There’s something about Magog that makes it particularly well suited to a weekend escape. Set between the mountains and Lake Memphremagog, this charming Eastern Townships destination combines nature, restaurants, cafés and a walkable downtown — all within an easy getaway from Montréal or Québec City.
On our latest visit, we stayed at Hôtel~Expérience Quartier des marinas, a modern, dog-friendly property located right in the heart of Magog.
And when we say “in the heart of Magog,” we mean it. One of the biggest advantages of staying here is being able to leave the car behind and explore much of the town on foot.
A Modern Stay in Downtown Magog
Hôtel QDM offers a different experience from the traditional country inns often associated with the Eastern Townships.
The atmosphere is contemporary, comfortable and relaxed, making it a great choice for travelers who want the convenience of an urban-style stay while still having easy access to everything that makes the region special.
Our suite provided a cozy home base for the weekend, with plenty of space to settle in and enjoy slower moments between outings.
And, naturally, some of our favorite moments were the simplest ones: a quiet morning, coffee in bed and nowhere we needed to rush off to.
One of the Best Locations for Exploring Magog
Location is easily one of Hôtel QDM’s biggest strengths.
Step outside and you’re already surrounded by downtown Magog, with restaurants, cafés and local shops within walking distance. The waterfront and Lake Memphremagog are also nearby, making it easy to combine time in town with time outdoors.
For a short getaway, this makes a huge difference. Instead of constantly getting back into the car, you can simply head outside and start exploring.
Whether you’re visiting for a romantic weekend, a foodie escape or a few days of exploring the Eastern Townships, QDM makes an excellent base.
A Dog-Friendly Hotel in Magog
Finding a beautiful hotel that welcomes dogs can sometimes make trip planning more complicated, so we were especially happy that Hôtel QDM is dog-friendly.
Being able to bring your four-legged travel companion along makes this property an appealing option for anyone planning a pet-friendly getaway in Québec.
Magog itself is also a wonderful destination to explore with a dog. Between walks around town, the waterfront and the surrounding nature of the Eastern Townships, there are plenty of opportunities to spend time outside together.
For us, being able to experience the destination without leaving a member of the family behind made the stay even better.
Time to Unwind: Sauna & Spa
After spending the day exploring Magog and the surrounding area, one of the highlights of returning to the hotel was having the opportunity to slow things down.
Hôtel QDM features a sauna and spa area where guests can unwind after a day out — exactly the kind of amenity we appreciate during a weekend escape.
There’s something especially satisfying about spending the day outdoors in the Eastern Townships and ending it with a relaxing wellness moment before heading back to your suite.
Exploring the Eastern Townships from Magog
While you could easily spend an entire weekend enjoying Magog itself, the town is also perfectly positioned for exploring more of the Eastern Townships.
Scenic roads lead toward some of the region’s most charming communities, including North Hatley and Ayer’s Cliff, while the surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for spontaneous stops, local discoveries and beautiful views.
This is one of those destinations where the drive can become part of the experience.
Depending on the season, you can build your stay around hiking, fall foliage, winter activities, lake days or simply a leisurely weekend of good food and small-town exploring.
Who Is Hôtel QDM Best For?
We would particularly recommend Hôtel Expérience Quartier des Marinas for:
Couples looking for a weekend getaway in the Eastern Townships
Travelers who want to stay within walking distance of downtown Magog
Dog owners searching for a pet-friendly hotel in Magog
Travelers who appreciate modern accommodations
Anyone looking for a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region
The combination of location, contemporary accommodations, wellness amenities and a dog-friendly policy makes it especially versatile for a short Québec escape.
Final Thoughts
What we enjoyed most about Hôtel Expérience Quartier des Marinas was how easy it made the entire weekend feel.
We could wake up slowly, enjoy coffee in our suite, step outside and explore Magog on foot, venture farther into the Eastern Townships during the day and return to relax in the sauna and spa.
Add the fact that our dog could join us, and it checked one of the most important boxes for the way we like to travel.
If you’re planning a weekend in the Eastern Townships and looking for a modern, dog-friendly hotel in the heart of Magog, Hôtel QDM is an address worth saving.
Location: Magog, Québec, Canada
Best for: Couples, weekend getaways, dog-friendly travel and Eastern Townships road trips
Why we loved it: Central location, modern accommodations, sauna & spa, and dog-friendly stays
Our stay was hosted in collaboration with Hôtel Expérience Quartier des Marinas. As always, all opinions and experiences shared are our own.
