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Every year, more than 900,000 outdoor lovers flock to Memphrémagog to enjoy our many outdoor activities. Now that summer is just around the corner, here are seven suggestions for things to do in our region – a veritable playground provided by Mother Nature!
The Mont Chagnon Trail is designed for intermediate hikers and is maintained by Les Sentiers de l’Estrie. Lookout points allow you to admire the stunning Memphrémagog landscape. The panoramic view from the top will take your breath away !
Cycling aficionados know that Memphrémagog is a prime area for cycling but they may not be familiar with one of our most scenic routes – the Missisquoi Nord Bike Trail in Eastman. The 20-km bike path winds along the shoreline of Lac d’Argent (Silver Lake) and it’s paved most of the way. It ends on gravel in the woods. Take a break en route, to admire the scenery around the lake.
Our region is part of the « Bienvenue cyclistes » network – lodgings geared to cyclists where you can stay overnight (or longer!). These establishments offer storage for your bike, as well as a repair service (if required). You – and your ‘mount’ – will receive a warm welcome!
Find out how to get to the start of the route
Perhaps you prefer water sports ? There are a number of options. Exploring the Cherry River Marsh (Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises) in a kayak is one. Renting a paddleboard from the Memphrémagog Sailing Club ( Club de voile Memphrémagog) is another. Paddling around the wetlands is a wonderful way to spend some quiet time in nature, either alone, with a group of other people, or your family. . You can also book a guided tour with a local wildlife expert who explains the local flora and fauna.
Learn more about kayaking in the wetlands
Mont Orfordis the ultimate outdoor playground, offering activities for everyone – kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and rock climbing, to name a few. One of the newest activities of Mont Orford National Park is mountain biking – something that appeals to those who like extreme sports (though anybody can try it). There are five designated trails, winding through Mont Orford’s forested slopes – guaranteed to get your legs pumping and the adrenaline flowing! Mountain bikes and requisite equipment can be rented on site if you don’t have your own.
Plan your day in the mountains
Hiking could probably be described as the region’s leading outdoor sport. That isn’t too surprising. Memphrémagog has many forested areas and mountain views which makes exploring the countryside on foot such an enjoyable activity. The trails through the Massawippi Valley (sentiers de la vallée Massawippi) are a typical example. Divided into five levels of difficulty, the hiking trails can be accessed either by road or by boat (via Ethan’s Beach) – truly, a little corner of paradise! Best of all, you can bring your dog along. Fido will enjoy the walk too!
What if you find yourself in Magog without the necessary equipment to enjoy some of the outdoor sports on offer in the region ? No problem! Vie de plein air is a company that rents out a wide range of outdoor ‘toys’ – kayaks, pedal boats, bikes (including fatbikes). The list goes on…..The rental company is situated on the banks of the Cherry River, giving access to Lake Memphremagog and the bike paths, so there’s no need to load up your car with ‘stuff’ when you’re planning an outing.
Discover all the equipment for rent
Due to the pandemic, during the summer of 2021, the Circuit de l’Abbaye is modifying the regular way of covering the Abbey Route. This year, residents of the region must explore the region over shorter distances than in previous years – namely between 5km-15km – without staying anywhere overnight. Although walkers won’t be able to cover the entire Circuit, there are plenty of attractions along the way, with stunning Lake Memphremagog as a backdrop.
Learn more about the Circuit de l’Abbaye here
You’ve now got a great choice of outdoor activities to enjoy for many weeks to come! We’d love to hear about your experiences and to get your impressions of our beautiful area. Please share your thoughts about Memphrémagog on your social media networks. Wishing you a wonderful summer in the great outdoors!
