Ayer’s Cliff

Ayer’s Cliff is a village municipality of 1,180 residents (2021 census) in the MRC de Memphrémagog, at the southern tip of Lake Massawippi in the Eastern Townships (Estrie). About 20 minutes from Magog, about 35 minutes from Sherbrooke and about 2 hours from Montreal, the village appeals to families, retirees and anyone drawn to rural life.

Living in Ayer’s Cliff

The village owes its name to the cliff overlooking the lake’s south shore and to Thomas Ayer; it was called Ayer’s Flat until 1904. For its size, Ayer’s Cliff offers a lot close to home: two elementary schools, École Saint-Barthélemy in French and Ayer’s Cliff Elementary School in English, plus local shops and services. Magog’s hospital, with its emergency department, is about 20 minutes away. In summer, the farmers’ market sets up on Saturdays on the fairgrounds.

Outdoors and nature in Ayer’s Cliff

Lake Massawippi is the heart of summer: the municipal beach, the lookout in Parc du Quai and a campground right on the water. The Tomifobia Nature Trail, a 19 km former railway line that follows the Tomifobia River valley to Beebe, can be explored by bike, on foot or on cross-country skis. Since December 2025, it has belonged to the Massawippi Conservation Trust, which manages it.

Culture and local flavours

Ayer’s Cliff is known for the Expo Ayer’s Cliff, the Stanstead County agricultural fair, one of the oldest agricultural fairs in Quebec, which draws about 25,000 visitors every late summer. Its heritage grounds, with stables, grandstands and a racetrack, recall the village’s equestrian roots. At the table, Ripplecove Hôtel & Spa and its restaurant Le Riverain look out over the lake, Bistro Le Cove and Auberge Ayer’s Cliff round out the options, and La Pinte offers its dairy and cheese products.

Real estate in Ayer’s Cliff

Ayer’s Cliff offers century-old homes in the heart of the village, properties on Lake Massawippi or with a water view, single-family homes and hobby farms in the surrounding countryside. Young families appreciate having schools in the village, retirees enjoy walkable village life and cottagers come for the lake. Value comes from proximity to the lake, heritage character and walking distance to services.

Frequently asked questions about Ayer’s Cliff

Is Ayer’s Cliff a good place to live?

Ayer’s Cliff combines access to Lake Massawippi, two elementary schools, local shops and the Tomifobia trail, about 20 minutes from Magog.

How far is Ayer’s Cliff from Sherbrooke?

Ayer’s Cliff is about 35 km from Sherbrooke, roughly a 35-minute drive. Magog is about 20 minutes away.

When is the Expo Ayer’s Cliff held?

The Expo Ayer’s Cliff takes place every year in late summer, on rue Main. In 2026, it was held from August 27 to 30.

Are there schools in Ayer’s Cliff?

Yes. Ayer’s Cliff has École Saint-Barthélemy, an elementary school in French, and Ayer’s Cliff Elementary School, in English.

Is Lake Massawippi calling you? Take a look at our properties for sale, request a free home estimate or contact a broker at BEAU, the real estate team about your plans in Ayer’s Cliff.

Photo: Philzzz77, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons