Magog (Winter)

In the heart of the Eastern Townships southeast of Montreal, Magog sits at the head of Lac Memphrémagog – a spectacular body of water that extends 51 kilometers (32 miles) through the rolling Appalachian mountains into Vermont. Come winter, skiers and snowboarders have a dandy selection. Mont-Orford is the closest ski resort, encompassing 56 trails spread over three mountains, the highest at 2,790 ft (850 m). As well, there’s an abundance of trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Parc national du Mont-Orford. Great downhill skiing and snowboarding in a stunning setting is also available at nearby Owl’s Head. Ice-fishing is ...

In the heart of the Eastern Townships southeast of Montreal, Magog sits at the head of Lac Memphrémagog – a spectacular body of water that extends 51 kilometers (32 miles) through the rolling Appalachian mountains into Vermont. Come winter, skiers and snowboarders have a dandy selection. Mont-Orford is the closest ski resort, encompassing 56 trails spread over three mountains, the highest at 2,790 ft (850 m). As well, there’s an abundance of trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Parc national du Mont-Orford. Great downhill skiing and snowboarding in a stunning setting is also available at nearby Owl’s Head. Ice-fishing is another popular choice, on Lac Memphrémagog. For its size, Magog has a wealth of boutiques, art galleries, cafés and fine restaurants for gourmet dining. For spiritual sustenance, the monastery at St-Benoît-du-Lac offers complete tranquility – as well as some excellent cheese, cider and chocolate produced by the monks.

About the Expert

Joanna Ebbutt is the author or editor of three Insight Guides to Toronto and Canada, and coauthor of Off the Beaten Track: Western Canada. She has been writing about travel for three decades, including chasing the aurora borealis in Northern Ontario.