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North Hatley is a small village at the northern end of Lake Massawippi in Quebec's Eastern Townships. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, wealthy families from the American South and elsewhere built summer homes here, and their grand houses still line the hillsides above the water. That history gives the village an elegant, slightly old-world feel that it has kept carefully.
Life centers on the lake and the compact village core, where a handful of galleries, cafés and restaurants sit close to the shore. Walking past the lakeside mansions and heritage homes is a pastime in itself, and paddling or swimming in Lake Massawippi fills summer afternoons. The Piggery Theatre, set in a converted barn, has long presented English-language summer productions. Ayer's Cliff, at the lake's southern end, makes a pleasant drive or bike ride.
The village is close to Lennoxville, home of Bishop's University, and to Sherbrooke, where the Musée des beaux-arts adds an indoor option. Mont-Orford National Park and the suspension bridge over the Coaticook Gorge make good day trips, and the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, built across the Canada–US border in Stanstead, is a memorable curiosity. North Hatley suits couples and travelers seeking quiet inns and fine dining. Summer and fall are the peak seasons.
WiserMap travel guideNorth Hatley Quebec Lake Massawippi and Summer TheatrePlan a trip to North Hatley on Lake Massawippi: lakeside walks, a summer theatre, Mont-Orford, Coaticook Gorge, local food, where to stay and an itinerary.Read the guide
Lake Massawippi is a long, narrow lake between wooded hills, with North Hatley at its northern tip. Visitors swim, sail, kayak and paddleboard in summer, and the shore is lined with old summer houses. Rentals are available in the village in season; stay close to shore if the wind rises, as the lake can get choppy.
The small village centre of North Hatley sits where the Massawippi River leaves the lake, with a few streets of galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants. The waterfront and the bridge over the river are pleasant for a short stroll. Parking is limited on summer weekends, so park once and explore on foot.
From the late 1800s, wealthy families from the American South and New England built grand summer homes on the hills around North Hatley. Many of these wooden houses with wide verandas still overlook the lake. They are private, so admire them from the road while walking or cycling around the village, and respect driveways.
Mines Capelton is a historic copper mine on the edge of North Hatley, worked in the 1800s. Guided tours take visitors deep into the mountain through old tunnels to see the work of the miners and the rock formations. The mine is cool all year, so bring a sweater, wear closed shoes and book the tour ahead in summer.
The Piggery Theatre is a summer theatre in a former pig barn on the edge of North Hatley, staging English language plays and concerts since the 1960s. Its rustic hall and country setting are part of the charm. The season runs mainly in summer; book tickets in advance and arrive early for a picnic on the grounds.
Manoir Hovey is a historic inn on the shore of Lake Massawippi, built as a summer estate in the style of Mount Vernon in Virginia. Today it is a well known hotel with gardens, a private beach and a fine dining restaurant. Non guests can reserve a table for dinner or afternoon tea, which is the best way to see the property.
The Pilsen is a long running pub and restaurant in the heart of North Hatley, in an old building beside the Massawippi River where it leaves the lake. Its terrace over the water is popular in summer for burgers, local beer and fish. It gets busy at lunch on sunny weekends, so arrive early or expect a short wait.
The Massawippi River flows out of the lake at North Hatley and winds north toward Lennoxville through quiet countryside. Canoe and kayak trips on the upper river pass farms and woods with herons and kingfishers. Plan your put in and take out points in advance and check water levels, which can be low in late summer.
Parc Dreamland is a small lakeside park in North Hatley with lawns, benches and a view down Lake Massawippi. In summer it is used for outdoor concerts and community events, and it is a good place for a picnic or ice cream after walking the village. Check the village calendar for evening shows and bring a blanket or a chair.
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Photo: Cantons-de-l'Est, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Cantons-de-l'Est, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
