LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Maniwaki: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Maniwaki through the years.
1843 - Parish of St-Cajetan is established at Maniwaki
Maniwaki was founded as a mission on the banks of the Gatineau River and the Desert River in 1849 by Oblate missionaries.
The village was incorporated as a municipality in 1851 and was not incorporated as a city until 1957.
1853 - The Government of Canada creates the reserves of Maniwaki and Doncaster and urges Algonquin and Mohawk to move in order to reduce tensions on the territory ran by the Seminary.
http://www.cbc.ca/firsthand/features/oka-timeline-an-unresolved-land-claim-hundreds-of-years-in-the-
Before taking the name of Maniwaki in 1875, the local post office bore that of River Desert since 1854.
1873
MANIWAKI, Ottawa co., Que. See River Desert.
RIVER DESERT or MANIWAKI, a post village in Ottawa co , Que, at the confluence of the Rivers Desert and Ceineau, 60 miles from Ottawa. It is a post of the Hudson's Bay Co., and has a Roman Catholic church, several saw and grist mills, and 2 stores. Pop. 1,000, half Indians.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873
1895 - River Desert / Maniwaki
River Des’ert, or Maniwaki, mān-e-wā'kee, a post village in Ottawa co., Quebec, at the confluence of the rivers Desert and Gatineau, 60 miles N. of Ottawa. It is a post of the Hudson's Bay Company, and has a church, several saw- and grist-mills, and 2 stores. Pop. 1000, half Indians.
1906
Maniwaki, a post-village of Wright co., Quebec at the confluence of the Desert and Gatineau rivers, 90 miles from Ottawa, its banking point. Pop. about 800.
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In 1918, the entire Maniwaki region, like all of Quebec, was hit by the Spanish flu. There were dozens of deaths, so for the first time in the history of Maniwaki, a Sunday passed without any mass being celebrated at the Assumption Church.
1921 - Église de Notre-Dame-du-Très-Saint-Rosaire established at Maniwaki
Maniwaki
Maniwaki, Qué, Town, pop 4102 (2006c), 3571 (2001c), inc 1957. Maniwaki is situated in the Outaouais Region at the confluence of the Désert and Gatineau rivers, 130 km north of HULL.
History
The Oblate Fathers founded the mission Notre-Dame du Désert in 1849. Soon after, many settlers moved into the area, drawn by the forest's economic potential. A forest industry was established and provided the livelihood for the residents of the region. In 1851, Maniwaki was declared a parish.
Present Day
Maniwaki is the principle urban centre servicing the territory of the regional county municipality of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau. This area still has vast forest resources and, as in the past, the forest industry is of great importance. Maniwaki has a stable labour force that specializes in harvesting the forest and developing related products. The area is also known for its hunting, fishing and natural spaces. Château Logue, an all-granite house built in 1887, houses the municipal library...
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Here are plenty of places to go and things to do in Maniwaki and its surrounding areas. Here's a list to get you started:
Parc du Draveur: This is one of Maniwaki's most iconic attractions. The park features a stunning waterfall, the Chute-du-Draveur, which is a must-see. There are well-maintained trails that offer breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding forest. It's a great spot for hiking and photography.
Outdoor Adventure: Maniwaki is surrounded by lush forests, lakes, and rivers, making it an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. You can go hiking, biking, and even horseback riding in the area. Don't forget to check out the opportunities for fishing and canoeing on the nearby rivers.
ZEC Bras-Coupé-Désert: If you're a fan of hunting and fishing, this wildlife reserve is the place to be. It's known for its abundant wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for both hunting and fishing.
Gatineau River: The Gatineau River runs through Maniwaki, and it's a great place for water activities like kayaking and swimming during the summer months. The riverbanks are also ideal for picnics and...
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