Louise Penny Book Launch and Three Pines Tour

October 26, 2025

Our Louise Penny literary adventure begins as we depart Kingston at 7:30am, heading into the rolling hills and storybook charm of Quebec's Eastern Townships. By midday, we'll arrive in the picturesque village of Georgeville for an included lunch at the McGowan Inn, a charming lakeside spot with stunning views of Lake Memphremagog-an ideal setting to begin immersing ourselves in the world of Three Pines.

After lunch, our guided journey into Louise Penny's beloved literary landscape truly begins. We'll visit St. Thomas Church, which inspired the village chapel in Still Life, followed by a stop at Mr. Béliveau's General Store-a cornerstone of the Three Pines community and a key setting in many of Inspector Gamache's investigations.

Next, we travel to the elegant Manoir Bellechasse, the real-life inspiration for A Rule Against Murder (The Murder Stone), where secrets once again lie beneath the surface of beauty and tradition.

In the late afternoon, we check in to the Manoir des Sables, a serene and welcoming hotel nestled in the woods near Magog. With its cozy ambiance, beautiful grounds, and warm hospitality, it's easy to imagine Armand Gamache himself unwinding here with a glass of wine and thoughtful conversation.

This evening, we'll gather in Magog for a delicious three-course meal at a local restaurant, where we'll share impressions, insights, and favorite moments from our first day in the world of Louise Penny. A perfect close to a day full of discovery and literary magic.

October 27, 2025

We begin our day with a delicious included breakfast at the Manoir des Sables, surrounded by tranquil views and fresh country air. Then we set off with our guide into the deeper mysteries of Louise Penny's world.

Our first stop is the serene and haunting Abbey Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups, the real-life inspiration behind The Beautiful Mystery. Hidden among the trees, this working monastery offers a rare glimpse into the world of Gregorian chants, silence, and secrets. We'll explore the grounds on a guided visit, soaking in the atmosphere that so captivated Inspector Gamache. Don't forget to visit the boutique, where the monks' award-winning cheeses await.

Next, we travel to Auberge West Brome for a lovely included lunch, where the culinary delights and rustic setting offer the perfect pause before we continue our literary adventure.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Knowlton, the real-life heart of Three Pines. Here, we'll visit the Lac-Brome Museum, home to a fascinating collection that brings the region's history-and its fictional counterpart-to life. Then it's on to Myrna's Bookstore (Knowlton's beloved Brome Lake Books), where we'll dive into a fun and friendly quiz based on the Inspector Gamache novels. Prizes await our most devoted fans!

Afterward, enjoy a bit of free time to wander the village, browse the charming shops, or simply take in the ambiance of a place where fiction and reality blend seamlessly.

We return to the Manoir des Sables in the early evening for an included dinner, where we'll gather once more to reflect on the mysteries explored, the stories shared, and the enchanting world of Three Pines that now feels just a little closer to home.

October 28, 2025

We begin our day with a delicious included breakfast at the Manoir des Sables before bidding farewell to the peaceful countryside and heading toward the vibrant charm of Old Montreal. Today, we shift from the quiet villages of Three Pines to the dynamic city that also plays an important role in Inspector Gamache's world.

Upon arrival, you'll have time to explore the historic Old Port district, where the cobbled streets and timeless architecture echo scenes from the Inspector Gamache series. This city, with its rich history and reflective mood, often appears in Louise Penny's novels as a place of quiet contemplation and pivotal encounters. You may even wish to visit the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, a recurring backdrop in the books-where Gamache himself has paused to reflect, grieve, or gather strength.

Lunch is on your own today, giving you the chance to enjoy one of Old Montreal's many cafes, bistros, or patisseries as you soak in the literary atmosphere of the city.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Ottawa, Canada's capital, for the grand finale of our journey. This evening, we'll enjoy a sumptuous included three-course dinner in the heart of the lively ByWard Market, the perfect setting to toast the stories we've followed and the new ones yet to come.

Then, the highlight of our tour: we're headed to the National Arts Centre for the sold-out book launch of The Black Wolf, Louise Penny's highly anticipated new novel. Originally planned for Washington's Kennedy Center, Penny chose instead to celebrate the book's debut in Ottawa, standing in proud solidarity with her fellow Canadians-and we are fortunate to be part of this extraordinary moment.

From our orchestra section seats, we'll watch as Louise Penny is interviewed live on stage, offering insight into her writing, her beloved characters, and the inspirations behind The Black Wolf. Signed copies of the novel will be available for purchase-a perfect keepsake to mark this once-in-a-lifetime event.

After the evening's performance, we'll make our way home-hearts full, minds inspired, and stories swirling in our heads. A truly unforgettable journey into the world of Three Pines and the genius of Louise Penny.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner