Lake Memphremagog

Memphremagog runs about forty-five kilometres north to south with roughly a quarter of it in Vermont, hemmed by hills that give it a fjord-like proportion. Saint-Benoît-du-Lac abbey stands on the western shore. Reports of a creature in the lake, called Memphré, go back to the nineteenth century and are taken about as seriously as similar claims elsewhere, which is to say not much, but the name is used locally. Magog is the main town at the northern end, with cruises running in summer, and the lake is used for sailing, paddling and a long-distance swim. The border runs across the water with customs reporting required.

What you actually see

• The long narrow lake - forty-five kilometres running into Vermont.
• The abbey shore - Saint-Benoît-du-Lac standing above the western side.
• The Memphré folklore - a nineteenth-century lake creature tradition.
• The Magog waterfront - cruises, marina and the town at the north end.

When to go

June to September for boating and swimming; the Eastern Townships are at their best in late September and early October for colour. Winter brings ice fishing.

Honest expectations

Crossing the border by boat requires reporting to customs on either side. The lake gets rough in wind down its length. Shore access is largely private with limited public points.

Nearby

Saint-Benoît-du-Lac lies on the shore; North Hatley is east.