William Crooks
From left to right: Patrick Clowery, President of the Intermunicipal Board of the Massawippi Regional Park; Jacques Demers, Mayor of Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley and Warden of the MRC de Memphrémagog; Lyne Desnoyers, Project Manager – Landscapes and Agriculture, MRC de Memphrémagog; Abelle L’Écuyer-Legault, General Manager and Clerk-Treasurer of Ayer’s Cliff; Sonia Tremblay, General Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of the Intermunicipal Board of the Massawippi Regional Park; Simon Roy, Mayor of Ayer’s Cliff; Pierre Côté, Mayor of Hatley; and Ève Rainville, Co-owner of Domaine Bergeville, stand outside the winery on June 10 following the launch of the Circuit Massawippi.
Circuit Massawippi invites residents and tourists to explore lakeside riches
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A new initiative launched June 10 at Domaine Bergeville in Hatley Township is inviting locals and visitors alike to rediscover the natural and cultural heritage surrounding Lake Massawippi. Dubbed the “Circuit Massawippi,” the 65-kilometre agrotourism route weaves through the municipalities of Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley, the Township and Village of Hatley, North Hatley, and Ayer’s Cliff.
Developed by the Intermunicipal Board of the Massawippi Regional Park in collaboration with the MRC de Memphrémagog and landscape committees from the five lakeside municipalities, the project includes a detailed bilingual map that highlights scenic roads, artisanal producers, panoramic viewpoints, and key local stops.
“This is a beautiful project that showcases Lake Massawippi, nestled in the splendour of the Appalachians,” said Patrick Clowery, President of the Park Board and municipal councillor in Hatley Township, during the official launch. “It stems from a shared desire to showcase our beautiful region and its exceptional producers and landscapes.”
The project also includes a companion real-life escape game, “Légende du Massawippi,” designed to add an interactive element to the experience. Both initiatives emerged from earlier public interest sparked by a similar map created for Lake Memphrémagog in 2022. According to Lyne Desnoyers, Project Manager for Landscapes and Agriculture at the MRC, feedback from local stakeholders played a crucial role. “Some merchants from around Lake Massawippi reached out to us, saying they wanted their own map. The idea took off from there.”
On one side, the map outlines a 65-kilometre loop featuring suggested scenic detours. The other side spotlights the five participating municipalities, describing key points of interest, including beaches, parks, and rest areas. The route is designed for travel by car, bike, or motorcycle.
“This map allows us to visit the region differently,” said Sonia Tremblay, Director General of the Intermunicipal Park Board. “It’s a great invitation to discover beautiful landscapes, passionate artisans, and welcoming people.”
According to a related press release, the Circuit Massawippi is a “Signature Innovation” project supported through Quebec’s Fonds régions et ruralité, under the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In addition to promoting tourism and economic development, the initiative supports the MRC’s broader strategy to increase public access to the region’s most iconic landscapes and to strengthen local collaboration.
Jacques Demers, Mayor of Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley and Warden of the MRC de Memphrémagog, praised the project’s local focus. “The hat I’m wearing today is that of a citizen,” he said. “Let’s use this for ourselves first. Then the tourists will follow. This kind of collective project benefits everyone.”
The launch event was hosted at Domaine Bergeville, one of the stops featured on the new circuit. “We’ve been established here for more than 16 years,” co-owner Ève Rainville told guests. “We only make sparkling wine using the traditional method because we believe the terroir here is perfect for it.” She noted the shop at the vineyard would be open from Wednesday to Sunday until mid-October and invited visitors to stop by for tastings and guided tours.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Simon Roy, Mayor of Ayer’s Cliff; Pierre Côté, Mayor of Hatley; Abelle L’Écuyer-Legault, General Manager and Clerk-Treasurer of Ayer’s Cliff; and Sonia Tremblay, also acting as Secretary-Treasurer of the Park Board.
The new maps are now available at tourism offices, local businesses, and online at www.lacmassawippi.ca under the “Circuit Massawippi” tab. According to Desnoyers, merchants across the region have already received their promotional materials, ready to welcome curious travellers.
“This kind of collaboration is so appreciated,” she said. “It’s a real celebration of what makes this territory unique.”