A few days ago, I saw the first crocus of spring, almost invisible in the middle of a messy flower bed after the snow melted. That means it’s—officially—spring. And this spring, we have a crazy urge to go for a walk where the wind is fresh and crisp in our hair and to dip a hand or a foot in the lake water. Of course, it’ll be cold, but less and less so.
Unfortunately, not all of us have a car (or access to a friend’s car) for the weekend or for the day. Fortunately, we can take a Limocar bus and go for a drive in the Eastern Townships.
It’s a 1 hour and 45 minute ride from Montreal on the express line or a 3-hour ride from downtown on the local line, which also serves as a sightseeing bus from which you can see the entire region. Tickets are around $30–$40.
A stroll in Magog, in the Eastern Townships
Magog is a fairly typical small town in the Eastern Townships. There’s a main street with cafés and slightly bohemian shops, a lakeside walk, and an air of nostalgia and carefree ease that’s missing in the city.
The village is bordered by Lake Memphremagog —and they say it’s so deep that it’s home to a creature you can see on foggy mornings…
A stroll—along the shores of Lake Memphremagog
Starting from Pointe Merry Beach, which is accessible on foot from Magog’s main street, you can stroll along a paved path—for cyclists and those who want to rollerblade—that follows the shore of Lake Memphremagog.
The lake stretches out, immense, past the U.S. border all the way to Newport, Vermont. The walk starts at the Magog marina and passes by its beach and a lookout point with a gazebo straight out of a romantic comedy.
We can also go boating on the lake, and in the summer, ride a Seadoo or a pedal boat.
A coffee – Café Géogène
We continue our stroll down Magog’s main street, which looks a bit like something out of a chic Western (and cooler than usual). We recommend stopping at Café Géogène for a coffee and a sandwich.
Where? Café Géogène, at 290 Rue Principale Ouest, Magog.
A visit—the Cherry River Distillery
The distillery, which uses fresh water from springs that flow down from the mountains and into the Cherry River and Lake Memphremagog, is housed in a former church in the village of Magog. There, they distill gin, vodka, sparkling waters, and syrups using local fruits and plants.
You can book a tour of the distillery here ($20/person).
Where? Cherry River Distillery, 120 Rue des Pins, Magog
