There’s something almost ritual-like about the drive to the Eastern Townships: just getting ready for a family road trip and passing through rolling green landscapes puts everyone in a peaceful, adventure-ready frame of mind. This time, our destination was the Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey, a place where architecture, spirituality, and local flavors meet. Our goal for the day was a blend of relaxation, reflection, and genuine tastes—unhurried and open to discovery.
Watch the full experience on video
If you’d like to see what this adventure was truly like, watch the full episode here:
Watch the full video on YouTube
An unexpected rest stop along the way
Before reaching the abbey, we made a stop at a roadside rest area. What started as a simple lunch break soon turned into a moment to soak up the region’s laid-back pace—families sharing meals, cyclists stretching their legs, and kids learning to let time slow down. Between easy bites and good conversation, it became clear: shifting gears is part of the journey.
Silence and light: the heart of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac
The abbey rises from the landscape in bold geometric lines and luminous stone, instantly inviting you to pause and reflect. Inside, we were handed audio guides that helped keep the site’s peaceful atmosphere intact. The kids were captivated, gazing from the intricate floor mosaics up to the towering windows, the soft light painting everything in a gentle glow.
Founded in 1912 by Benedictine monks from France, the abbey has grown from a humble farm into a spiritual and architectural landmark, with its church completed in 1994. Walking its hallways is about more than admiring details—it’s about surrendering to silence and contemplation, a rare breath of calm when you come from the rush of city life in Montréal.
From tranquility to the region’s tastiest offerings
Stepping out from this contemplative mood, the abbey’s boutique welcomed us with a tempting selection of artisanal cheeses. We chose a sampler box that quickly became the star of our next break. Back in the car, the girls took delight in sorting cheeses by texture and flavor, exploring at their own pace as we built a makeshift cheese board to enjoy a little later.
Moments like these are a reminder that experiences shine brightest when shared as a family, giving everyone space to discover and choose what they love.
Sunset by the lake: a quiet, perfect ending
To close our day, we headed to Parc du Lac d’Argent in Eastman, where golden sunset light swept over the tranquil water. We spread out our cheese board with fruit and fresh bread, letting the calm invite us to simply sit and be. Some wandered the shore in search of shells, others just soaked in the silence and beauty of the moment.
This outdoor pause was the perfect finish, filling us with a lasting sense of joy and peace long after we returned home.
Practical information
📍 Location
1, rue Principale, Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Québec
🚗 Approximate distance
About 1 h 45 min from Montreal, in the Eastern Townships region
👨👩👧 Best for
Families, nature lovers, photography, architecture, and quiet getaways
⏱ Recommended time
Between 1.5 and 3 hours if you explore the gardens, the church, the shop, and the lake surroundings
🧀 Don’t leave without trying
The cheeses made by the monks and the products from the abbey shop
🎵 Special experience
Listening to Gregorian chants inside the church can completely transform the visit
💡 Simple tip
Check the schedule for services, visits, and the shop before leaving, as they may vary by season
For families seeking rhythm and flavor in Quebec
Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey and its surroundings offer more than the typical outing—they invite you to match reflection with the freshness of nature and the discovery of local gems like their cheeses.
One practical tip for families: plan your visit during summer, when guided tours with headsets are available to help keep kids engaged without breaking the abbey’s peaceful mood. The abbey boutique is open year-round, making it easy to pick up local treats for a picnic nearby.
Choosing open spaces in the region, like lakeside parks, means you can escape the heat, let the kids explore, and enjoy the scenery together. Checking activity times and availability on the day of your visit is always wise to avoid surprises.
This trip is the perfect blend of architecture, history, regional cuisine, and spontaneous family moments—all just a calm drive from Montréal.
In the Guía Aventurera de Montréal, we continue gathering ideas for discovering Quebec as a family, exploring destinations that balance adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
More family getaway ideas from Montreal
If you love quiet escapes filled with nature, lakes, and small discoveries in Quebec, the Guía Aventurera de Montreal is full of thoughtfully chosen ideas for families who want to explore the region with more ease and less stress.
It features places we’ve visited ourselves, practical tips, and QR codes so you can watch each experience on video before you explore.