Lachute, Quebec, a charming town nestled in southwest Quebec, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located 62 km northwest of Montreal, on the Rivière du Nord, a tributary of the Ottawa River, and west of Mirabel International Airport, Lachute is easily accessible via Autoroute 50 and the junctions of Quebec Provincial Highways Route 148, Route 158, and Secondary Highways 327 and 329. As the seat of Argenteuil Regional County Municipality, Lachute is a bustling hub with a population of about 14,000 people. The town's major industries include paper mills and lumber, and it is served by the Lachute Airport.
The history of Lachute dates back to the 17th century when "La Chute" identified a cataract or falls on the North River located about 24 km upstream from its confluence with the Ottawa River. The first francophone to settle in Lachute temporarily was Antoine Brunet in 1753. However, the town's significant growth began in 1796 when Jedediah Lane, from Jericho, Vermont, bought several thousand acres of land on both sides of the North River.
By 1803, 30 families were scattered on both banks of the North River, and by 1810, Lachute counted 83 families, including 211 children of school age. The town's development was further boosted in 1804 with the construction of a mill at the falls and the opening of the first general store in 1813.
The late 19th century saw another period of expansion for Lachute, with the construction of the railway linking Montreal and Ottawa. The town's industrial base also grew, with the establishment of a wool mill and a paper mill. Lachute was incorporated as a town in 1885, and electricity was introduced in 1901.
In 1966, Lachute and the Village of Ayersville merged, forming the Cité de Lachute. Over the years, Lachute has continued to grow and develop, with parts of the Saint-Jérusalem Parish and Mirabel's territory being added to the town in 1971 and 2000, respectively.
One of the highlights of Lachute's cultural calendar is the Expo Lachute Fair, the oldest fair in Quebec and the second-oldest in all of Canada. Running since 1825, the fair was permanently moved to Lachute in 1917 when the Argenteuil Agricultural Society purchased land for the event. Today, the Expo Lachute Fair is still going strong, with an annual agriculture fair held in July and the Fall Derby in September. The fairgrounds are also used for several other local events throughout the year.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Lachute had a population of 14,100 living in 6,531 of its 6,862 total private dwellings. This represented a change of 9.6% from its 2016 population of 12,862. With a land area of 108.66 km2, Lachute had a population density of 129.8/km2 in 2021.
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Lachute, Quebec, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the lesser-known corners of Quebec. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just a curious traveler, Lachute has something to offer you.
