Grand Beginnings: The History That Shaped Grand Lake

The Oblates in their canoes, complete with a floating brass band in the background. Photo credit: Archives Deschâtelets

Long before the first summer cottages dotted its shores, Grand Lake was part of the traditional territory of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. For generations, Indigenous people hunted, fished, and travelled along the Blanche River system, sustaining a deep relationship with the land and water that we now know as Grand Lake.

Europeans likely ventured into the Val-des-Monts area in the 1600s and traded with First Nations people, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that settlers actually put down roots on Grand Lake. In 1892, the Fathers of the Oblate Order of Mary Immaculate established a summer retreat on the lake, which students from Ottawa would visit to enjoy canoeing, camping, and reflection.

By the early 20th century, word of Grand Lake’s natural beauty had spread. In 1921, the Grand Lake Sports Club was officially founded, which attracted the region’s fishing and hunting enthusiasts — many of whom were employees of the Canadian International Paper Company. In fact, several of the club’s buildings were constructed from lumber that was salvaged from old bunkhouses used by the company’s workers in Gatineau.

Cottage life slowly expanded on Grand Lake through the 1940s and 50s; what began as a few rustic cabins grew into a thriving lake community. The Grand Lake Home Owners’ Protective Association (now the Grand Lake Association) was formed in 1943 to safeguard the lake’s waters, environment, and sense of place—a mission it still upholds today. 

But this is only the beginning of Grand Lake’s story. If you’re interested in learning more, check out The Grand Experience — a book published in 2007 that chronicles the history of Grand Lake. Please contact Rosaline Frith, Membership Chair, at rosfrith@outlook.com, if you’re interested in ordering a copy. By understanding our history, we can honour the people who have called Grand Lake home, and commit to protecting this special place for generations to come.