Canada Guide
Southwest Québec
Abbaye Saint-Benoît-du-Lac
Telephone: 819/843-4080 men or 843-2340 women
Website: www.st-benoit-du-lac.com
About 25km southwest of Magog via Hwy 245 along the lakeshore is the Abbaye Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, its presence signalled by white-granite turrets. Occupied by some sixty Benedictine monks renowned for their Gregorian chants (daily 7.30 & 11am; also Mon– Wed & Fri– Sun 5pm, Thurs 7pm) and their Ermite blue cheese (shop Mon– Sat 9am–4.30pm, till 6pm in July and Aug), it often serves as a refuge for flustered politicians and prominent figures who need time for contemplation. The abbey's doors are open to anyone who needs a retreat for spiritual reflection. Food and accommodation are free, though a donation of $35 is expected. There is no public transport to the abbey; a taxi costs about $30 from Magog.