Franklin, Quebec, is a charming Canadian municipality nestled in the Montérégie region along the Canada-US border. As of the 2021 Canadian census, this quaint town is home to 1,635 residents.
Franklin, Quebec, is strategically located along the border with the United States. The municipality is known for its unique geological features, including the east-west forested ridge, Covey Hill. This foothill to the northern Adirondack Mountains of New York State offers a stunning view of Montreal's skyscrapers to the northeast. Streams from its northern flank flow into the Chateauguay Valley, feeding the Chateauguay River that eventually drains into the St. Lawrence River.
Franklin, Quebec, encompasses several locations within its boundaries. Dorea, a hamlet situated in the southern portion, and Franklin Centre, a hamlet located at the junction of Route 202 and Route 209, are among them. Franklin Centre is named after the Arctic explorer John Franklin. Saint-Antoine-Abbé, a village located along Quebec Route 209, is another community within Franklin.
The history of Franklin, Quebec, dates back to around 1788 when the first settler, Asa Smith, arrived. The early 19th century saw an influx of American, Irish, and English settlers. In 1857, the Township Municipality of Franklin was founded, named after John Franklin. Franklin lost part of its territory on June 8, 1860, when the Parish Municipality of Saint-Antoine-Abbé was formed. The Franklin post office opened in 1868. In 1973, the current municipality was formed when the Township Municipality of Franklin and the Parish Municipality of Saint-Antoine-Abbé-Partie-Nord-Est were merged.
Franklin, Quebec, is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. "Chemin de Covey Hill" (Covey Hill road) is considered one of the premier cycling roads in southern Quebec. The impressive climb between Havelock and Franklin Centre, the breath-taking views of the St. Lawrence and Richelieu river valleys, and a surprisingly good quality road surface make it a must-visit. This is the first road north of the US-Canada border.
