Otter Lake is a charming municipality nestled in the Outaouais region of Quebec, Canada. Located northwest of Gatineau, it forms part of the Pontiac Regional County Municipality. Known as Leslie-Clapham-et-Huddersfield until December 20, 2003, Otter Lake has a rich history and a vibrant community.
Otter Lake is home to several population centres, including Klukeville, Lauréat, Omer, Otter Lake, and Sandy Creek. The village of Otter Lake is beautifully surrounded by Hughes Lake to the west, Lac de la Ferme (Farm Lake) to the east, McCuaig Lake to the south, and Lac à la Loutre (Otter Lake) to the north.
The history of Otter Lake dates back to 1793 when Huddersfield Township was established, named after its namesake in West Yorkshire, England. In 1866, Leslie Township was established, named after James Leslie, a Canadian senator. The same year, the Otter Lake post office opened, and the village that formed around the post office also came to bear the same name.
Philemon Wright, a pioneer of the logging industry in Ottawa, operated a wood depot at Otter Lake. The logging industry has played and continues to play a significant role in the village's history. In 1877, the United Township Municipality of Leslie-Clapham-et-Huddersfield was formed from its constituent townships. Clapham Township, planned in the second half of the 19th century and named after a village north of Bedford, England, was officially established in 1920. The united municipality was established as it was more advantageous to hold a municipal status than remain unorganized territory. In 2004, the United Township Municipality of Leslie-Clapham-et-Huddersfield became the Municipality of Otter Lake.
Otter Lake, Quebec, is a community that beautifully blends history and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Otter Lake has something for everyone.
