Lac-des-Écorces is a charming municipality and village nestled in the Laurentides region of Quebec, Canada. It is part of the Antoine-Labelle Regional County Municipality and is named after the picturesque Bark Lake (Lac des Écorces) that graces its western boundary.
The history of Lac-des-Écorces is a tale of mergers and separations. On October 10, 2002, the Municipality of Beaux-Rivages, the Village of Lac-des-Écorces, and the Village of Val-Barrette merged to form the new Municipality of Beaux-Rivages–Lac-des-Écorces–Val-Barrette. However, it wasn't long before the name changed to its current form on June 21, 2003.
Originally, these three municipalities were part of one entity, the Township Municipality of Campbell-Partie-Est. This was created in 1911 by separating from the rest of Campbell Township (now part of Mont-Laurier), which was proclaimed in 1899 and named after Sir Alexander Campbell (1822-1892).
In 1914, Val-Barrette split off from Campbell-Partie-Est and became a separate incorporated village. In 1953, Campbell-Partie-Est was renamed to Lac-des-Écorces. In 1955, its main settlement also became an independent incorporated village, also called Lac-des-Écorces. In 1984, the township was renamed again, this time to Beaux-Rivages (French for "Beautiful Shores"), a tribute to the beauty of the shores of Bark Lake and the many other lakes dotting the territory.
Thomas Brunet from Thurso is considered the first settler in Val-Barrette, arriving in 1894. However, the village is named after Zéphirin Barrette, one of the first local land owners. He arrived here in late 1908, built a hotel, and donated land to build the church. After the settlement became an incorporated village, he served as its first mayor (1914-1915), the first postmaster (1909-1920), and was the first president of the school board. Its post office opened in 1909. In 1912, the mission of Saint-Joseph-de-Val-Barrette was founded and became a parish in 1916. Formerly dependent on vegetable crops, wool production, and sawing wood, its economy now leans more towards tourism. It is home to one of the largest fish culture stations in Quebec, focusing on raising trout.
The population trend prior to amalgamation was as follows:
The total number of private dwellings occupied by usual residents is 1,363 (out of a total of 1,669 dwellings). The mother tongue distribution is as follows:
Lac-des-Écorces, Quebec, with its rich history and natural beauty, is a destination worth exploring. Whether you're a history buff or a nature lover, this charming village has something for everyone.
