Chapleau, Ontario, a township in the Sudbury District, is a hidden gem in Canada. Known for its rich history, unique geography, and the world's largest wildlife preserve, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With a population of 1,942 according to the 2016 Canadian census, Chapleau's major industries include the logging mill, Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) rail yards.
The history of Chapleau, Ontario, dates back to 1777 when the Hudson's Bay Company established the first European settlement in the area. This fur trading post was located about 50 miles north of present-day Chapleau, on Big Missinabi Lake.
In 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway was built through the area, marking a significant turning point in the town's history. The CPR chose Chapleau as a divisional point, leading to the town's founding. The town was named in honour of Sir Joseph-Adolphe Chapleau, a lawyer, journalist, businessman, politician, and the 5th Premier of Quebec.
Chapleau's history also includes a tragic event in 1913 when Louis Hémon, author of the French novel Maria Chapdelaine, was struck and killed by a train.
The town's history is beautifully preserved in the Chapleau Centennial Museum, which was opened in 1967 to showcase and celebrate local history.
Located in the heart of the Canadian Shield, Chapleau, Ontario, is geographically isolated. The nearest cities are Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, and Sudbury, all more than a two-hour drive away.
The town is connected to other regions via Highway 129, which links with Highway 101, running east to Timmins and west to Wawa. Via Rail's Sudbury–White River train also connects Chapleau station with White River, Sudbury, and several remote communities.
The Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, located north of the town, is the largest animal preserve in the world, spanning over 7,000 km2. The preserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, black bears, pygmy shrews, bald eagles, and loons.
The preserve is a significant source of tourism, attracting nature enthusiasts and fishermen from around the world. Hunting and trapping have been forbidden in the preserve since the 1920s, resulting in an area teeming with wildlife.
Chapleau, Ontario, experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm, rainy summers and long, cold, snowy winters.
According to the 2021 Canadian census, Chapleau had a population of 1,942 living in 867 of its 973 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -1.1 per cent from its 2016 population of 1,964.
Chapleau, Ontario, made history on November 9, 2005, when residents began testing a wireless mesh Internet technology in a program called Project Chapleau. This was the first Wi-Fi connection of its kind in Canada, covering the entire town. The service was designed and implemented by Bell Canada Enterprises, Nortel Networks, and the Township of Chapleau.
