Natashquan, a municipality in the Minganie Regional County Municipality, Côte-Nord region, Quebec, Canada, is a place of rich history and stunning landscapes. This community, distinct from the adjacent Innu reserve of Nutashkuan, is named after the Natashquan River, a name rooted in the Innu language meaning "where one hunts for bear".
The history of Natashquan, Quebec dates back to the 17th century when Jacques Cartier visited the area in 1534. A trading post was established at the mouth of the Natashquan River in 1710, but the settlement of Natashquan in the eponymous township was not founded until 1855. The first settlers were Acadians from the Magdalen Islands, particularly from Amherst Island (île du Havre Aubert).
In the same year, the Notre-Dame-de-Natashquan Mission was founded on the west bank of the Little Natashquan River. The township was officially established in 1869, and the post office opened in August 1872. Natashquan was incorporated as a township municipality in 1907.
For many decades, Natashquan was dependent on fishing. However, few fishermen remain today. In 1958, the first electricity cooperative was formed, and homes were electrified. Television followed in the 1970s. Before 1996, Natashquan was only accessible via boat or airplane. That year, Route 138 was extended to Natashquan, connecting it to Havre-Saint-Pierre and ending its isolation from Quebec's road network. On June 18, 2016, Natashquan changed status from a township municipality to a regular municipality.
Natashquan, Quebec is located on the north shore of the Jacques Cartier Strait and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, straddling both banks of the Little Natashquan River. It is situated some 120 km (75 mi) east of Havre-Saint-Pierre. The township is bordered on the east and south by the estuary of the Natashquan River, and encompasses an area riddled with numerous small ponds and lakes.
Natashquan, Quebec experiences a borderline subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) that is just short of being classed as a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb). Summers are mild, moderated by the Gulf of St Lawrence, and winters are cold and snowy, with annual snowfall averaging 140 inches (356 cm).
The mother tongue of Natashquan, Quebec is predominantly French, with 96.2% of the population speaking it as their first language. English is not a first language for any of the population, and 3.8% of the population speaks another language as their first language.
The main road through Natashquan, Quebec is Quebec Route 138. The community is also served by Natashquan Airport and Natashquan (Lac de l'Avion) Water Aerodrome, providing multiple options for travel and exploration.
