Marais de la Riviere aux Cerises is a simple hiking trail in Magog along marsh, swamps and wetland. It offers free of charge trail network with wonderful views of Mount Orford and the Cherry River while hiking along a wooden deck above the wetland. The Marais Interpretation Centre exhibits a permanent exhibition which is great for families with kids. The simple trail is open all year round and is accessible for people with reduced mobility. Our walk was about 4.6 km in total.
Address: 69 Roy Road, Magog, J1X 0N4, QC
Region: Eastern Townships
Drive: East for about 1h15 from Montreal
There are two car parking. We parked at the address above which is nearby the interpretation center. The second parking is at the end of the pioneer trail.
Trail opening time: Every day of the year from 7 am to 11 pm.
The Marais Interpretation Centre: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, during the summer from June 25 to Labor Day: every day, from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
No Entry fees!
Boutique with souvenirs at the interpretation centre – Yes. The terrace is open upstairs with a sitting area.
Suitable for a baby stroller and accessible for people with reduced mobility. Suitable for snowshoeing during wintertime.
Dogs are allowed!
Check website for trail status and map:
The parking is next to the entrance to the Interpretation Centre. At the centre, there is a nice indoor exhibition about the Cherry River wetland, biodiversity and the animals around.
Here are the details about our hike: Sentier des Etangs and then Sentier Pionnier. It is a one-way trail, therefore, you will need to return the same way. Once you exit the centre, head to the main trail and turn left. The first part of the hike is on gravel and is called Sentier des Etangs.
At this junction, turn left towards the Sentier Pionnier. This trail is halfway on a wooden deck above the swamps and past the river, it continues on gravel.
There are few observation points, this one facing Mount Orford. Along the way, there are interpretation panels with information about the fauna, flora and history of the Marais (which was actually a landfill until it was cleaned in the late 90s).
View of Riviere aux Cerises:
After the bridge, the trail continues on gravel. You will reach a 6-meter observation tower.
We headed back the same way towards the main parking area.
A quick recommendation for a restaurant nearby in the city of Magog with local beer and great food: Microbrasserie La Memphré (12 Rue Merry S, Magog, J1X 3K9, QC).
The kids could not resist the playground opposite the restaurant at Parc de la Pointe-Merry. We ended our day in the beautiful Eastern Townships at an ice cream place: Crèmerie La Banquise.
Quebec Family Hikes 