Maniwaki, a charming town nestled in the province of Quebec, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located 130 kilometres north of Ottawa, Ontario, on the banks of the Gatineau River, Maniwaki serves as the administrative centre for La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau Regional County Municipality. This town is conveniently situated at the crossroads of Route 105 and Route 107, near Route 117 (Trans-Canada Highway).
The history of Maniwaki is deeply intertwined with the adjacent Kitigan Zibi Reserve. The town was developed on land originally part of this reserve, and its municipal lands were included in historical land claims by Kitigan Zibi, some of which were settled as recently as 2007.
In the early nineteenth century, Algonquins from the mission at Lake of Two Mountains, led by Chief Pakinawatik, arrived in the area of the Désert River. The Hudson's Bay Company followed suit in 1832, establishing a trading post at the confluence of the Désert and Gatineau rivers. By 1850, the township was demarcated and named Maniwaki by the Oblates (Algonquin for "Mary's Land").
The Canadian Pacific Railroad linked Ottawa to Maniwaki in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, further boosting the town's growth. The L'Assomption-de-Maniwaki parish was founded in 1851, and forestry became the primary livelihood for many settlers. Maniwaki was officially founded in 1851, became a township municipality in 1904, a village in 1930, and a city in 1957.
Maniwaki has weathered several challenges throughout its history. The Spanish influenza epidemic after World War I and the flood of 1974, which resulted in significant damage and evacuations, are notable examples. However, the town has shown remarkable resilience, and no major calamities have occurred since 1974. Today, Maniwaki continues to thrive, primarily in the forestry and tourism sectors.
Maniwaki boasts a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb), with an average annual temperature of 4.6 °C (40.3 °F). The town receives an average annual rainfall of 939.2 mm (36.98 in), with October being the wettest month. The warmest month on average is July, with temperatures around 19.1 °C (66.4 °F), while January is the coldest, with temperatures averaging −12.0 °C (10.4 °F).
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Maniwaki had a population of 3,757 living in 1,881 of its 2,110 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -2.2% from its 2016 population of 3,843. With a land area of 5.67 km2 (2.19 sq mi), the town had a population density of 662.6/km2 (1,716.2/sq mi) in 2021.
The linguistic diversity of Maniwaki is also noteworthy. While French is the first language for 90.7% of the population, 5.5% of residents speak English as their first language. A small percentage of the population speaks both English and French or another language as their first language.
In conclusion, Maniwaki, Quebec, is a town rich in history, resilience, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a traveller seeking new experiences, Maniwaki has something to offer you.
