Snowmobiling, lakes, and living heritage in the heart of the forest
Immerse yourself in the heart of nature in Mulgrave-et-Derry, a region where lakes, hills, and forests create a spectacular setting in every season. True to its motto , “Ad harmoniam cum natura, ” which means “For harmony with nature, ” the municipality reflects its residents’ commitment to a lifestyle in balance with the environment.
With an area of 317 km², Mulgrave-et-Derry is the second-largest municipality in the Papineau RCM and is divided into two distinct sectors. Mulgrave, accessible via Route 315, extends eastward, while Derry is located to the west and can be reached via Route 309. With more than 130 lakes dotting the landscape, the region has long attracted anglers, vacationers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking unspoiled scenery and wide-open spaces.
In winter, snowmobile enthusiasts will find an exceptional playground here. The Club Les Voyageurs des Collines et Ravins maintains over 155 km of trails that wind through forests and hills. The network extends notably around Lac La Blanche, an area prized for the beauty of its landscapes. North of the lake, the club’s rest stop is a popular spot to refuel, grab a bite to eat, and swap a few trail stories before heading back out on an adventure.
All year round, the region also attracts mountain bikers, anglers, and hikers who come to enjoy its wild and bountiful landscape. Despite the vastness of its landscapes, the town retains an intimate atmosphere. About 500 residents live there year-round, a population that doubles on weekends and during holidays when vacationers head to their cottages to recharge by the lakes.
Mulgrave-et-Derry also boasts a vibrant historical heritage. Founded in 1870 by immigrants—primarily from Germany and Ireland—the municipality is still home today to many families descended from those pioneers. This continuity reflects the residents’ deep attachment to their community.
The Mulgrave-and-Derry Historical Society actively contributes to preserving and sharing this collective memory. By appointment, visitors can explore an exhibition housed in the rectory of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Artifacts, photographs, and historical documents recount the daily lives of the first settlers and the evolution of this community deeply rooted in its territory.
Several historic buildings also bear witness to this past. The former Catholic church of Our Lady of Light now houses a cultural center that hosts various activities throughout the year. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and its parsonage, as well as the charming Ave Maria Chapel, remain important landmarks in the local landscape.
With its unspoiled natural beauty, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality, Mulgrave-et-Derry offers an authentic experience where visitors can slow down, breathe deeply, and discover a region deeply rooted in its history… and in harmony with nature.