Plage des Cantons

La Plage des Cantons is a Blue Flag Beach for the 2023 season*. La Plage des Cantons is a municipally operated sandy beach situated on the majestic Lake Memphremagog. Magog-Orford is one of the largest tourist regions in the Eastern Townships (Estrie). Lifeguards are on duty during the entire bathing season from late June until early September. This beach has access to ramps, toilet facilities and reserved parking for people with disabilities. There are picnic tables, a food stand and a restaurant (Lady of the Lake), as well as various touristic, cultural and environmental activities. The beach access is free of charge, but there is a parking fee. Plage des Cantons is situated next to the Cherry River Marsh, or Le Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises; this marsh contributes directly to the beach's high water quality. Today, the marsh constitutes one of the most important wetland areas in the Lake Memphremagog watershed. It is also becoming a popular place to walk and appreciate the beauty of nature. In 1997, Les Amis du Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises (LAMRAC) was created with the mission to preserve, maintain, and develop the marsh area, and to raise public awareness about the importance of sound management of the site. They opened an elaborate Environmental Interpretation Center in the summer of 2011. It is a green-building, incorporating solar and geothermal energy, recycled materials and a roof garden. It provides educational games and interactive panels for all, a space for environmental conferences or activities for children, storytellers and environmentally friendly products. The center promotes the importance of wetlands to the health of the ecosystem and water quality. *A Blue Flag beach is one that meets strict water quality and safety criteria. These beaches are certified annually as being clean, accessible, eco-friendly, and having great water quality! Swim Drink Fish is the National Operator for Blue Flag in Canada. For more information, visit www.blueflag.ca Photo by Marcel Lemieux