Magog

Located at the northern end of Lake Memphremagog, this hamlet flourished in the 19th century thanks to the contruction of flour, saw and card mills by Ralph Merry III, the founder of Magog. Arriving in the region around 1797, he constructed the first dam on the north side of the river, between an island and a stream, where the railway now lies. A born innovator, he created the Magog Manufacturing Company, locating it near the bridge linking the two parts of the road that have since borne his name. The town’s original name was “Outlet,” as it is located where the lake drains. For the same reason, the parish of Saint-Patrice-de-Magog, founded in 1861, carried the name Saint-Patrice-d’Outlet at the time. Outlet was the official name for many decades, although Magog started appearing on official documents in 1783. The basis of Outlet’s economy was log cutting and driving. Some small businessesread more > complementing the local economy developed, but remained marginal. The opening in 1835 of a stagecoach inn on the Montréal-Sherbrooke corridor eased access to Magog and, around 1840, a large number of Irish Catholic immigrants settled on the eastern shore of the lake. This first half of the 19th century saw the arrival of the municipality’s resort industry (hotels, sailing). In 1850, Outlet became Magog, which was officially incorporated on January 28, 1888 as a village, and in 1890 as a town. Hydraulic and hydroelectric powers have been its driving force throughout its history. The economic weight and influence of the textile industry marked the end of the 19th century. The first factory was the Magog Cotton and Print Company, founded in 1884 by the son-in-law of Ralph Merry, A.H. Moore. The company was sold in 1899 to Dominion Cotton Mills, and repurchased in 1905 by Dominion Textile. Today, it is part of C.S. Brooks Canada. Post-war Magog saw an era of expansion and modernization that drew even more businesses. The improvement of the road system allowed the development of a four-season tourist trade that continues to flourish. Magog became a city in autumn 2002 when it merged with Magog Township, which covers a large area divided into three districts by two shores of Lake Memphremagog and the Town of Omerville, formerly a parish attached to Magog. The merger increased the municipality’s population to 24,359 residents. In a historical context, this merger appealed to a strong sense of mutual ownership based on over 200 years of sharing and developing a common land. With Lake Memphremagog in the background, surrounded by mountains that stretch over 44.5 km clear to the Vermont border, it’s easy to understand why Magog is called the “treasure chest of the Townships.” Throughout the year, Magog is alive with sports, cultural events and a wide variety of activities, including the Traversée Internationale du Lac Memphrémagog swimming event, the Memphrémagog Arts Circuit in the summer, and the Magog-Orford Grape Harvest Festival. In the summer, you can enjoy water sports, swimming, golf, horseback riding, tennis, cycling and in-line skating. While you’re having fun in the water, keep an eye out for Memphré, a legendary lake creature that has been making waves for over 200 years. Memphré has been seen over 225 times, with sightings dating back to 1798. A boat cruise will let you appreciate the lake’s true size. You may also be enticed by a stroll through the Baie-de-Magog park, a bike path that connects the city to Orford Township, a walk along the trails of the Rivière-aux-Cerises marsh or through downtown Magog. In winter, outdoor enthusiasts are thrilled with an array of snow-sports (nearby downhill skiing and cross-country skiing), skating on the ice path that borders Lake Memphremagog, and many snowmobile trails. The Vieux Clocher de Magog, boutiques and art galleries, cafés, terraces and restaurants are here to help you make the most of your holiday.