Hillary and Bill Clinton spotted shopping in Quebec's Eastern Townships

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former U.S. presidentBill Clinton shook hands and posed for photos with people on the streets ofNorth Hatleyin Quebec's Eastern Townshipson Tuesday.

The pair, along with their daughter Chelsea and two grandchildren have been staying at Manoir Hoveyresort on the shores of Lake Massawippi this week.

"We're having a wonderful time, thank you, it's so beautiful," said Hillary Clinton.

• Clinton family to take over Manoir Hovey in Quebec's Eastern Townships

Bill Clintonsaid the lake impressed him.

"It's beautiful, very interesting what's developed, what's not. And you know for most people it's a very deep lake, because it's a glacier lake," he said. "These are relatively rare.There are only a few lakes in America as deep as this. It's quite beautiful."

Radio-Canada reporterMarie-HlneRousseau asked him if he would be seeing former prime ministerJeanChrtienduring his visit.

"I haven't heard back from him, but you know, we're very close friends andI just was with him not too very ago, so I'm hoping he can come and be with me on my birthday," he said.

Clinton will be turning 71on Aug. 19.

Clinton said his plans were to do as little as possible on the tripexcept play with grandchildren and have a good time.

On Tuesday, Clinton strolled outside in North Hatley, stopping to shake hands, while Hillary Clinton browsed in some shops.

He was even drawn into a conversation about the U.S. politics, and emphasized the need for a high voter turnout in the next U.S. election.

"Hillary'sin there spending the money," a woman standing on the steps outside a shopteasedtheformer president as he went in an antiques store to find his wife.

"It's a good thing, it's her money too," he quipped back.

Author Louise Penny, who lives inKnowlton,invited theClintonsto the Townships for a visit.

Hillary Clinton has said she is a fan of Penny's murder mysteries, featuring InspectorGamache,a fictionalSretdu Qubecdetective. Penny was spotted with the Clintons on Tuesday.