Magog & Lac Memphrémagog

Gateway to Quebec’s lake district

Magog sits at the northern tip of Lac Memphrémagog, a 43-km glacial lake that crosses the international border into Vermont. The town is the functional hub of the Eastern Townships — most visitors to the region pass through it or base themselves here for the vineyard circuit, the abbey, and the cycling network that radiates outward into the hills.

The lakefront is Magog’s main attraction in summer: a long promenade lined with terraces, a sandy beach at the Plage des Cantons, and kayak rentals from the municipal dock. The water is clean and swimmable from late June to mid-September. Evening light on the lake, with the Orford hills as a backdrop, is unhurried and genuinely photogenic.

Magog is not a flashy destination. It works best as a base: a hotel or B&B in town, day trips to the abbey and the vineyards, an evening at a lakeside restaurant. Visitors who want more polished resort infrastructure tend to prefer Mont-Tremblant; those who prefer authenticity and affordability often choose Magog.

Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac

The most visited single attraction in the region sits 15 km from Magog on a forested peninsula in the lake. The Benedictine abbey was founded in 1912 and the monks have been selling cheese and apple products since the 1930s. The neo-Gothic tower is one of the most recognized silhouettes in Quebec.

Gregorian chant fills the church at 7h (matins) and 17h (vespers) — visitors may attend in respectful silence. The abbey shop opens at 9h with cheese (l’Ermite blue, Orford, Mont-Saint-Benoît), apple cider, and calvados. On autumn weekends the shop sells out of blue cheese before noon; arrive early or pre-order.

Entry to the grounds is free. A parking donation is appreciated. Modest dress required inside. The 30-minute drive from Magog follows rural roads through maple forest — worth combining with a picnic.

Lac Memphrémagog activities

Swimming: the Plage des Cantons (municipal beach, Magog) is free and supervised in summer. Arrive before 10h on weekends in July-August. The water reaches 22-24°C at peak summer.

Kayak and paddleboard: several outfitters in Magog rent kayaks by the hour (20-30 CAD) or half-day (50-70 CAD). The lake’s northern section near Magog is sheltered enough for beginners; southern sections toward Austin can have chop.

Boat tours: seasonal cruises depart from the Magog dock (mid-June to Labour Day). A 90-minute narrated cruise covers the northern end of the lake with views of the abbey from the water — a different perspective than the road approach. Check schedules at the Magog tourism office (200 rue Cabana).

Cycling: the Route Verte P4 runs along the lake’s western shore from Magog toward Georgeville and Austin (28 km one-way, mostly flat). Rental bikes available at several shops in town from 30-40 CAD per half-day. The circuit pairs well with a stop at the abbey.

Mont-Orford National Park

The Parc national du Mont-Orford is 10 km north of Magog (entrance at 3321 chemin du Parc). In summer, the park offers 85 km of hiking trails including the summit trail to Mont-Chauve (3h return, moderate), two lakes for swimming, and camping. The observatory via ferrata is a newer addition.

In winter, the ski area (Ski Bromont is not here — see Bromont) becomes Ski Orford, a mid-sized resort with 61 runs better suited for intermediates than experts. The Orford Arts Centre at the base hosts classical music concerts each summer.

Park entry: ~10 CAD/person. Camping: 32-55 CAD/night (book weeks ahead in July-August). Parking fills fast on summer weekends after 9h.

Where to eat

Restaurant La Table du Chef (Magog): best restaurant in town by consistent local consensus. Seasonal menu, duck confit, local trout, prix fixe around 65-90 CAD per person with wine. Reservations essential on weekends.

Café Bla-Bla (Magog): casual, good breakfast and lunch. Known for the smoked salmon bagel and espresso. Busy on weekend mornings.

Bistro Les Deux Clochers (Austin, 15 km from Magog): lakeside terrace on Lac Memphrémagog, excellent mussels and grilled fish. Worth the 20-minute drive.

Brasserie des Cantons (Magog): microbrewery with pub food, 7-8 CAD per pint. Good casual option for lunch after a morning on the lake.

Where to stay

Manoir des Sables (Orford, 10 km from Magog): a classic Eastern Townships resort hotel with pool, spa, tennis courts, and direct ski access. Rooms 180-300 CAD depending on season.

Auberge le Saint-Adrien (Magog): B&B in a Victorian house, well-maintained and centrally located, from 140-190 CAD. Genuinely good breakfasts.

Camping Magog (municipal campground, lakeside): 40-55 CAD/night. Basic but clean, well-positioned for swimmers. Book in advance for July.

Budget option: several chain hotels (Comfort Inn, Best Western) cluster near Exit 118 off Autoroute 10 — functional and 20% cheaper than central Magog.

Getting there

No bus or train service from Montreal to Magog (the bus route from Montreal to Sherbrooke passes through but service is infrequent). A rental car is essential.

From Montreal: Autoroute 10 Est, exit 118 (Magog). Total 130 km, approximately 1h25-1h40 depending on Montreal traffic.

From Quebec City: Route 55 South through Sherbrooke (175 km, approximately 2h).

From the US (Vermont): Route 55 North from Newport, VT across the border at Rock Island/Stanstead (45 km, 40 min from Newport).

Combining with other destinations

Magog is the natural centre of a Eastern Townships loop. A two-night stay here allows day trips to the Sherbrooke arts scene (45 km), the Brome-Missisquoi vineyard circuit via Dunham (40 km), and the abbey.

For a longer road trip, Magog connects eastward to Sherbrooke and then onward to Quebec City via Route 112 (190 km, 2h30). See the Eastern Townships weekend itinerary for a suggested 2-night route. Wine enthusiasts should check the guide to Quebec wine regions.