Magog Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and where to eat in Magog, Quebec. Learn about its culture, customs, and nearby destinations to plan a perfect trip.


Introduction to Magog

Located in Eastern Townships, Quebec, Magog is a charming city situated on the banks of Lake Memphremagog. Known for its picturesque views and rich cultural history, Magog is a popular destination for tourists wanting to explore the natural beauty of Canada.

List of Places to Visit in Magog

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in history and culture, you won’t be disappointed with what Magog has to offer. Some of the must-visit places are:

  • Vieux Clocher de Magog: This impressive building is one of the oldest in Magog and a cultural center that hosts music events, plays, and shows year-round.

  • Musee International d’Art Naif de Magog: This museum has an impressive collection of naïve art, a form of art that’s visually simple and created by artists without formal training.

  • Abbaye de Saint-Benoit-du-Lac: A Benedictine monastery, now a renowned cheese factory, and winery. The abbey is located on the hills overlooking Lake Memphremagog, offering stunning views.

Natural Attractions of Magog: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Magog is a picturesque city that’s abundant in natural landmarks and stunning scenery. Here are a few must-visit natural attractions:

  • Mont Orford National Park: One of the largest national parks in Quebec, Mont Orford is renowned for its beautiful hiking trails, cross-country skiing tracks, and panoramic views of the landscape.

  • Lake Memphremagog: Magog’s beautiful lake offers several activities for visitors, including swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

  • Mount Pinacle: Offering amazing views of Magog, Mount Pinacle is a popular hiking destination. The trail to the top is steep but worth the effort, with amazing panoramic views from the summit.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Magog

Magog is known for its stunning outdoor scenery and offers many hiking and biking trails. Some of the most popular routes are:

  • Orford Velo: A 48km cycling trail that connects Sherbrooke with Magog and passes by picturesque farmland and the shores of Lake Memphremagog.

  • Sentier-de-la-Rivière-aux-Cerises: A 3.7km hiking trail that follows the Cherry River, offering stunning views of wildlife and nature along the way.

  • Mont-Orford: Part of the Mont-Orford National Park, Mont-Orford has several hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult.

Best Things to Do in Magog: Activities and Tours

Magog has a plethora of activities to choose from, catering to an array of interests. Some of the best things to do in Magog are:

  • Experience the beach: The beach on Lake Memphremagog is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and other water-based activities.

  • Sample some local craft beer: Magog has many breweries specializing in craft beer, with several offering tours and tastings.

  • Take a cruise: Take a sunset cruise of the lake to experience breathtaking views of the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Magog

To make the most of your time in Magog, here’s a one-week itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Magog, check into your hotel and explore the city.

Day 2: Hike Mount Orford or the Sentier-de-la-Rivière-aux-Cerises.

Day 3: Visit the Musee International d’Art Naif de Magog, then head to Abbaye de Saint-Benoit-du-Lac for cheese tasting.

Day 4: Take a bike ride on Orford Velo.

Day 5: Relax at the beach and swim in the lake.

Day 6: Go on a sunset cruise and enjoy the beautiful views.

Day 7: Depart from Magog.

Food and Drink Scene of Magog

Must-Try Dishes

Magog has a diverse food scene, with many restaurants offering local and unique dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

  • Pouding Chômeur: A dessert made of cake batter baked in a syrupy glaze of maple syrup, butter, and cream, topped with vanilla ice cream.

  • Tourtière: A savory meat pie made with ground pork or beef.

  • Maple candy: This sweet candy is made of pure maple syrup, boiled down and hardened into soft, maple-flavored candy.

Local Beverages

Magog has many breweries and wineries that produce delicious local beverages:

  • Maison des Bières: A craft beer offering a unique selection of housemade brews.

  • Microbrasserie La Memphré: This brewery produces a wide variety of beers, and some of their beers are aged in barrels for two years, providing unique flavors.

  • Vignoble de L’Orpailleur: A vineyard producing high-quality wines, including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and more.

Where to Stay in Magog: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Magog has many accommodation options catering to all budgets, from luxurious hotels to affordable guesthouses and hostels. Some of the best options are:

  • Estrimont Suites & Spa: A beautiful hotel with stunning views, a spa, and an onsite restaurant.

  • Auberge du Grand Lac: A budget-friendly hotel located right on the shores of Lake Memphremagog.

  • Gîte Amour & Amitié: A charming bed and breakfast with friendly staff and a serene setting.

What to Buy in Magog: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Magog has many local products that make great souvenirs, such as:

  • Maple syrup: Canada is known for its maple syrup, and Magog is no exception. Bring home some bottles of local maple syrup as a delicious souvenir.

  • Cheese and wine: Abbaye de Saint-Benoit-du-Lac produces some of the best cheese and wine in the region, making for a tasty souvenir.

  • Local crafts: Small shops in Magog sell various handmade gifts, including pottery, paintings, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Magog

Magog is a friendly and peaceful city, and its locals are welcoming and warm. Here are some customs and etiquette tips:

  • Respect Canadian flag: Canadians take pride in their flag, and it’s important to show respect when the flag is raised.

  • Be polite: Canadians are polite people, so it’s essential to say “please” and “thank you” when appropriate.

  • Tipping: Tipping is expected in Magog’s restaurants, usually 15%-20% of the bill.

Best Time to Visit Magog

The best time to visit Magog is during the summer months of June through September when the weather is warm, and the activities and attractions are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Magog

Do:

  • Be respectful: Canadians value respect, so it’s important to show respect to the locals and their customs.

  • Take advantage of outdoor activities: Magog’s natural beauty is its most beautiful offering. So, make sure to explore it by hiking, biking, or swimming.

  • Try local cuisine: Magog has a delicious and unique food scene, so make sure to try local cuisine and beverages like maple syrup, pouding chômeur, and tourtière.

Don’t:

  • Be late: Being on time is essential in Magog as Canadians value punctuality.

  • Litter: Canada is known for its cleanliness and efforts to reduce environmental impact, so it’s important to not litter or leave garbage behind.

  • Be too loud: Canadians are generally reserved and polite, so it’s important not to be too loud or disruptive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Magog

Magog is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, it’s always important to take precautions like locking your doors and not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Magog

Magog has several medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, providing excellent medical care.

Getting to Magog: Transportation Options and Logistics

Magog is easily accessible by both car and plane. Here are the transportation options available:

Airports Near Magog

  • Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport: Located approximately 150km from Magog, it is the closest airport and provides easy access to Magog.

Bus Stations Near Magog

  • Magog Bus Station: Direct bus services are available from Montreal and other neighboring cities.

Other Options

Magog is also easily accessible by car, with several rental services available in Montreal and surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Magog

Magog is a small city, and most of the attractions and amenities are located within walking distance. However, there are also taxis, buses, and bike rentals available if needed.

Where to Go Next from Magog: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time, make sure to explore nearby destinations and excursions, such as:

  • Sherbrooke: Located only 30 minutes from Magog, this vibrant city has a fantastic nightlife scene and beautiful parks.

  • Montreal: The largest city in Quebec, Montreal has a diverse food scene, incredible museums and galleries, and plenty of sightseeing options.

  • Eastern Township Wine Route: A scenic route through Quebec’s wine country is a must-do for those who enjoy wine and seeking a wine-tasting adventure.

Conclusion

Magog is a charming city that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape. From its stunning natural scenery to local crafts, Magog has a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, Magog is an excellent destination to experience the best of what Canada has to offer.

MacPherson Wharf MacPherson Wharf