History of Coaticook, Québec, Canada

In 1822, Mr. Richard Baldwin was the first settler to clear these lands. He and his friends felled huge pine trees and made a dam not far from the current cement dam. Then, the brothers Walter and William Buckland cleared a clearing of a few acres opposite the present railway station. Other settlers followed: Elias Parkhust and a brother-in-law of the Bucklands settled there closer to the Barford line. The following year Richard Baldwin and Vester Cleaveland built a mill here. The first school was built in 1828. In 1830, the first real house with outbuildings was erected.

The city's official site tells a very curious story: "In 1835, when the British American Land Co was looting the forests along the rivers that flow into the Saint-François, the settlers of Coaticook were numerous enough to make a bad luck to these new "cageux" somewhat related to the dockworkers of London. One day, the men of the company went to complain to the nearest judicial authorities. Two guards were sent to the scene by the company. But the settlers of Coaticook seized them, coated them with a kind of sticky liquid, covered them with the feathers of partridges and other nocturnal birds and told them to return to Sherbrooke without ever setting foot in Coaticook again, or else it would be the immediate plunge into the river. Promises were made immediately and kept forever."

COATICOOK, an incorporated village in Stanstead co., Que., on the Coaticook river, with a station on the G. T. R., 122 miles S.E. of Montreal. It is a port of entry, and contains 4 churches, several hotels, a number of stores, a branch bank, a telegraph office, paper, saw and grist mills, and manufactories of mowing machines, leather, furniture, sashes, doors, matches, clothes pins, washing machines, churns, iron castings, boots and shoes, &c. Total value of imports for 1872 $645,389; exports $2,562,303. Pop. 1,160.

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook (Coaticook Gorge Park): This is the crown jewel of Coaticook. The park features a stunning suspension bridge that spans the gorge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and the Coaticook River. You can hike along several trails, go biking, and even enjoy a night walk with lanterns during the summer. In winter, it's a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Foresta Lumina: This multimedia night walk in Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is an enchanting experience. The forest comes alive with lights, sounds, and projections that tell a magical story. It's a must-visit attraction, but be sure to book your tickets in advance, as it tends to sell out during the peak season.

Dairy Farm Tours: Coaticook is known for its dairy products, particularly its ice cream. Visit Laiterie Coaticook to take a guided tour of the dairy farm and see how they produce their delicious ice cream. Of course, don't forget to indulge in some ice cream ...

Coaticook Gorge Park is a stunning natural attraction located in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada. It's a place of remarkable beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a fantastic destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone looking to escape into the great outdoors. So, let me give you the lowdown on visiting Coaticook Gorge Park.

Getting There:

Getting to Coaticook Gorge Park is relatively easy, especially if you're driving. The park is situated in the town of Coaticook, which is roughly 90 kilometers (about 55 miles) southeast of Sherbrooke and approximately 220 kilometers (about 137 miles) east of Montreal.

By Car: If you're coming from Montreal, take Autoroute 10 East until you reach Exit 121 (Coaticook). From there, follow Route 141 South, and you'll soon arrive in Coaticook. The park is well-signposted, so you shouldn't have trouble finding it.

By Public Transport: While it's more convenient to drive, you can also reach Coaticook by taking a bus from...