Discovering Hemmingford, Montreal’s Hidden Gem
You’ve discovered everything there is about the city of Montreal and now you want to go country, but not too far. Welcome to Hemmingford.
o, you’ve read about our foodie-focused getaway in Montreal, A Shoulder Season Montreal Foodie Trip to Remember (if not, you should), and now that’s it’s shoulder season again, you want to know what else this hip urban centre and hoppin’ destination has to offer. Trust us, Montreal is bursting at the seams with things to do beyond its metro termini. So, we suggest you take a little road trip retreat away from the city hype and head towards some small town vibes. Because, sometimes, you need to go a little country — and in this case, towards a small village called Hemmingford, population: 832.
Hemmingford, Quebec is a small town at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, within an hour south of the city and a friendly neighbour to the US border. It has a friendly anglo-franco atmosphere weaved within a tight-knit community of old schoolers and newcomers. These locals have hearts of gold and are happy to receive visitors from all over the globe. If you’re all about doing as the locals do, then do a little yoga and dance to some spanish folk music; you’ll only receive more smiles. If not, check out some of our faves.
Self-Guided Tour
Drive along the beautiful country roads of Le Circuit du Paysan and pick your favourite stops to hop out for a quick-pick of orchard apples, ice wines, bourbon cask wines, microbrewed beers, hard apple ciders as well as meats, cheeses, honey, mead, maple and lavender. Be sure to splurge at a couple of international award-winning cideries and wineries, including Le Chat Botté’s straw wines (made from dried grapes) and Du Minot’s ice ciders. Your wallet and suitcase will love you.
You can even bike this route, which is a nice calorie-burning bonus. This circuit is considered one of the best gourmet circuits in the province and we don’t contest it. Line up your Hemmingford visit with a local event for an even more festive experience.
Bed & Breakfast
Accommodations are limited in this quaint little town so book ahead if you want to make your trip a real retreat. We recommend Geraldine’s Gîte Woodland Bed & Breakfast, a serene spot to rest up after your Circuit du Paysan comatose. Each room has its own modern private bathroom and offers a coziness that encourages a night in. Chill out on Adirondack chairs by the tiki torch enclosed-campfire, wake up to a delicious breakfast and let Geraldine circle all the hot spots on your circuit map. Noise lovers beware: this place tends to get quiet.
Glamping
For those of you that prefer your surroundings to be a little more rustic, camp or glamp at Camping Canne de Bois, a long-time family run campground offering stays from wild camping to cottages. We strongly suggest staying in a cool box, a shipping container gone cozy AF. Super cool.
Restaurants
You gotta eat and so does everyone else in town so be prepared to wait (not too long) for a table during peak times and, especially, peak weekends. Burger Bob (not Bob’s Burgers, sorry bro) has all the bells and whistles a homestyle diner has to offer including its brownie bottom cheesecake (that’s two desserts in one!). And, if you’re feeling extra carb happy, you can design your own all-you-can-eat pasta dish at Le Bistro at Hemmingford Golf Club at its Sunday Soirée Pasta Night. Not to mention, Le Cafe has a killer comfort food buffet and Wit’s End Pub is a local biker favourite and a good patio spot on a sunny day.
