Orford, Quebec, is a charming township municipality nestled in the Estrie region of Quebec, Canada. With a population of about 5,000 people, Orford is part of the Memphrémagog Regional County Municipality. This picturesque town is renowned for its ski resort on Mount Orford, which draws thousands of winter enthusiasts every year.
Orford's main attraction is the Mont-Orford National Park, a sprawling expanse of forest covering thousands of acres. The park is home to two major lakes, Stukley and Fraser, and the Cherry River, which meanders through the park before emptying into Lake Memphremagog. With its numerous lakes and natural attractions, Orford has established itself as a premier tourist destination in Quebec.
In the early 19th century, Orford was a region seldom visited. The township was proclaimed in 1801 on the lands of the county of Buckinghamshire, and its name was inspired by a village in the county of Suffolk, England. The municipality of the township of Orford was established in 1855, with its initial development driven by loyalist immigration. This led to the founding of the village of Cherry River, located north of Magog.
Despite these developments, much of the municipality remained wild until the creation of the Mont-Orford National Park in 1938. The park, which occupies nearly half of the territory, transformed Cherry River into the gateway to the park. The establishment of a ski resort and a golf course sparked a tourism boom in the region. Today, the population is split between 40% permanent residents and 60% vacationers.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Orford had a population of 5,007 living in 2,244 of its 3,099 total private dwellings. This represents a 15.4% increase from its 2016 population of 4,337. With a land area of 136.14 km2 (52.56 sq mi), Orford had a population density of 36.8/km2 (95.3/sq mi) in 2021.
The population trend in Orford has been on the rise, with adjusted figures due to boundary changes. The mother tongue of the majority of the population, as of the 2021 census, is French.
Orford, Quebec, with its rich history and natural beauty, offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.
