If you're traveling to Magog, you'll probably want to plan your trip somewhere between late May and mid-September, when high temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s. You'll find the highest hotel rates during this time, though you might be able to shave off a few dollars by traveling earlier in May or later in September. Book early for the best rates and to ensure availability.
Autumn high temperatures drop quickly, falling below freezing in early December and not rising until early March. Lows dip to single digits in January and can approach 15 degrees below zero. The winter months offer the lowest prices on hotels, so if cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is your passion, you're in luck. You can also save on a room in early spring and late fall.
AAA members get discounts at the elegant Ripplecove Hotel & Spa in stunning Ayers Cliff, 7 miles from Magog. You'll be 2 miles from Tomifobia Nature Trail. The 32 individually decorated rooms feature plasma televisions, iPod docking stations, and free Wi-Fi.
Pamper yourself at the spa or have a wonderful time at the hotel's private beach. You can also relax in one of two spa tubs. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, an outdoor tennis court, a picnic area, an electric car charging station, a snack bar, a library, and a terrace and garden. Regional cuisine is served with an ocean view at Le Riverain, which features a bar. You can also get room service during limited hours.
Comfort Inn Sherbrooke offers discounts to members of the military, government employees, seniors, and AAA and AARP members. Rooms feature pillowtop beds with premium bedding, LCD televisions, and free Wi-Fi. You can work out in the fitness center or take advantage of a discount at a nearby fitness facility. Other amenities include a computer station and a complimentary full breakfast.
OTL Gouverneur Sherbrooke in Sherbrooke, 13 miles from Magog, is a five-star hotel near a golf course, the University of Sherbrooke, and Jacques-Cartier Park. You'll get great value for your dollars here with the luxurious surroundings and upscale amenities. The sophisticated hotel has 126 individually decorated rooms that feature refrigerators, iPads, memory-foam beds with premium bedding, flat-screen televisions, and free Wi-Fi, as well as rainfall showerheads and designer toiletries in the bathroom.
You'll enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine at Boefish, where you can get room service during limited hours. Free breakfast is provided each day. Get a relaxing massage at the spa or head for the indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. The hotel also provides a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour fitness center, a library, and a convenience store. Outdoors, you'll appreciate the lovely terrace and garden.
You'll also enjoy a stay at the lovely Hotel Cheribourg in Orford, where rooms are equipped with refrigerators, premium bedding, sofa beds, and free Wi-Fi. Pamper yourself at the full-service spa, which provides body treatments, facials, and massages. Indoor and outdoor pools are on-site, along with an outdoor tennis court, a garden, and the Les Sommets restaurant.
Visit the Parc de la Baie-de-Magog on beautiful Lake Memphremagog for a full day of fun. You can launch a boat to explore the lake, enjoy one of the two beaches in the park, or explore the area on walking and biking paths. Kids will enjoy the playground as the adults take a break.
Maison Merry, also known as The Merry House, is the oldest house in the urban part of the city. It's been open to the public since 2018, offering exhibitions and activities. The house was built in 1921 by Ralph Merry III, who is considered Magog's founder. At least six generations of the Merry family lived in the house from 1821 to 1942. Permanent and temporary exhibitions connect visitors to the history of the house and the Magog area.
Summer may be the most comfortable and most lively time to visit Magog, but the city is busy all year. Downtown Magog is always bustling, with its assortment of boutiques, art galleries, terraces, and restaurants. The renowned Vieux Clocher presents a wealth of entertainment, from musicians to comedians. In the summer, a beautiful tourist train takes visitors around the region.
One of the special events in Magog is Fete des vendanges Magog-Orford, which bridges the gap between summer and fall. You can buy local produce from more than 300 vendors at the Pavillon des Degustations, learn about wine-tasting from professional sommeliers at Pavillon VEGAS, and see the work of local artists at the Pavillon des artisans. The event features many children's activities, drinks at the SAQ Bistro, and live music by celebrated artists.
Pack a camera and hit the hiking trails at the Parc national du Mont-Orford to reach a number of scenic viewing areas where you'll enjoy gorgeous sights. If you're hiking in fall, you'll love the vibrant colors of the sugar maples. The park is home to many white-tailed deer and great blue herons, as well as amphibians and reptiles. You can also enjoy two beaches and a variety of activities. In winter, cross-country skiing and showshoeing are popular.
You need to experience Magog at least once, but you'll likely want to return to continue your exploration of the area. Book your visit soon, and start brushing up on your French. Magog is in a resort area, so you should be able to get by with English, but it's nice to greet your servers or clerks with a friendly "bonjour!" and thank them with "merci."
Below are reviews of the city of Magog, QC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Restaurants and boutiques!