Blog article
Making the most of Lake Massawippi in the summer quickly raises a few practical questions: where to launch a boat, where to dine with a view of the lake, and how to combine water activities with genuine relaxation without spending the day managing logistics. Ripplecove Hotel & Spa answers all three in one place, right on the shores of the lake in Ayer’s Cliff, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
The hotel provides its guests with a private dock, watercraft, a spa, a heated outdoor pool, and two lakeside restaurants.
Exclusive water activities are available right at your doorstep on the lake
Ripplecove’s location directly on the shores of Lake Massawippi makes getting on the water remarkably simple for hotel guests. No need to arrange watercraft transport, wait in line at a public boat launch, or sort out equipment. Once you arrive, the experience begins immediately: from your room, the dock and watercraft are just a few minutes away.
Watercraft available to guests
Several water activities are offered to hotel guests during summer: kayaking, pedal boating, and paddleboarding. One noteworthy feature at Ripplecove: watercraft rentals are included in your stay. Single and double kayaks, pedal boats, and rigid or inflatable paddleboards are all available directly from the dock.
Discovering Massawippi at your own pace
Lake Massawippi stretches roughly ten kilometers between Ayer’s Cliff to the south and North Hatley to the north. Its wooded shoreline, dotted with a few residences and tucked-away coves, makes it an ideal setting for anyone who loves the water and the quiet. Our team is happy to point you toward the most peaceful spots, the best viewpoints, or the small bays where you can anchor for a rest. For those who want to explore beyond the water’s edge, the Eastern Townships offer vineyards, fromageries, artisan producers, and hiking trails to discover between outings on the lake.
Beyond the lake: bikes and tennis included in your stay
A stay at Ripplecove goes well beyond water activities. The hotel also provides guests with a fleet of bicycles and access to the tennis courts.
On the cycling side, the fleet is extensive and suited to a range of riders: electric fat bikes for exploring the surrounding area, hybrid bikes for family rides (with baby seats available), and mountain bikes for trail enthusiasts. Adult and children’s helmets are provided.
The region’s cycling network is one of the most developed in Quebec. The Sentier Nature Tomifobia, accessible three minutes from the hotel, follows the river for 19 kilometers between Ayer’s Cliff and Beebe. For more experienced cyclists, the Route Verte also runs through the region and connects to nearby villages. The tennis courts are right on the property, ready for a casual match between activities.
Guests can enjoy the art of relaxing by the water
A stay at Ripplecove naturally moves between water activities and relaxation. The hotel has built a wellness offering designed to revive both body and mind.
Spa: massages and treatments by the lake
The Spa at Ripplecove offers a wellness massage menu designed to release physical tension and calm the mind. Three techniques form the core offering: the Détente massage, gentle and soothing; the Swedish, deeper and more invigorating; and the Californian, with long, enveloping strokes. Treatments are available in 60- or 90-minute formats, by appointment, and are open to both hotel guests and outside visitors. It’s the perfect follow-up to a morning on the water or an ideal transition into an evening dinner facing the lake.
The spa is part of a broader wellness environment on the property: jacuzzis in the relaxation lounge, a sauna with a lake view, and a rooftop terrace all provide sensory pauses between activities.
Heated outdoor pool and lakeside terrace
Ripplecove’s outdoor pool is heated from May 25 to September 26, covering the full extent of the warm season from spring through to autumn. Ideal for families looking for a comfortable and secure swimming space, it gives younger guests a dedicated area to splash around, complementing the activities on the lake. The outdoor terrace and rooftop terrace are accessible year-round, perfect for extending an aperitif or a coffee in the fresh air.
Summer dining: from the water to the table
At Ripplecove, the culinary experience is led by executive chef Vincent Levasseur and his team, who highlight the finest fresh produce from the Eastern Townships in refined, thoughtfully crafted cuisine.
Le Riverain: breakfast, lunch, and dinner facing Massawippi
Le Riverain is the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, perched on the shores of the lake. Executive chef Vincent Levasseur, who grew up in the region, brings a refined, contemporary sensibility to the local ingredients of the Eastern Townships. In summer, the outdoor terrace becomes the perfect setting for a weekend family brunch or an evening table d’hôte dinner. For guests who want to go further, the Découverte menu is paired with a curated wine selection. Plan your meal by browsing Le Riverain’s menu before you arrive.
For guests who prefer simplicity after a full day on the water, in-room dining lets you settle into the comfort of your room, suite, condo, or villa while enjoying the same quality cuisine.
A complete experience on the shores of Lake Massawippi
Water activities, cycling, tennis, a heated pool, a spa, and gastronomic dining: everything is gathered in one place at Ripplecove. A lakeside escape where every detail is taken care of. At Ripplecove, you move freely between dock and pool, tennis court and restaurant, all within steps of each other. Browse Ripplecove’s packages and plan an unforgettable summer stay.
Book your summer escape at Ripplecove
A summer on Lake Massawippi is best experienced when every detail is handled for you. Book your stay now and let our team take care of your water activities, your Spa treatments, and your dinners at Le Riverain.
Practical FAQ: Lake Access and Hotel Services
Is Ripplecove open to the public in summer, or is it reserved for hotel guests?
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All leisure facilities, including the dock, watercraft, pool, bikes, and tennis courts, are reserved exclusively for hotel guests. The restaurant, treatments and massages are open to outside visitors by appointment. To fully experience the lake and everything Ripplecove has to offer, a hotel stay is required.
What water activities are available on site?
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The hotel provides guests with several summer activities right on the shores of Lake Massawippi: pontoon boat outings, kayaking, pedal boating, and paddleboarding. A heated outdoor pool (May 25 to September 26), tennis courts and bicycles round out the offering.
Is Spa included in the stay?
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The relaxation spaces and spa are reserved for hotel guests and are included as part of the stay: jacuzzis, a sauna with a lake view, and the rooftop terrace. Massages and body treatments are available by reservation for both hotel guests and outside visitors, in 60- or 90-minute formats, at an additional cost beyond the room rate.
Can you dine on the terrace with a view of the lake?
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Le Riverain has an outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Massawippi, open in summer depending on the weather. Both lunch and dinner menus are available there, and reservations are recommended to secure your table.
How far is Ripplecove from Montreal?
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The hotel is located in Ayer’s Cliff, in the Eastern Townships, approximately 90 minutes from Montreal by car. It is one of the most accessible five-star destinations from the city for a summer getaway.