Lake MemphremagogLake Memphremagog at a Glance
About Lake Memphremagog
Lake Memphremagog is a transboundary freshwater lake straddling southern Quebec and northern Vermont, known for its long, narrow shape and shared shoreline. The lake connects to the Magog River at its northern end and provides boating and fishing opportunities on both sides of the border.
The lake offers extensive boating, fishing and shoreline recreation, with towns such as Magog (Quebec) at the north and Newport (Vermont) at the south serving as principal access points and service centres. Province Island is an internationally divided island in the lake and is a local point of interest.
Lake Memphremagog was formed by glacial processes and has long been used for navigation and fisheries by communities on both sides of the border; towns developed along its shores in the 19th and 20th centuries. It remains managed for recreation, water quality and cross-border stewardship.
Geographically it lies in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and the Northeast Kingdom region of Vermont, extending roughly 50 kilometres across the border between the town of Magog and the city of Newport.
- Cross-border lake: Extends across the border between Quebec and Vermont, with both Canadian and U.S. towns providing public access and services.
- Length: Length of roughly 31 miles (about 50 kilometres) end to end, with multiple public boat launches at Magog (QC) and Newport (VT).
What to See#
- Province Island: Province Island sits in the south-central part of the lake and is divided between Canada and the United States; it is one of the few international islands in a lake.
- Magog / northern outlet: The city of Magog lies at the lake’s northern outlet where the Magog River drains the lake, providing major boat access and services.
- Newport / southern shore: Newport and surrounding Vermont towns provide southern access and marinas on the U.S. side, with boat launches and fishing services.
Best Time to Visit Lake Memphremagog
Lake Memphremagog is a cross-border lake between Quebec, Canada and Vermont, United States, known for its long, narrow shape and recreational appeal.
Weather & Climate near Lake Memphremagog
Lake Memphremagog's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1199 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -15° - -5° | -15° | 91 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -15° - -3° | -14° | 73 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -8° - 2° | -7° | 82 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -1° - 10° | 2° | 88 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 18° | 12° | 103 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 11° - 22° | 17° | 109 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 14° - 25° | 19° | 120 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 13° - 24° | 18° | 120 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 8° - 19° | 14° | 97 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 12° | 6° | 110 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 5° | -2° | 102 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -10° - -1° | -10° | 104 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Lake Memphremagog
Access from Magog and other Quebec towns by regional roads; from Vermont, reach the lake via I-91 and local routes. Driving is the most practical way to visit lakeside towns and marinas; public transit is limited between smaller communities.
Tips for Visiting Lake Memphremagog
- Take the lakeside drive from Magog to Newport for the most dramatic views and multiple small towns to stop in.
- In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular on and around the lake; check local conditions before venturing onto ice.
- Bring binoculars for loons and other lake-dwelling birds, especially in spring and fall migration.