Snowmobiles, 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 truly reflects its residents’ commitment to a lifestyle in balance with the environment.
Mulgrave-et-Derry, the second-largest territory in the Papineau RCM with an area of 317 km², 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 area, the region has long attracted anglers, vacationers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking unspoiled landscapes and wide-open spaces.
In winter, snowmobile enthusiasts will find an exceptional playground here. The Club Les Voyageurs des Collines et Ravins maintains more than 155 km of trails that wind through forests and hills. The trail network extends particularly around Lake 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.
In every season, the region also attracts mountain bikers, anglers, and hikers who come to enjoy this wild and bountiful landscape. Despite the vastness of its landscapes, the town retains an intimate feel. About 500 residents live there year-round, a population that doubles on weekends and during vacations when vacationers head to their cottages to recharge by the lakes.
Mulgrave-et-Derry also has a vibrant historical heritage. Founded in 1870 by immigrants—primarily from Germany and Ireland—the municipality is still home today to several families descended from those pioneers. This continuity reflects the residents’ deep attachment to their community.
The Mulgrave-and-Derry Historical Society plays an active role in 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 Artifacts, photographs, and historical documents illustrate the daily lives of the early settlers and the evolution of this community, deeply rooted in its local area.
Several historic buildings also bear witness to this past. The former Catholic church of Our Lady of Light (Notre-Dame-de-la-Lumière) 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, living 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.