Quebec is a land of legends nourished by the horrors of colonization, a more or less accurate understanding of native cosmogonies – and an interpretation transformed into fireside gossip. It’s a land of God and the Devil, of love stories and romantic tragedies.
So we’re not surprised to discover that Quebec has its own Loch Ness monster. And on August 30, 2025, we may just discover it for real during the Ponik Expedition, a hunt to prove the monster’s existence once and for all…
Ponik, the monster of Lake Pohénégamook
Lac Pohénégamook is located in the Lower St. Lawrence region, and at the end of its 9.1km length touches the border with Maine (USA). A natural ice-age lake, it takes its name from the municipality on its shore.
The name “Pohénégamook” comes from the Abénaqui ponegamikw (winter camp). Other interpretations include “lac de la moquerie” (“lake of mockery”).
It’s a slender lake, 9.1km long by 1km wide, and 41m deep.
One of the villages in the municipality of Pohénégamook, Saint-Éleuthère, was founded at the end of the 19th century. At the same time, the first reports of a lake monster arrived, in 1874.
These remained rumors until the village expanded with the construction of Route 289, and in the 1950s, local residents began reporting their encounters with the monster to the media. It quickly became a phenomenon, and an instant legend in the region. They call him “Ponik”.
The mystery of the sea monster
Apparently, a research team from Toronto explored the lake with sonar – and an 8m-long sea creature passed close by…
Locals say Ponik lives in an underwater cave in the lake. A $100 bill is offered for concrete proof of the monster’s existence.
There are many theories about the creature: giant sturgeon escaped from the former priest’s farm, sea snake, dinosaur, driftwood…
An expedition over the Labor Day long weekend
“Expédition Ponik”, an organization dedicated to the conservation and ecology of Lake Pohénégamook, is organizing a major expedition to “hunt” the sea monster on August 30, 2025.
Sonar-equipped boats will gently scan the lake in an attempt to prove Ponik’s existence…
This is your chance to spend the weekend on one of Quebec’s most beautiful lakes, and (maybe) be part of the discovery of a real Quebec “Loch Ness Monster”!
Practical info
Where? Pohénégamook, QC – about a 4h40-minute drive from downtown Montreal
When? The Ponik expedition is August 30, 2025, starting at noon.
How? To register, click here!
Good luck!