17/08/2026
Here’s an idea of what to do with your 12-year-old nephew on holiday in Magog, or anywhere else, really… organize a hot dog competition.
I suggested we try three different places over three days and establish some proper judging criteria: condiment ratio, bread consistency and wiener taste. Fries got their own score too, of course.
The fun part was watching how seriously he took it. He really weighed his options and explained his scores, exactly what I’d hoped for when I suggested it. His opinion mattered just as much as mine.
And before anyone worries about our diet: one hot dog each and a mini portion of fries to share, once a day. Plus hours swimming in the lake and walking everywhere.
Best steamé: Cantine Chez Paul
A steamé is a Quebec classic: the bun and wiener are steamed instead of toasted, giving you that characteristic soft, warm bun.
My nephew loved the condiment ratio, bread consistency and taste. He even wanted to award an extra point for the nice, clean interior, which I found adorable. Bonus: it’s right downtown with a lovely terrace for people-watching.
Best fries: Cantine Charles Luncheonette
My dad’s favourite. He goes every Friday after golf, and these were definitely our winning fries. Fried twice in beef fat, they’re much closer to Belgian fries: crispy outside, soft inside and not oily.
My dad swears by their toasted hot dogs and I loved the homemade coleslaw. My nephew, who takes his with ketchup and mayo, thought there was too much ketchup and that it overpowered the wiener. The boy takes his judging seriously.
And Magog? Beautiful and quaint, surrounded by lake, mountains and nature. About 1½ hours south of Montreal and close to the U.S. border, it’s a pretty wonderful place to spend a few summer days, hot dog competition included.
