Memphrémagog: Lakes, Mountains and Discoveries

Lac Memphrémagog shapes a landscape where water and mountains meet: it lies in the heart of the Appalachians and is surrounded by high peaks. At the same time, the border between Canada and the United States runs through the lake. Its Canadian portion is in the Cantons-de-l’Est in Québec, and the American portion is in the state of Vermont. The region offers plenty of options for different kinds of days on your trip—from outings on the water to insights into the history of the lake and its shores.

Experience the lake from the water and the shore

There are several ways to explore Lac Memphrémagog on the water. The Club de voile Memphrémagog rents sailboats and other watercraft. Kayaks are available to rent near Plage des Cantons, letting you explore the lake from the water and experience its biodiversity. Fishing is also possible. Fish species found in the lake include lake trout, rainbow trout, Ouananiche and brook trout.

For a trip with food included, Escapades Memphrémagog offers three options: Apér'eau with a cocktail, Lever l'ancre with breakfast or lunch, and Prendre le large with dinner. A three-hour trip on the Grand Cru includes a meal on board and is available for breakfast or lunch. Les Croisières l’Air du Lac offers one- and two-hour narrated cruises, as well as private cruises. On the narrated cruises near the shores, you can discover the views, mountains and history of the lake. The options differ, for example, in their duration and whether a meal or commentary is part of the trip.

There are also different ways to see the surrounding area on land. Magog’s cycling network runs along Lac Memphrémagog, Rivière Magog and Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises, offering views of the region. It is suitable for the whole family. If you are interested in the lake’s history and geography, information panels can be found at the observation tower, a few metres from the East and West beaches. The Sentier glacé consists of two loops and runs for just under 3 km along the lakeshore.

Stories of Lac Memphrémagog

The region’s history encompasses different eras and perspectives. Lac Memphrémagog was first visited by the Abenaki; English settlers began to settle in the region in 1793. In Magog, Maison Merry explores the city’s history and the origins of the Indigenous population through exhibitions, educational programs and cultural events. The covered Narrows Bridge is also a distinctive historic landmark: built in 1881, it connects the shores of Fitch Bay on Lac Memphrémagog. It also recalls historic routes that connected villages and crossed borders.

The region’s lore also includes Memphré, a lake-monster legend associated with the lake. The creature is said to live in the murky waters of Lac Memphrémagog and to resemble a sea serpent or a plesiosaur, which has been compared to the Loch Ness Monster. These stories add a legendary dimension to the lake alongside its tangible traces of the past.

Depending on their interests, families can focus on active or story-filled experiences. During the season, the Club de voile Memphrémagog offers sailing courses for children and adults, including group, private and racing courses. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home in Memphrémagog, you can consider whether you would like to focus your trip more on water sports, cycling, history or boat trips on the lake.

Explore nearby places

If you’d like to explore more places from this page: Austin, Magog, Eastman, Bolton-Est, Orford, Sainte-Catherine-De-Hatley, North Hatley, Stanstead, Ayer's Cliff, Mansonville and Saint-Étienne-de-Bolton.

For the broader travel overview: Quebec.