With several businesses temporarily or permanently closed, the village is starting to look like a ghost town. You simply need to observe the tourists walking through the streets — they seem a bit disoriented, disappointed to find so many closed doors.
It is urgent for the Municipality of North Hatley to take action to reverse this trend. The potential is clearly there — we simply need to better highlight winter activities in North Hatley and the surrounding area.
We already have several assets:
- Lac Massawippi
- Solstice Sauna
- Mont Hatley
- Sentiers Massawippi
- A cross-country ski trail along the Rivière Massawippi
- An outdoor skating rink and, eventually, a refrigerated one
In addition to these, there are also indoor activities such as curling, along with others that I may not yet be aware of, which could help enhance the winter experience for both residents and visitors.
Solstice Sauna
Solstice Sauna, located near the public wharf, offers cold-water immersion combined with a hot sauna — a unique and very enjoyable experience to discover.
Mont Hatley
Did you know that at Mont Hatley, it is possible to practice alpine touring / backcountry ski (with climbing skins) as well as snowshoeing? This is an activity I highly recommend experiencing.
Cross-country skiing along the Rivière Massawippi
There is also a cross-country ski trail along the Rivière Massawippi, generally well maintained. Walking is possible, but please avoid stepping in the ski tracks.
Could we also consider a winter ice path for skating along this area?
Outdoor rink — Parc de la Rivière
The outdoor skating rink at Parc de la Rivière is another fantastic activity. However, it needs to be ready when winter arrives. At the moment, it seems it could already be operational. Let’s hope the cold weather holds and that we can skate by Christmas.
Snow biking
Could we consider creating a snow-biking trail with electric fat bikes, similar to what is offered in the Coaticook region? We have everything required to make it happen. Of course, such a project would require motivated entrepreneurs — and, most importantly, municipal support.
Skating on the lake
Could we also imagine ice skating on the lake? Certainly, it involves risks, but it exists elsewhere and remains possible. Skating on a frozen lake can be even more impressive than skating in a public park. Could we even consider hosting a winter classic event with former professional hockey players? This might become possible with a refrigerated rink.
Ice fishing
Finally, once the lake is safely frozen, ice fishing becomes an incredible and low-cost activity. So why is it not promoted more in North Hatley? With the help of engaged citizens, the municipality could easily organize ice-fishing days or events to boost winter tourism. It is simple and inexpensive.
The town of Rivière-Saint-Anne clearly understood this by developing a tourist experience around poisson des chenaux fishing.
Manoir Hovey
Moreover, Manoir Hovey offers ice-fishing activities each winter through a partnership with Mr. Florent Hébert, fishing guide. Do they also offer lake skating? I am not sure.
Why is there no similar ice-fishing offer from the public wharf or Pleasant View Beach? Lack of interest? Lack of awareness? Yet we have one of the most beautiful fishing lakes in Québec.
Winter carnival or festive winter event
Could we also imagine a winter carnival or seasonal celebration in the heart of the village? Warm mulled wine, music, ice sculptures, fire pits, etc. Of course, to make it happen, we would need engaged citizen ambassadors — and municipal support.
Let’s see how all of this evolves!
