Bostonians might know Vermont for its leaf peeping, skiing, maple syrup and Noah Kahan. But every year, a special and mysterious open-water swim takes place at Lake Memphremagog, a freshwater glacial lake that stretches from Newport, Vermont, to Magog, Quebec, in Canada.
During the 25-mile international swim, participants travel the length of the lake from Newport to Magog. Lake Memphremagog is also said to be home to Memphre, a legendary lake creature described by the Kingdom Games as one of the world’s “best-documented” lake monsters.
The open-water event is called “In Search of Memphre.” During the swim, participants may keep an eye out for the mysterious creature, which has been the subject of reported sightings for more than a century.
Memphre the friendly sea creature
Memphre is a legendary lake creature with documentation of more than 150 reported sightings and encounters. Barbara Malloy, described by some sources as Vermont’s first female dracontologist—a person who studies lake creatures—has dedicated more than three decades to studying Memphre at Lake Memphremagog.
The first recorded sighting of Memphre reportedly dates to 1816. Since then, more than 150 sightings have been reported both on and near the lake. Witnesses have described Memphre as a plesiosaur-like creature that is “friendly, elusive and protective of swimmers in distress.” According to witness reports, the curious creature has a horse-like face and smiling lips.
In Search of Memphre
Elaine Kornbau Howley, an open-water marathon swimmer from Waltham, Massachusetts, helped organize the first 25-mile international swim across Lake Memphremagog in 2011, alongside Phil White and the Kingdom Games team.
The event was created with three goals: to promote a more open border between the United States and Canada, raise money for the Indoor Recreation Center of Orleans County, and search for Memphre, the legendary lake creature. Thus, “In Search of Memphre” was born.
About Lake Memphremagog
Lake Memphremagog is a massive lake that stretches between Newport, Vermont, and Magog, Quebec, Canada. The swim takes place annually during several three-day windows from June through September.
Registration for the 2027 swim is now open, with a $500 security deposit and a total cost of $3,650. The fee includes an escort boat, a pilot and a co-pilot to help ensure each swimmer’s safety. Up to three swimmers are allowed during each window.
To participate in the In Search of Memphre open-water swim, swimmers must complete at least three consecutive hours of nighttime open-water swimming. They must also have swum at least 25 kilometers, or nearly 16 miles, in less than 10 hours and 30 minutes.
Participants travel from around the world to take part in In Search of Memphre, including swimmers from New England towns and Boston neighborhoods such as Jamaica Plain. Swimmers typically take about 15 hours to complete the 25-mile open-water swim from Vermont to Canada.
