Harrington, Quebec is a charming township municipality nestled in the Laurentides region of Quebec, Canada. It forms part of the Argenteuil Regional County Municipality and is situated in the picturesque Laurentian Mountains, approximately 40 kilometres north-west of Lachute. The township is home to several population centres, including Harrington, Lac-Keatley, Lakeview, Lost River, and Rivington.
Harrington is a haven for nature lovers, boasting a landscape filled with lakes and rivers teeming with fish. The Rouge River, the main river flowing through the township, provides a serene backdrop to the area. The largest lakes in Harrington include Lake MacDonald, Green Lake, and Lake Harrington, each of which attracts a significant number of summer cottage vacationers every year.
The territory of Harrington, Quebec is characteristic of the Laurentian region, featuring dense forests and rising to an elevation of 457 metres in the north-east. This is 30 metres higher than Mont Chauve, which overlooks Green Lake. The Lost River, another notable geographical feature, flows for several miles from a spring that disappears under a calcareous rock between Gate Lake and Fraser Lake.
The first mention of Harrington Township dates back to the Gale and Duberger Map of 1795. However, it wasn't until 1830 that Scottish pioneers settled in the Lost River area in the east. The township was officially established in 1841, and the township municipality was formed in 1855.
The name 'Harrington' is believed to have been derived from a location in England. Interestingly, the local post office was identified under the name of Rivington between 1878 and 1961.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Harrington had a population of 967 living in 543 of its 1,339 total private dwellings. This represented a 14.3% increase from its 2016 population of 846. With a land area of 233.65 km2, Harrington had a population density of 4.1/km2 in 2021.
Harrington, Quebec is a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of Canada.
