Magog: Heritage, Trails and Nature

Discover Magog through a variety of experiences: on trails through a biodiverse wetland, on a walk around the bay, and through stories about the city and its region. If you like to fill your vacation with shared discoveries, you can focus on nature, cycling and cultural history. When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to first consider which of these interests you want to shape your trip.

Trails by the Water and in the Marsh

The Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises is in the heart of Magog. Boardwalks lead along more than 5 km of trails through the wetland; it has been accessible since 2000. The marsh is also an important habitat for a wide variety of species. Nature lovers will find a distinctive way to experience Magog here, with the landscape and its habitat at the center.

Another way to enjoy the outdoors is to follow the walking path along Magog Bay. The 3.5 km loop is open year-round.

An observation tower stands at Quai MacPherson in Parc de la Baie-de-Magog, at Pointe Merry. Visitors can walk along the waterfront and climb the tower for a closer look at Lac Memphrémagog. The viewpoint adds another perspective to your itinerary: alongside the trails in the marsh and by the bay, there is a tower from which to admire the lake.

Discover Magog’s History

As a civic memorial, Maison Merry tells the story of Magog and its region—from Indigenous peoples to the present day, including the era of the American colonists. A guided tour covers both exhibitions and the outdoor grounds. Topics include regional history from prehistory to the present, historic architecture, anecdotes from the past and archaeological artifacts. The lives of the first inhabitants, from Indigenous prehistory through the 1920s, are also among the subjects explored through the connection between technology and heritage.

You can also learn about the city’s history on three guided historical walks, available through a mobile app. The historical walk passes through the city’s three oldest neighborhoods and introduces the architecture of various buildings constructed between 1821 and 1950. The walks offer a way to discover the city through its neighborhoods and architectural history, while Maison Merry focuses on the history of the region and its residents.

The Musée international d'art naïf de Magog offers another cultural dimension, with a focus on the study and promotion of naïve art. The Chemin des Cantons tourist route also highlights Magog through specific points of interest: the landscapes of Chemin des Pères, the downtown area and the Tisserands neighborhood. If you’re planning the cultural part of your stay, you can weigh these different options—art, historical walks and regional history—according to your interests.

Explore by Bike

Magog’s cycling network includes nearly 40 km of bike paths, bike lanes and shared roadways. It consists of a local loop through the city streets and a regional network that forms part of the La Montagnarde cycling route. The two components differ in their layout: the local loop runs through the city streets, while the regional network is connected to the La Montagnarde cycling route. If you’d like to explore Magog by bike, you can use this information to decide whether a local loop or a regional network better fits your itinerary.

Magog offers several distinct themes, so you don’t have to limit yourself to just one way of exploring.

More places: Sainte-Catherine-De-Hatley, Austin, Saint-Étienne-de-Bolton, Ayer's Cliff, Eastman, Mansonville, Orford, North Hatley.

For the broader travel overview: Memphrémagog.