a love letter to balance — a reminder that work and rest can coexist, and that taking time for yourself isn’t indulgent, it’s necessary.

Stepping into my room, I immediately felt the tension of daily life start to fade. The design was serene and modern, with natural white oak and cedar panelling, soft blue hues that mirrored the lake, and a spacious bathroom stocked with green tea, rosemary, and bergamot–scented toiletries. I threw open the curtains and watched a sailboat drift by, the sunlight glinting off the water. It was hard to believe that this calm oasis was less than an hour’s drive from home in Toronto.

Later that afternoon, I picked up a latte and almond croissant from Pearle’s Café, where a softly lit sign on the wall read, Have you eaten today? It struck me — that’s something I ask my family all the time, but rarely hear directed at me. With coffee in hand, I wandered the lakefront path, trading the sound of traffic for the hush of lapping waves. For those who find calm through movement, the hotel’s 24-hour gym is stocked with cardio and weight equipment, ready to fit any routine.

When I returned to my room, I found a handwritten note and a chocolate dessert waiting on the desk. The note, written on a Pearle postcard, was such a thoughtful gesture that it made me smile — and reminded me that I could send that same kind of care to someone else.

Dinner at Isabelle restaurant was a highlight. I arrived early for a cocktail and settled in as the room filled with laughter and conversation. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed lake view, and as the sun began to set, the whole restaurant seemed to glow. Every dish was fresh and beautifully plated, but the chocolate cake at the end stole the show — a generous slice I told myself I’d save for later (I didn’t).

After a long shower, I wrapped myself in the plush robe, poured a nightcap, and sank into bed for one of the best sleeps I’ve had in months. The next morning, instead of rushing into my usual routine, I ordered breakfast to the room and sat by the window as the morning sun filtered through the curtains. The teas arrived in individual silver pots, turning an ordinary breakfast into something that felt like high tea.

Check-out was effortless, and as I pulled away from the property, I caught a glimpse of the lake in the rearview mirror, the sunlight bouncing off its surface. Then I adjusted the mirror and caught a glimpse of myself — rested, restored, and ready to return home.

Now, when the scent of white tea and thyme lingers in my hallway, it brings me right back to The Pearle’s calm embrace. Luckily, Burlington is less than an hour away — and I’m already planning my return.

Fusion Resorts Debuts Wellness Retreats Across Vietnam

September 23, 2025

Fusion Resorts has announced a trio of immersive retreats launching this fall at select Vietnam resorts. Designed to blend traditional healing practices with contemporary comforts, the properties aim to transform ordinary getaways into restorative journeys.

At Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang, opening Dec. 31, 2025, the spotlight falls on the “Healing Retreat,” a four-day program led by newly appointed wellness master Sanjay Rawat. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in yoga, pranayama, meditation and Ayurveda, Rawat introduces travellers to a holistic reset. Guests move from chakra balancing and re-energizing meditation to sound baths and daily yoga, punctuated by plant-based cuisine that nourishes body and spirit.

Further south, the Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion near Hue builds its practice around the soothing Phong Mai hot springs. The five-day “Pancharakarma Retreat,” available Sept. 7 to 13, 2025, draws from Ayurveda’s ancient detoxifying therapies, combining yoga, meditation and personalized consultations. Treatments such as synchronized full-body massages, Shirodhara warm-oil therapy and Swedana herbal steam are designed to reduce stress, restore inner balance and improve sleep quality.

Rounding out the collection, Maia Resort Quy Nhon will launch the “Full Moon Retreat” on Oct. 31, 2025. Set against the lunar glow of Vietnam’s central coast, the program blends meditation, mindful painting and chakra healing with kayak excursions and sunset yoga. Guests will also sample local cuisine, including nourishing plant-based meals, before winding down at the resort’s beachfront signature restaurant Vị Quê.

Fusion, which operates more than 25 properties across Vietnam and Thailand, is renowned for introducing wellness programming at every level of the guest experience. These new retreats underscore a commitment to helping travellers rediscover balance — whether that means floating in a thermal pool, finding focus through breathwork or simply soaking up the idyllic natural landscapes.

Intrepid’s 2026 Not Hot List Reveals 10 Under-the-Radar Destinations

September 23, 2025

In a world where 80 per cent of travellers visit just 10 per cent of destinations, Intrepid Travel is steering adventurers elsewhere. The company’s 2026 Not Hot List, developed with trend forecasters Globetrender, spotlights 10 places often overlooked but poised to welcome visitors—from Central Asia’s vast mountain ranges to North America’s least-visited national park.

Among the highlights is Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone, newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2025. Here, travellers can overnight in rainforest lodges and embark on river cruises while supporting local communities that reinvest tourism revenues into conservation and development.

In Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan Mountains, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail—a grassroots trekking network expanded to 2,000 km—opens up alpine valleys and glacial lakes. Trekkers stay in yurts and share meals with nomadic families, offering a rare glimpse into a way of life largely unchanged for generations.

Closer to home, Great Basin National Park in Nevada remains one of the United States’ quietest parks, drawing just over 150,000 visitors in 2024. With expanded campgrounds and new programming planned, a visit here is both a retreat into solitude and a statement of support for preserving fragile landscapes.

Other destinations on the list include:

Sierra Norte, Mexico, where Zapotec villages operate under a pioneering community-led tourism model.
Vis Island, Croatia, an antidote to overtourism with no airports or cruise stops.
Southeastern Anatolia (pictured in feature image), Türkiye, home to UNESCO sites and renowned culinary traditions.
Arunachal Pradesh, India, celebrating its first Sunrise Festival in 2026.
Via Transilvanica, Romania, a 1,400 km trail dubbed the “Camino of the East.”
Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador, a highland route famed for coffee and culture.
Oulu, Finland, the European Capital of Culture 2026, merging Arctic gastronomy with bold climate programming.

“While some places receive millions of visitors each year, many others go virtually unnoticed,” said Erica Kritikides, Intrepid’s General Manager of Experiences. “Our Not Hot List reflects an approach to tourism we’ve long championed: better tourism, not less tourism.”

For the curious and conscientious, the 2026 Not Hot List is an invitation to take the road less travelled—and to leave a positive impact along the way.

Louise Penny’s Guide to Quebec’s Eastern Townships

September 23, 2025

Where the bestselling mystery author finds inspiration, connection, and really good cheese.

When we caught up with Louise Penny, she had just returned from London, England — not to promote a book or attend a literary gala, but to retreat. “Oddly enough, I go to London to be quiet,” she says with a laugh. “This little village can be quite hectic.”

The village she’s referring to is Knowlton, Quebec, where she resides for most of the year. It’s also the real-life setting that inspired Three Pines, the fictional home of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache in her bestselling mystery novel series.

From lakeside trails and butter tarts to monastic cheeses and her own newly opened Three Pines Café, here are the spots she recommends to friends and family visiting the Eastern Townships.

Buzz Café, Knowlton

“First, you have to sleep in,” Penny says with a smile, when asked where she takes visiting friends. “Then we go to Buzz, which has fabulous coffee.”

This cozy Knowlton café is where she starts most mornings — especially when their homemade butter tarts are on offer. Penny praises the café’s owners for their support in helping her launch her own nearby spot, Three Pines Café. “The guys at Buzz were so helpful in getting the café up. They acted really as the midwives to the café, which was incredibly generous of someone who could consider the new café to be a competitor — but we’re not.”

Three Pines Café & Brome Lake Books, Knowlton

In 2024, Penny opened Three Pines Café, located beneath Knowlton’s independent bookstore, Bromelake Books. “The entire building came up for sale, and I was afraid that someone who bought it might want to convert it into apartments or something else and get rid of Brome Lake Books, which I couldn’t allow to happen.”

She set to work turning the lower floor into a café that reflects the fictional bistro from her novels, complete with fieldstone fireplaces, cushy armchairs, and a welcoming, homey feel. “I want people to bring your laptops, sit at one of the tables, and work all day if you want to — just make yourself at home,” she says.

The café is open to the public six days a week, but Mondays are reserved for a cause close to Penny’s heart. “It’s reserved for a local dementia support group. They do activities, have lunch, and spend time in a setting that feels like home. Or a club. Not something institutional.”

Manoir Hovey, North Hatley

“This hotel is one of my favourite spots in the region,” Penny says of the lakefront Relais & Châteaux property. “My husband and I were married here — well, our ceremony was at the little church overlooking North Hatley, and then our reception was at Manoir Hovey.”

She returns regularly for lunch on the terrace or a massage at the spa. “I always book the same thing: just a good 90-minute massage,” she says. “I love going to spas. I really think I’d like to die on a spa massage table,” she jokes. “What better way to go?”

Built in 1900 as a private summer home inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, the manor is now one of Canada’s most charming boutique hotels — known for its top-rated restaurant, Le Hatley, a tranquil lakeside spa and pristine outdoor pool.

North Hatley General Store

Penny insists that this century-old store is worth a stop. “It inspired the general store in my books,” she says. “You can find everything there. Where else can you buy steaks and fresh produce, but also a hammer, rain boots — and even a coffin? You can buy a coffin there!”

From local maple syrup to hand tools and hardware, the shop remains a reliable (and delightfully quirky) community fixture. Stepping inside is like walking into a bygone era, so it’s no surprise it sparked a fictional counterpart in Three Pines.

La Rumeur Affamée, Sutton

This beloved épicerie and bakery in Sutton is a go-to for Penny. “There are pastries and breads of all kinds, sandwiches. It’s good for breakfast,” she says of the neighbourhood fixture, housed in a historic brick building. “This one inspired the bakery in my books. I really mined the entire area for inspiration.”

Head to La Rumeur Affamée for buttery croissants, crusty sourdough, and shelves stocked with Quebec cheeses and artisanal jams — perfect for assembling a picnic or cozy breakfast spread.

Coldbrook Path

Back home in Knowlton, Penny often walks her two golden retrievers, Muggins and Charlie, along the lake. “As the leaves turn, it’s just the most spectacular place to be.”

She’s referring to the Coldbrook Path, a scenic trail that winds past creeks, bridges, and wooded stretches before hugging the edge of Brome Lake. The 3.3-kilometre route is flat and peaceful, with benches and lookout points along the way. A longer network of trails connects to Foster and the Quilliams-Durrell Nature Reserve, offering even more quiet corners to explore year-round by foot, bike, snowshoe or ski.