Memphrémagog: Lake, Nature and Culture
Accommodation in Memphrémagog
If you’re planning a stay in Memphrémagog on Lac Memphrémagog, you can shape your trip around a range of interests: scenery and history, outings on the water, or cycling activities. The lake also serves as a cross-border landmark. The border between Canada and the United States runs through Lac Memphrémagog. Its Canadian section is in the Eastern Townships of Québec, while its American section is in the state of Vermont.
Lake scenery and orientation
Lac Memphrémagog lies in the heart of the Appalachians and is surrounded by high peaks. The mountains around the lake include Orford, Owl’s Head, Chagnon, Éléphant and Bear. When planning your trip, you can consider the mountain scenery as part of the destination alongside activities on the water. The lake is also an important drinking-water reservoir.
Visitors who want to learn about the lake’s history and geography will find information panels at the Lac Memphrémagog observation tower. The tower is a few metres from the East and West beaches. Their close proximity makes it easy to include the viewpoint as part of your exploration of the lake, without treating it as a longer excursion.
History and regional stories
The region’s history predates settlement by English colonists: Lac Memphrémagog was first visited by the Abenaki; English settlers began to settle in the region in 1793. Maison Merry explores the history of Magog and the origins of the Indigenous population through exhibitions, educational programs and cultural events on the shores of the lake. If you’d like to learn about history beyond information panels, you can include this focus in your choice of places to visit.
The covered Narrows Bridge at Fitch Bay is also part of the lake’s historical landscape. Built in 1881, it connects the shores of the bay and is a preserved landmark. It also recalls earlier routes connecting villages and crossing borders. Another regional story is Memphré, a lake monster legend associated with Lac Memphrémagog. The creature is said to live in the lake’s murky waters and to resemble a sea serpent or a plesiosaur, compared to the Loch Ness Monster.
On the water and along the shore
For outings of your own, Club de voile Memphrémagog rents sailboats and other watercraft. During the season, the club also offers sailing courses for children and adults, including group, private and competition courses. If you want to get out on the water, you can choose between these course types based on whether you prefer learning with others, individual instruction or competition training. Kayaks are available to rent near Plage des Cantons, letting you explore the lake from the water and experience its biodiversity.
Guided boat trips are another way to discover Lac Memphrémagog from the water. Les Croisières l’Air du Lac offers one- and two-hour trips, as well as private cruises. The guided trips follow the shoreline and combine mountain views with the history of the lake. If you’d like to plan a meal on board, a three-hour trip on the Grand Cru includes a meal and is suitable for breakfast or lunch. Escapades Memphrémagog also offers Apér'eau, with a cocktail; Lever l'ancre, with breakfast or lunch; and Prendre le large, with dinner.
For a trip where getting around along the shore is important, the family-friendly cycling network runs from Magog along Lac Memphrémagog, the Rivière Magog and the Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises, offering views of the region along the way. The Sentier glacé consists of two loops and follows the lakeshore for just under 3 km. Fishing is also possible; the fish species mentioned include lake trout, rainbow trout, Ouananiche and brook trout.
For more places to choose from, you can also visit the pages for Eastman, Mansonville, Magog and Orford.
For the broader travel overview: Quebec.
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