Clinton family to vacation in Quebec

MONTREAL • Bestselling author Louise Penny says former U.S. president Bill Clinton and his family will be vacationing in the quaint Quebec community of North Hatley as her guests.

Clinton, ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton, their daughter Chelsea and their two grandchildren will reportedly stay at the renowned Manoir Hovey, but the hotel has not confirmed it.

“As you might have heard, President and Secretary Clinton, along with family and dear friends, will be visiting Quebec’s Eastern Township in mid-August, as my guests, on a brief private getaway,” Penny said in a statement through her publicist.

“They’ll be exploring the beautiful area, enjoying the sights, and most of all, relaxing. We completely understand your interest, of course, but I hope you will respect their privacy.”

Penny’s relationship with the Clintons is well-documented. When her husband, Michael Whitehead, passed away last September, Hillary Clinton sent a letter of condolence despite being in the final stretch of the U.S. presidential election campaign.

Radio-Canada reported Tuesday the U.S. Secret Service came by last week to inspect the property along the shores of Lake Massawippi in advance of their arrival Sunday.

The Manoir Hovey ranked No. 27 in the “Top 100 Hotels of the World” in 2017 by industry publication Travel + Leisure magazine. The hotel’s manager has said previously it has played host to high-profile guests and dignitaries.

The Clintons’ visit to Quebec comes a few months after former president Barack Obama gave a speech in Montreal.