We’ve found that this seemingly endless winter can go from unbearable to breathtaking just by getting out of the city. Our escape route: a drive to the Eastern Townships. 
STAY: St-Christophe Hotel & Spa provided a dash of luxury with a package deal that was irresistible: $198 for two people, including accommodation, a four-course dinner and breakfast. This chateau-style boutique hotel is the Township’s best kept secret. The décor’s European grandeur made us feel like royalty as we strolled through the lobby and headed downstairs to the spa. (The Radiance Facial with microdermabrasion is a steal for $99.) After benefiting from lymphatic drainage ($70) and a lifting treatment ($125) we took a cleansing dip in the salt water pool; perfect timing to lead us into dinner at Le Picollo, the hotel’s restaurant. We suggest Chef Soares’ linguini with Portuguese sausage before tucking into a chocolaty dessert.
SEE: We thought we knew everything about penguins after seeing a heart-breaking documentary and a few Disney movies. But nothing prepared us for a real-life encounter with these stately creatures at the Granby Zoo.
BUY: A steaming cup of cocoa warmed us up instantly at the Musée du Chocolat. Sure, there’s a guided tour of the factory and even art made from chocolate, but we were more interested in stocking up at the attached chocolate boutique.
St-Christophe Hotel & Spa
info@hotelstchristophe.com
255 Denison Street East, Granby (Quebec)
450-405-4782 or 1-877-405-4782
The Granby Zoo
www.zoodegranby.com
525 St-Hubert St. (corner Route 139)
450-372-9113
1-877-472-6299
Musée du chocolat
www.bromont.com/chocolat/
679 Shefford St.
450-534-3893
If you thought that was sweet, we think you’ll also enjoy:
Our road trip reading suggestions