Eating good food and drinking good wine is a given when you take a cruise aboard Escapades Memphrémagog’s Grand Cru boat, but in addition, you get to appreciate the landscape from a completely different perspective! Sailing around the lake reveals panoramic views of some of the attractions that have made the Eastern Townships such a sought-after tourist destination.
Once you have seen these landmarks from the water, you’ll surely be tempted to view them close up, by visiting them on land?
Picturesque Communities
From the water
Time to weigh anchor!
As the Grand Cru pulls away from the dock, you begin to get a wide-angle view of Magog—Merry Point Park, the Municipal Beach, the Versō Hotel, the spire of Saint-Patrice Church… Those landmarks soon give way to palatial homes, beautiful summer cottages and the marinas that serve the small communities of Austin and Georgeville.
On terra firma
Magog offers a multitude of things to see and do—live entertainment, museums, interesting boutiques, etc. The nearby villages are also well worth a visit. Georgeville, replete with heritage homes, exudes the ambience of yesteryear, complete with an old-fashioned general store! Austin is a prime area for hiking. The walking trails offer spectacular views over the mountains and the Benedictine monastery. You may well catch a glimpse of the Grand Cru, way off in the distance…
Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey
© Abbaye Saint-Benoît-du-Lac
From the water
One of the most impressive (and famous) landmarks in the region is Abbaye Saint-Benoît-du-Lac. Viewed from the water, the Benedictine monastery with its granite towers, looms between the trees—an imposing sight that suggests it is keeping guard over the lake.
On terra firma
Some 30 monks, following a daily cycle of prayer and contemplation, live at the monastery. They also produce (award-winning) cheeses, cider, and a range of other delicacies, for sale at their boutique. Set amid natural surroundings, the abbey has two kilometres of walking trails where visitors can soak up the ambience of calm and tranquility. At certain times of the year, the general public can also pick apples in the monastery’s orchard.
Mont Orford and Owl’s Head
© Mont-Orford
From the water
Lake Memphremagog is ringed by rolling hills and lush greenery and from the lake, you get unimpeded views of Mount Orford and Owl’s Head. You can even approach them if you choose a cruise with meals lasting 3 hours or more.
On terra firma
These two mountains are major ski centres, but during the summer, they can be explored on foot or by bike. Orford has a number of lookout points where you can stop, catch your breath and admire the scenery. At Owl’s Head, hikers can follow a 5.4-km panoramic trail to the top. Breathtaking views guaranteed!
To really appreciate what the Eastern Townships has to offer, it’s a good idea to spend more than a day in the region! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in downtown Magog, the Versō hotel is right on the edge of the lake—a stone’s throw from the dock where you board the Grand Cru. If you’re a hiker and want to explore the mountains, then head for Espace 4 Saisons, directly at the base of Mount Orford (and only a short drive away).
