Auberge Ripplecove: The Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa
The Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel and Spa is nestled amid century-old pines on a twelve acre peninsula in Ayer’s Cliff. It is just minutes from the United States border, so close that it is accessible by a bicycle trail from Vermont.
This auberge, at it is called in this French-speaking Canadian province, is on Lake Massawippi, Abenaki for “lake of deep waters”. With a 450′ depth it is one of the deepest in Québec. In 1945 — back in the days when there were cows on Main Street — Archie and Elizabeth Stafford opened it as a rustic summer resort featuring sport fishing.
Seventy years later, it is now the longest running family owned resort in Québec. It has been continuously renovated, expanded, and upgraded to what is now a prestigious and elegant resort with New England and French Canadian charm decorated in period antiques and reproduction furnishings.
The Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa has earned the AAA Four-Diamond Award every year since 1987 and in 2008 received 5 Stars, Québec Tourism’s highest classification.
It is the only hotel in the Eastern Townships to be rated 5 stars for its cuisine and service by the restaurant guide “Le Voir” and received Wine Spectator’s “Best Award of Excellence” for having one of the world’s most outstanding wine lists. It is a popular choice for romantic getaways, weddings, and conferences.
dining room, Le Riverain Restaurant, Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa, Eastern Townships, Québec, Canada
wine cellar, Le Riverain Restaurant, Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa, Ayer’s Cliff, Eastern Townships, Québec, Canada
Massage and aesthetic services as well as weekend yoga and meditation sessions are offered. The full-service spa is certified by the province.
Summer activities include a full-service beach and pool area, canoes, kayaks, fishing, tennis, a nature trail, and popular pontoon rides on Lake Massawippi. Cooking classes are offered.
With fourteen golf courses within a half-hour’s drive,the cost of playing eighteen holes is comparatively low, typically $50 CAD with a cart for 18 holes. There are also parks, museums, antique shops, theaters, concert halls and other attractions nearby. And Mr. Stafford is known to take repeat guests out in his 20’ boat.
Owner Jeffrey Stafford and Chef Steve Rondeau at the Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa’s Le Riverain Restaurant by a boat built by Mr. Stafford’s parents.
In winter there’s ice skating, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. Opt for a private guide or try the complimentary Saturday afternoon ice fishing camp. For downhill or cross-country skiing or snowboarding Mt. Orford Provincial Park is nearby.
Le Riverain Restaurant, Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa, Ayer’s Cliff, Eastern Townships, Québec, Canada
For more on what there is to see and do in the Eastern Townships, see The Eastern Townships: the art of living is just across the border.