6 Top-Rated Winter Activities in Magog, Quebec to Try This Year

Home » World Travel » Canada » Magog » 6 Top-Rated Winter Activities in Magog, Quebec to Try This Year

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Over the past few weeks, I have been putting together detailed blogs for activities in Magog, Canada.

The town is close to the border of Vermont and Quebec and is recognized for its Nordic Spas, award-winning wines, monk cheese (yes, monk cheese), and exceptional dining options.

Here is a round-up of the top 6 things you can do during a visit to Magog this winter, and a detailed travel guide linked to each activity!

The Best Things to Do in Magog This Winter

1. Buy Cheese Made From Monks

When you think of a Monastery, chances are that cheese is not the first thing that comes to mind.

But, in Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Quebec, there is the Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, also referred to as the Abbey, which is the home to a cheese factory used by the Monks that live there.

The Abbey is stunning, and the inside and outside design are the prettiest.

You can walk the halls during your visit while enjoying the beautiful Mosaics and glass windows.

Cheese shop inside Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac near Magog in winter.
Sampling famous monk-made cheese at Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac.

As you go downstairs to the gift shop, you are in for a real treat: Cheese!

The monks make the cheese in their cheese factory, which has grown over the years due to the popularity of their products. 

The cheese shop sources 100% from local dairy farms. It is then pasteurized for the production of cheese.

Almost all cheeses are lactose-free, gluten-free, and nut-free. Only their blue cheeses and cheese curds contain lactose.

When I say the cheese is delicious, I mean it! You can taste the local ingredients and love put into every block. 

2. Go Ice Skating

Every winter, downtown Magog turns into a real-life winter wonderland. This Canadian town in Quebec has some of the area’s best ice skating.

You can ice skate on the ice skating path, which is located right in downtown Magog.

The circuit is located alongside Lake Memphrémagog and is 2.8 km or 1.5 miles long. You can enjoy it during the day or even at night when illuminated.

Ice skating path along Lake Memphrémagog in downtown Magog during winter.
Gliding along the illuminated ice skating trail in Magog.

All you have to do is bring your ice skates and hop on!

The circuit is on a straight path, looping at the end. You can enjoy the circuit as many times as you would like to.

3. Dinner At Au Comptoir MarCel

When I heard about Au Comptoir MarCel, I immediately made a reservation.

This charming dinner spot is located in downtown Magog, making it easy to get to.

Their cuisine is unique as they support local producers, and each dish is based on fresh and local ingredients.

Because of this, they change their regular menu seasonally, and their tasting menu always stays a surprise.

Six-course tasting menu at Au Comptoir MarCel restaurant in Magog.
A gourmet dining experience at Au Comptoir MarCel in Magog.

I tried their Six-Course Tasting Menu, which you can pair with wines. It is always a surprise and continuously changing, which makes it even more impressive.

I can confidently say that after my meal here, this restaurant deserves a Michelin Star. I would not be surprised to see them earn one over the next few years.

4. Spa Day At Spa Nordic

Magog is also known for its various Nordic Spas, and I visited one during my journey.

Spa Bolton is a Nordic Spa located near the charming town of Magog in Quebec.

They are famous for their thermotherapy, a three-part process that helps eliminate stress while relaxing your muscles and mind.

Outdoor thermal pools at Spa Bolton near Magog in Quebec during winter.
Relaxing in the warm pools of Spa Bolton on a snowy day.

They also offer spa services, such as massage, if you want that extra dose of relaxation.

5. Wine Tasting at Vignoble Le Cep d’Argent

 I visited the award-winning Vignoble Le Cep d’Argent during my winter trip to Magog, and it most certainly lived up to the hype.

You can visit the winery to do a tasting or book an experience on their website.

To do a tasting, you will buy a certain number of coupons, depending on what you want to taste.

There is a board that will break down the cost per wine tasting. High-demand or rare wines will cost more tickets than others.

Wine glasses ready for tasting at Vignoble Le Cep d’Argent in Magog.
Discovering award-winning wines at Vignoble Le Cep d’Argent.

It’s a fun way to mix and match!

The on-site Wine Expert will explain each wine to you so you know what you want to taste.

During your tasting, you will be taught how it’s made and what flavor profiles you will experience.

6. Winter Hike at Mont-Orford National Park

Despite National Park being in the name, Mont-Orford is not one of Canada’s National Parks but one of Quebec’s provincial parks.

The park is named after Mount Orford, the highest peak in the region, reaching an elevation of about 850 meters or 2,789 feet.

The mountain offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, allowing visitors to explore the park’s rugged terrain and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Snowy hiking trail in Mont-Orford National Park near Magog.
Exploring the Le Coyote winter trail at Mont-Orford Park.

In addition to cross-country skiing, there are a variety of snowshoe trails.

I hiked the Le Coyote Winter Hiking Trail, and it was magical. This pleasant hike is rated easy and will bring you to the Le Vieux-Camp Refuge hut.

Where Is Magog?

Magog is located near the border of Vermont and Quebec, about an hour’s drive North.

Enjoy all of these winter activities for a packed weekend trip to Magog! You can also enjoy them during the summer.

2 responses

  1. […] Visiting in winter? Here are 6 Top-Rated Things To Do In Magog This Winter […]

  2. […] Pair your spa day with one of these 6 Top-Rated Things To Do In Magog This Winter! […]

Where Do You Want To Travel Next?