A huge lake with a rich history
Covering an area of 413 km2The Baskatong reservoir is an artificial body of water with a long history behind it. Before it became the jewel it is today, stretching across the Outaouais and Upper Laurentians regions, it underwent major changes since its creation in 1920.
Initially, hydroelectricity
In the 1920s, the need to increase electricity production in Quebec prompted the Commission des eaux courantes du Québec to initiate construction of the Mercier dam. Completed in 1928, this major infrastructure was the starting point for an exceptional flood: several rivers and lakes amalgamated to create an aquatic territory 45 km long and 19 km wide. The dam was designed to power the Gatineau Powers hydroelectric plants in the Outaouais region.
A man-made lake made real
Much more than a hydroelectric reservoir, the Baskatong has quickly become a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, fishing, camping, hiking and swimming. With 2,800 km of shoreline, you're sure to find a little piece of paradise!
Recreational tourism in the Upper Laurentians and Outaouais is frequently linked to the Baskatong reservoir, and once you've been there for the first time, it's easy to see why. Its long sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and abundance of fish species have made it an almost mythical place, a must-see!