Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Discover the Memphrémagog region, with its majestic lakes, iconic mountains, typical villages and local flavours ... there’s so much to do! This route takes you to the heart of the Eastern Townships, where the sparkling waters of lakes Memphrémagog and Massawippi sing in the sunshine. Come and take a front-row seat to watch the solar eclipse from our shores or our summits.
The route will take you to the southern tip of Lake Massawippi, in the friendly Coeur Villageois of Ayer’s Cliff. When you arrive, stop by the Parc du Quai. Allow yourself some time to take a short stroll along this belvedere and its floating docks, and take in the morning view of majestic Lake Massawippi.
With its bandstand, annual agricultural fair and period homes, Ayer’s Cliff is famous for having retained all its Anglo-Saxon charm. A good way to soak up the special ambiance of this small town is to visit Boutique La JUNK. Here, no fewer than 23 exhibitors have come together to offer you a whole range of merchandise: craftwork, antiques, art, clothes... La JUNK is a store at the crossroads between vintage antique and second-hand shop and art gallery. We challenge you not to find that special something you’ve been looking for!
Cross the street and walk through the doors of this heritage home, welcoming you inside the Auberge Ayer’s Cliff restaurant and inn. Here you’ll discover a rustic, warm and comfortable dining space. If the sun is shining, ask for a seat on the terrace. With flowers and shrubs all around, it’s a beautiful place where you’ll easily forget the passing of time.
Another venue where time seems to stand still is the Ripplecove Hotel & Spa. This timeless hotel is proudly situated on the shores of Lake Massawippi. The view from its restaurant, Le Riverain, is breathtaking.
In the early afternoon, head out along the Townships Trail towards North Hatley. This will take you along the shores of Lake Massawippi, through the emblematic rolling countryside of the Townships.
Did you know that North Hatley has a public sauna inspired by a Scandinavian tradition? It’s called the Solstice sauna! It’s designed to bring people together at an affordable price, so that everyone can experience a sense of well-being. Warm your body inside the mists of this sauna as you contemplate the natural surroundings. Then slip into the cold waters of the lake to complete your thermal cycle. A relaxing and social experience well worth trying!
After such a busy day, set your bags down for the night in the charming village of North Hatley. In the heart of the village, you’ll find Auberge la Chocolatière, with its 12 country-style rooms. Then, the following morning, a hearty, gourmet breakfast awaits you.
Just outside the village you’ll find the elegant Manoir Hovey. Rooms, suites and pavilions promise to make your stay peaceful and unforgettable. In its restaurant, Le Hatley, the menu offers a balanced and delicious blend of local and seasonal products.
You’re now on the second day of your tour of the beautiful Memprémagog region. Today, you’ll continue on the Townships Trail and head to the town of Magog. In this town, Géogène Café is a true morning institution! A committed coffee roaster, here the coffee is savoured as you would a fine wine. Will you be enjoying your coffee onsite or as a take-out?
If you feel like having a bite to eat along with your warm beverage, we suggest you find a table at La Shop. Breakast dishes or grilled cheese sandwiches, all you’ll need to do is choose in this restaurant café decorated with its brick and wood walls, offering you the most delightful ambiance.
Facing the enchanting Lake Memphrémagog and with Mount Orford as a backdrop, the city of Magog attracts the curious as well as the romantics. All along its vibrant shopping street or as you follow the well-designed walkway developed along the water, you’ll walk freely, hand in hand. A vacation ambiance reigns year-round in this lacustrine town!
From the Pointe-Merry Park, the view is truly iconic: The Bay of Magog with the Memphré Tower built on the wharf, then further on the horizon, Mount Orford proudly keeping watch over its special town. There’s no doubt about it, you’re in the Eastern Townships!
You’ll definitely always find a restaurant to satisfy your gastronomic cravings in Magog. Here, your choice of tables is as rich as it is varied!
At Comptoir MarCel, for example, besides having joined their first names (Marco and Céline) your hosts join their passions, their personalities and their travels as they invite you inside their culinary world. Homemade with refinement, unpretentiousness and, of course, delicious!
It seems that around Lake Memphrémagog, a fragrant breeze is always blowing, inspiring local artisans. With its French Provence feel, the Bleu Lavande Lavenderaie creates and sells all kinds of skin care and well-being products made from (you guessed it!) lavender plants. From shower gels to essential oils and a few gourmet by-products, you’re bound to fall under the charm of this boutique that has you see life in shades of lavender!
Back in downtown Magog for the end of the day, treat yourself to a cool, malty drink at La Memphré microbrewery. With its terrace overlooking the marina, with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to see some beautiful falling stars. Order something to eat: a classic poutine, a hearty burger or even the fish of the day, there’s always something to satisfy your appetite and tantalize your taste buds. Sit back and enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere and experience the local ambiance you’ll find at this not-to-be-missed microbrewery.
If there’s one thing you can be sure about is the countless lodging offers you’ll find in Magog, hotels, B&Bs, inns … there’s plenty to suit all tastes!
Fall in love with the country charm of La Maison Drew, its flower garden as well as its cozy rooms and suites. This hundred-year-old home with its olden-day airs will welcome you in impeccable style for a totally intimate stay.
The more contemporary architecture of the nature-friendly condo-chalet Le Memph will convince those who prefer more independent arrangements. True, fully-equipped apartments at only 800 m from the Plage des Cantons beach, these accommodations are perfect for exploring the surrounding area.
Although it’s impossible to physically follow the eclipse’s trajectory throughout, the Carrefour d’Austin has found a way to follow its evolution! How? By proposing to observe its movement all the way from Mexico! Meet up at 11:00 a.m. for the start of the day’s events. Then, at 12:30 p.m., attend a conference given by Denis Laurin, an expert in space observation devices from the Canadian Space Agency who’ll introduce you to the science of eclipses.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, reserve a table to enjoy a lunch meal you’ll remember for a long time to come at Bistro Koz in Magog! To celebrate this unique moment, this Mediterranean cuisine restaurant has concocted a special menu just for the solar eclipse. According to what you’ll fancy, simply order a drink (wine, beer, a classic cocktail or yet again a mocktail) along with a pair of protective eyewear, you’ll only pay $15. If you prefer, you can order your lunch meal and for an extra $2, you’ll receive these special glasses! Simply put, with a glass in your hand, a couple of colourful dishes and (especially) your eyes well protected… The solar eclipse will unfold as you enjoy a gastronomic moment. Yummy!
All ski enthusiasts will tell you, in April, there’s still a lot of fun to be had in the Eastern Townships resorts. Therefore, if the weather allows, head to Mount-Orford and take advantage of the chairlifts available (along with access to the ski trails) to view the eclipse from high up on the mountain! Back below, a DJ will await your return along with food and beverages also accessible.
This iconic home in the heart of Magog, the Maison Merry will be welcoming you to observe the solar eclipse as they did in days gone by. A day of entertainment with colourfully clad characters in period costumes will teach you how to make a pinhole camera and how you can use it to observe the sky safely. A very original free presentation to discover this astronomic phenomenon through history.
Nestled in the heart of the Parc National du Mont Orford, the Jouvence nature vacation resort is the ideal destination for a stay during the solar eclipse’s passage in the Eastern Townships. By the shores of lake Stukely, retrieve your inner energy along with your family as you occupy one of their chalets or cabins available for rentals onsite. For those who would like to escape from their hectic family schedule for a little while, and enjoy a bit of adults only ambiance, La Petite Auberge de Jouvence is one of these well-kept secrets, ideal for you! Bistro, sauna, outdoor spa, fireplace and cozy rooms… You truly won’t want to leave!
On the day of the eclipse, all you’ll need to do is to settle comfortably on the beach by the woods, on a terrace or even sitting in a kayak as you observe the sky slowly darken.
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