The site near 2125 Nicholas-Austin Road offers one of the most iconic views in the Eastern Townships—and indeed, in all of Quebec.
Overlooking Lake Memphremagog, the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac stands out for its striking architecture and serene setting, where nature, water, and mountains converge in perfect harmony.
In the distance, notable peaks such as Owl’s Head, Elephant, Sugar Loaf, Pee Vee, and Jay Peak (in the U.S.) frame the horizon. On clear days, wind turbines atop Vermont’s Lowell Mountains are visible, adding a modern touch to the timeless landscape.
Historically, the area was largely cleared for agriculture, with open fields stretching to the lake. As small farms were abandoned, the land gradually returned to forest or fallow. Today, were it now for the pasture in the foreground this cherished view would have disappeared.
The Abbey’s surroundings are postcard-perfect and have captured national attention. Canada Post featured a bird’s-eye view of the Abbey in its From Far and Wide stamp series, celebrating Canada’s natural and cultural landscapes. In 2018, National Geographic magazine selected a photo of the Abbey to highlight one of Quebec’s most scenic locations.