North Hatley, Quebec, is a quaint village nestled at the northern end of Lake Massawippi. With a population of 675 according to the 2021 Census, this charming locale is part of the Memphrémagog Regional County Municipality in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec, Canada. Known as Estrie or Cantons de l'Est in French, this region is home to a vibrant community that cherishes its history and natural beauty.
While the village of North Hatley may not offer big-city amenities, locals find everything they need within a short drive to the nearby towns of Magog or Sherbrooke. However, North Hatley is not without its own unique charm. The village boasts a variety of smaller stores and cafés that are open year-round, including Emporium and The Pomegranate for antiques, LeBaron's Store for groceries and gifts, The Pilsen Pub for a friendly drink, and Accommodation Massawippi for convenience items.
North Hatley's history is deeply rooted in the lives of the United Empire Loyalists, who were among the first settlers in the area. These mostly farmers left New England following the American Declaration of Independence in 1776. The village's distinctive architecture and grand houses are a testament to its first aristocrats, many of whom were Americans from south of the Mason–Dixon line.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, North Hatley had a population of 675 living in 319 of its 450 total private dwellings. This represented a 6.8% increase from its 2016 population of 632. With a land area of 3.35 km2 (1.29 sq mi), North Hatley had a population density of 201.5/km2 (521.9/sq mi) in 2021.
North Hatley has also made its mark in the media. The village was the shooting location for several films, including "Secret Window" starring Johnny Depp. It was also mentioned in the television show "The X-Files" as the location of the Cigarette Smoking Man's hideout in the episode "The Red and the Black". Furthermore, North Hatley was the setting for the 2003 film "Hatley High". Although the majority of the movie was filmed in Hudson, several of North Hatley's landmarks, including its sign, can be seen throughout the film.
