Lac-des-Écorces, Quebec: History, Things to Do and Travel Guide
Lac-des-Écorces is a Laurentides municipality in Antoine-Labelle, south of Mont-Laurier and close to the Kiamika River and several lakes. It includes the older local identities of Beaux-Rivages, Lac-des-Écorces and Val-Barrette, which still matter when travellers read signs and trail material.
How Lac-des-Écorces Started
The current municipality is recent, but the communities inside it are older. The Commission de toponymie records that Beaux-Rivages, the village of Lac-des-Écorces and the village of Val-Barrette regrouped on October 10, 2002. The new municipality was first called Beaux-Rivages-Lac-des-Écorces-Val-Barrette, then changed to Lac-des-Écorces on June 21, 2003.
Val-Barrette has its own strong story. P’tit Train du Nord heritage material says the place was first called Picardie and was attached to Canton Campbell, later Beaux-Rivages. On July 28, 1914, the small settlement of about 40 houses became the village municipality of Val-Barrette. It was named for Zéphirin Barrette, a pioneer who served as first mayor, school commission president, hotel owner, postmaster and general merchant.
What Lac-des-Écorces Is Like Today
Lac-des-Écorces had 2,885 residents in the 2021 census. The municipality feels lake-and-road based, with neighbourhoods and services spread between the lake country, Val-Barrette and the road corridor toward Mont-Laurier. That spread-out shape is important for visitors, because the most useful stops are separated by short drives rather than gathered on one block.
Visitors should expect a working Laurentian municipality rather than a single resort village. Lakes, old village sites, local services, municipal facilities and the P’tit Train du Nord corridor make the place legible. The official municipal site can block some automated access, so current local notices are especially important when planning facilities or sports stops.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
Use Val-Barrette as a clear visitor anchor. The P’tit Train du Nord page for Place du village de Val-Barrette locates it in Lac-des-Écorces and describes the village’s setting among lac Gauvin, lac François and lac Saint-Onge. The same heritage network also marks Barrage Reno on the Kiamika River, at the mouth of lac des Écorces, where a mill, dam and small industrial cluster became important in the 1930s.
For a short visit, combine the village place, lake-road views and any signed public facilities currently listed by the municipality. Cyclists and walkers should check P’tit Train du Nord conditions and access points before heading out, since trail status, parking and seasonal maintenance can change. In winter, confirm whether trail use is reserved for skiing, walking, snowmobiling or another managed activity.
Quick Facts
- Province: Quebec
- Region: Laurentides
- Municipality type: Municipality
- 2021 census population: 2,885
- Official website: https://lacdesecorces.ca/
- Best for: Val-Barrette history, lake roads, P’tit Train du Nord stops and Kiamika River context
Travel Notes
Lac-des-Écorces is easiest by car, with cycling or walking possible where official trail access is open. Check municipal notices, P’tit Train du Nord conditions, lake access rules and winter road reports before departure. Many good views are near private homes or shoreline properties, so use signed public places.