Lac-des-Seize-Îles, Quebec, is a charming village and municipality nestled in the Laurentides region of Quebec, Canada. This picturesque locale is part of the Les Pays-d'en-Haut Regional County Municipality. The municipality is named after and surrounds the Sixteen Island Lake (Lac des Seize Îles), with the village situated at the lake's northern end.
Located approximately 27 kilometers west of Saint-Sauveur-des-Monts in the Laurentian Mountains, Lac-des-Seize-Îles, Quebec, is a geographical marvel. The municipality, rectangular in shape, completely encompasses the Sixteen Island Lake. This lake, 5 kilometers long and at an elevation of 290 meters, is home to eighteen small islands, despite its name suggesting only sixteen. The two smallest islands, unnamed and deemed too small for habitation, contribute to the lake's unique charm.
The shores of Sixteen Island Lake and most of the islands are developed with cottages, making Lac-des-Seize-Îles a popular summer location. The population swells significantly during this season, with most cottages only accessible by boat.
Before European contact, the Weskarini Algonquin First Nation occupied the territory of Lac-des-Seize-Îles, Quebec. Archaeological searches have uncovered 500-year old Huron and 700-year old Iriquoan pottery vases, suggesting the lake was possibly a meeting place. The first pioneers arrived in 1897, mainly from Saint-Joachim-de-Shefford and Roxton Falls. The post office opened a year later in 1898, under the English name of Sixteen Island Lake. In 1901, the mission of Notre-Dame-de-la-Sagesse was established and became a parish in 1937. The Municipality of Lac-des-Seize-Îles was formed in 1914, separating from the Township Municipalities of Montcalm and Wentworth.
The population of Lac-des-Seize-Îles, Quebec, has seen various changes over the years. In 2016, the population was 172, a decrease of 22.9% from 2011. The population in 2011 was 223, a significant increase of 39.4% from 2006. The population in 2006 was 160, a decrease of 33.9% from 2001. The population in 2001 was 242, compared to 184 in 1996 and 205 in 1991.
The mother tongue of the residents varies, with 8.6% having English as their first language, 82.9% French, and 5.7% other languages. No residents reported having both English and French as their first language.
