Ready for a short trip outside of Montreal or looking for a good weekend getaway destination? The Eastern Townships are always a great place to escape to, no matter if it’s for a day trip or a longer experience and Magog constitutes one of its finest places to explore. Here’s a 24-hour itinerary to spend a night and day in Magog, which can also be transformed into a long day trip should you be short on time!
But First, How to Get to Magog from Montreal?
You’ll only need 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to Magog from Montreal on Autoroute 10 Est Highway once you cross the Champlain Bridge. It’s a straight drive without any particular elements to take note of, but you’ll soon turn off at exit 118 towards Merry Street and voilà, here you are in Magog!
It’s a city that is easy to get around on foot or bike, so don’t hesitate to park along the water or on Main Street (rue Principale in French).
My trip started in Bromont before going to Magog, here’s the story of my first stop if you’re interested: 2-Day Itinerary in Bromont: A Perfect Daytrip from Montreal or Weekend Experience.
Browse the Shops and Boutiques on Main Street
You’ll see that there are two main drags in Magog, one being Principale street, and the other being the same street, but that transforms into route 112, the one you probably took as soon as you left the highway. This one is much busier, but they both run along the lake.
Principale is the one with the most shops to you’ll want to peruse through, whether its Shoosh, Boutique Art de Vivre, Boutique Canicule, Boutique Le Week-end, Ô Chalet, White Horse, etc. Many decor shops or artisan boutiques enable you to buy some cool souvenirs to bring home!
One of my favourite stops is Geogene Café, a third wave coffee shop that serves delicious coffees, teas and even hot chocolate. It’s a great place to stop in to warm up or relax if you’ve been walking for a while, but also an interesting work stop if ever you’re working remotely while on your trip to Magog.
Try to Spot Memphré the Monster on the Memphrémagog Lake
Like I mentioned above, Magog is all about its huge lake, and residents and tourists alike take full advantage of it 4 seasons per year.
It’s actually on the border between Quebec and Vermont, so Canada and the United States. It’s one of the most important lakes in the southern part of the province, thanks to its 42 km long (26 miles).
During summertime, you can take a cruise with Escapades Memphrémagog to explore its shores in the sunshine. You can also walk all along its boardwalk or even roller skate or bike.
In winter you can skate for what seems like forever along 2,8 km (1,7 miles) of ice on the shores of the lake. There are 4 different loops. I speak more of these cool places to hit the ice in the Best Outdoor Skating Rinks in Quebec list I compiled.
No matter the season during which you’re visiting, the lake must remain atop the list for your 1-day itinerary in Magog!
Grab Lunch at an Old Renovated Factory at La Shop
Who said old industrial spaces can’t become cool all over again? «La Shop» in French means something like the factory, which explains the history of the building this restaurant is in.
La Shop specializes in grilled cheese sandwiches, soups and salades, served around a wide square-shaped counter in a brick setting filled with plants and vast windows.
For less than 20$, you can get a combo and enjoy a healthy meal, so it’s a great place for a value-packed lunch in Magog.
Taste Tons of Spirits at the Cherry River Distillery
Right in downtown Magog, the Cherry River Distillery simply can’t be missed! Not only cause there’s a lot of good stuff in there, but mainly because you visually can’t miss it, as it’s located in the former St-Luke’s church, an all-white building only a few steps away from the main street.
Having grown exponentially across the province in the past years, production is no longer done here, but they have set up a great tasting experience that you can take part in.
I recommend going at a time where you won’t be driving for a while, because it’s the most generous tasting I’ve been to. You really get to taste dozens of spirits and liqueurs! Maybe go for a walk before heading out! 🙂
During the official visit, you can taste some spirits directly from an oak barrel, then spend 30 minutes tasting different products in the tasting room. This visit costs 20$, but you need to know that most of the visits are in French, however staff does speak English, so you can also ask to taste products at the counter if the visit is only in French when you’re there.
Take Advantage of Nature at Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises
Right in the heart of Magog, the Cherry River marsh, or Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises, is a beloved park and nature escape for outdoorsy people of all levels.
Stop in at the interpretation centre to learn more about the fauna and flora of the marsh thanks to a brand-new immersive exhibition that broadcasts amazing images of animals, insects and nature you can see on your walks with the park.
The second exhibition enables you to borrow a tablet and walk through an interactive life size display of birds and wildlife in a vast room. Kids and families will enjoy the free activity booklets as well that can be used to learn some fun facts.
Once you’re done, head out onto the 5 km of trails (3,1 miles) available in the summer and 7 km (4,4 miles) in the winter. They are easy and take you through a variety of ecosystems. A trail even leads you right downtown in about 20-30 minutes, so that’s one way to walk off the spirits you just tasted! 🙂
Indulge in Sweets at Chocolaterie Vanden Eynden
Who doesn’t like some good Belgian chocolate? Chocolaterie Vanden Eynden artisan makers have all tastes covered, from fruit filled to nutty bites and great bars with fun shapes too!
During the summer, you’ll probably enjoy the fresh ice cream and flavoured chocolates the most, but when winter hits, the best thing to do is savour some warm hot chocolate on the covered terrasse to heat up after your Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises explorations.
Eat in an Original and Funky Bubble at Bistro Kóz
Oh my gosh! I got so lucky during my weekend in Magog and Bromont! I was one of the first people to try the new bubbles at Bistro Kóz where up to 4 people can eat in an actual bubble outside on the deck!
Right now, it’s the first season and it’s a winter dinner experience, but they’re considering extending it to brunch and also maybe other seasons, so definitely check out the website of the restaurant before you start your 1-day itinerary in Magog.
Whether you try the fabulous multicourse menu in the bubble or an à la carte meal in the restaurant’s dining room, you’ll love this Mediterranean bistro right on the waterfront. The portions are quite generous, and the set menu price is quite reasonable as well, especially for the bubble experience.
And don’t worry, you’re going to be warm even if it’s cold outside, as the bubbles are equipped with heaters.
I had just come back from Turkey when I had dinner there, so the Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern inspirations also had my mouth watering.
Don’t miss out on the great house cocktails and wine list, as their bar is quite interesting. I loved the rose aroma of the Gin & Kozy so much I had to order another one to take back to my room! My only disappointment was that the gins weren’t local or from the province, which is sad considering we have some great ones in Quebec!
Where to Stay in Magog: Hôtel Versō
You’ve probably figured it out in the last paragraph, but Bistro Koz is located in the Versō boutique hotel where I stayed in Magog, right on the water as well.
The modern rooms are all simple in decor, but brand new and filled with all the amenities you need. Each room pays tribute to a singer so you can even learn some trivia knowledge during your stay!
If you’re gonna explore Magog on foot or on a bike, this is the best hotel in Magog, because you can’t really beat its proximity to everything you’re gonna want to see during your 24 hours in Magog. You can just park and go!
The vast balconies in the rooms give you access to incredible views on the water, which also means great sunsets. Our lodging also had a living room space, so we had enough room to play some board games, all while enjoying a really large bed too!
If you’re on more of a backpacker budget, check out the Auberge de jeunesse Magog-Orford youth hostel, which is not far either and offers dorms and private rooms. It’s a nice, quaint and well-maintained hostel I stayed in a few years ago!
Enjoy a Gourmet Breakfast at Bistro Kóz for Hôtel Versō
Guests of the Hôtel Versō that want breakfast can walk over to Bistro Kóz for an early morning indulgence or a foodie brunch.
The choices are a mix of classic breakfast fares (waffles, omelets, etc.) but with a Mediterranean and middle eastern exotic twist!
We loved the salmon rösti just as much as the fig waffles with labneh. You definitely don’t need to be a connoisseur of this type of cuisine to enjoy, as it’s very approachable.
Visit the Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey
About 30 minutes away from Magog is the fascinating Saint-Benoît-du-Lac abbey. Whether you’re religious or not, you’ll want to marvel in architecture of this place as well as buy some of the cheeses and products that are sold in the basement shop.
Dating back to 1912, the marvellous Benedictine abbey is open to the public and you can sometimes even hear Gregorian chants in the church, which is quite impressive.
Guided tours and audio guides are available during the busy summer season and until Labour Day, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting in the winter.
The hallways are filled with informative panels that will teach you about the history of this place and you’ll most likely want to snap that Instagrammable shot of its colourful ceramic walls!
Treat Yourself at Spa Bolton
Did you read about my thermal experience at the foot of the Missisquoi River Falls in Bolton-Est in my article about Bromont? I ended my 2-day itinerary there with a trip to Spa Bolton, a Nordic spa located kind of in the middle of Bromont and Magog, so I highly recommend you end your 24 hours in Magog with the same kind of treat!
A Nordic spa experience is iconic when travelling through Quebec and this location is one of the best in the Eastern Townships!
It’s not too big, not too small, has a variety of hot and cold pools, saunas and relaxing hubs to lay down and just take in the quiet atmosphere. I particularly like the little massage stations and the bunk beds and floating chairs in the relaxation room over the hill.
Other Suggestions of What to Do in Magog
Looking for more ideas to extend your stay in Magog? Definitely head to Mont-Orford National Park for hiking and all kinds of nature activities. If you love lavender, stop at Bleu Lavande to discover all the products they create with this purple flower. If you are more of the road tripping kind, then Chemin des Cantons is a 340 km (267 miles) itinerary that covers almost all of the Eastern Townships and recommends tons of cultural, heritage, artsy and foodie places along the way!
Lastly, turn your trip to Magog into a multi-day adventure or long weekend by combining it with a trip to Bromont. Check out this 2-day itinerary in this fabulous town that I prepared for you. You can easily do everything in both articles within one weekend, from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening!
These other articles will help you plan your time in this region of Quebec on top of your 24 hours in Magog:
- 2-Day Itinerary in Bromont: A Perfect Daytrip from Montreal or Weekend Experience
- 5 Weekend Trips in the Eastern Townships – Hidden Gems Offering a Unique Experience
- Awesome Things to Do in Coaticook, Quebec
- Ultimate Guide to Skiing the Eastern Townships
- Eastern Townships Camping Destinations: Embrace the Great Outdoors
- Cottage Rentals in the Eastern Townships: 10 Relaxing Chalets
- Best Eastern Townships Bed and Breakfasts
- Afternoon Tea at Uplands, A Must-Try Activity in the Eastern Townships
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