 |
travel / great places / explorer / nd06
| Explorer |
|
|
Canadian Ski Marathon
Exploring Lachute
Named for the rapids of the Rivière du Nord, on
whose banks the town is nestled, Lachute has evolved from
its days as a rough-edged industry town into the hub of a
scenic region in the Laurentians.
The town, located about 65 kilometres northwest of Montréal,
was built on a railway line and relied on hydropower that supplied
paper, grain and textile mills. But like many industry towns,
times changed and so did Lachute. Today, with over 11,000 residents,
the community is known for its cafés and small shops.
top
The community has also developed a niche as the alternating
starting or ending point of the annual Canadian Ski Marathon.
The distinction brings more than 2,000 skiers to the region
each year.
The construction of a provincial highway connecting Gatineau
to Montréal is causing headaches for marathon organizers
who may see their route in jeopardy. But the highway, to be
completed in 2010, is expected to benefit Lachute and many
other small communities in the region. The highway will pass
through Lachute and is expected to draw back many Quebec travellers
who now enter Ontario to travel between Gatineau and Montréal.
|
|
| ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
|
