Nestled in the heart of Canada's National Capital Region, Cantley, Quebec is a rural municipality that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Located just 17 km north of Gatineau and east of the Gatineau River, Cantley is a thriving community that has seen significant growth since its establishment in 1989.
The town of Cantley was founded in the early 1830s by Colonel Cantley, a subordinate of Colonel John By during the birth of Bytown, now known as Ottawa. The area developed a distinctly Irish character with the arrival of a large contingent of Irish Catholics in the 1840s.
Education and infrastructure began to take shape in the 1850s with the construction of a Roman Catholic chapel, a school, and a post office. Farming, logging, and lumber milling were early industries, with mica and phosphate mines emerging after 1885.
In 1925, two hydroelectric dams, now known as the Chelsea and Rapides-Farmers Hydroelectric Stations, were constructed along the Gatineau River, marking a significant economic and industrial milestone in Cantley's history.
The Mont Cascades resort, a major recreational and touristic asset, opened in 1976. Cantley also houses the Gatineau Landsat satellite tracking station for Natural Resources Canada.
As of the 2021 Canadian Census, Cantley boasts a population of 11,449, marking a 7.0% increase from the 2016 population of 10,699. French is the first language of 86.7% of Cantley's residents, with English as the first language for 10.6% of the population.
Cantley's main artery is Route 307, also known as Montée de la Source, which is an extension of Rue Saint-Louis in Gatineau. Major collector roads include Chemin du Mont-Cascades, Chemin Ste-Élisabeth, Montée des Érables, and Montée St-Amour.
Public transportation services in Cantley are provided by Transcollines, with Route 931 offering weekday peak period service between Cantley and the De La Gappe Rapibus station, and Route 932 providing service between Cantley and the Cégep de l'Outaouais' Gabrielle-Roy campus.
Cantley offers a variety of recreational activities, including the Mont Cascades Ski Resort and Waterpark, the largest in the Outaouais region, and the Mont Cascades Golf Club. The town is also home to Nakkertok, the largest cross-country ski club in the National Capital Region.
Cantley's central location provides easy access to the Gatineau Park, ski resorts such as Sommet Edelweiss, Vorlage, Camp Fortune, and Mont Ste-Marie, and a number of parks located across its territory.
Cantley is twinned with Ornans, France, further enhancing its cultural richness and global connections.
Experience the unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities that make Cantley, Quebec a must-visit destination in Canada's National Capital Region.
