Township of Hatley

The Township of Hatley (Canton de Hatley) is a township municipality of about 2,500 residents in the MRC de Memphrémagog, in the Estrie administrative region and the Eastern Townships tourist region. Wrapped around the village of North Hatley and along the shores of Lake Massawippi, it is about 20 minutes from Sherbrooke and Magog, and about 2 hours from Montreal. Countryside and lake, with the city close by.

Living in the Township of Hatley

Watch out for the similar names: the Township, re-established in 1855, is separate from the village of North Hatley, which split from it in 1897, and from the municipality of Hatley, further south. Its rural territory links hamlets such as Capelton and Eustis. The nearest French-language schools, run by the Centre de services scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke, are in Waterville and Sherbrooke. In English, the elementary school is in North Hatley and Alexander Galt Regional High School is in Sherbrooke. The CLSC (local community health centre) is in Magog, and the emergency departments in Magog and Sherbrooke are about 20 minutes away.

Outdoors and nature in the Township of Hatley

The Township runs along Lake Massawippi and the Massawippi River. L’Axe de la Massawippi, a 14 km bike path on a former railway, links Sherbrooke to North Hatley by way of Mine Capelton, and 8 km are groomed in winter for cross-country skiing. For swimming, the Township co-owns Massawippi beach in Ayer’s Cliff and reimburses residents for seasonal access to Pleasant View beach in North Hatley.

Culture and local flavours

Three places to remember: Mine Capelton, a former copper mine about 150 years old that offers guided underground tours in summer, Domaine Bergeville, an organic vineyard making sparkling wines, and Aliments Massawippi, which makes miso and tamari. The neighbouring village of North Hatley adds its galleries, restaurants and jazz festival.

Real estate in the Township of Hatley

You will find properties on or near Lake Massawippi, country homes on large lots, hobby farms and agroforestry land, as well as residential areas such as Bunker Hill and Belvédère Heights. Sherbrooke families and professionals find the countryside 20 minutes away; retirees and cottagers find the lake and the trails. A property’s value depends mostly on lake access, the view and the size of the lot. Short-term rentals are governed by zoning: have the zone checked before you buy.

Frequently asked questions about the Township of Hatley

What is the difference between the Township of Hatley, Hatley and North Hatley?

They are three separate municipalities: the village of North Hatley, at the north end of Lake Massawippi, the municipality of Hatley, further south, and the Township of Hatley, the rural territory around North Hatley.

How far is the Township of Hatley from Sherbrooke?

The municipal office is about 14 km from downtown Sherbrooke, roughly 20 minutes by car. Montreal is about 2 hours away.

Where are the schools and health services?

The nearest schools are in North Hatley, Waterville and Sherbrooke. The CLSC is in Magog, and the nearest emergency departments are in Magog and Sherbrooke.

What types of properties are there in the Township of Hatley?

Mainly country homes, properties near Lake Massawippi and hobby farms.

Dreaming of a country home near Lake Massawippi, or thinking of selling yours? Browse our properties for sale, request a free home estimate or talk with a broker at BEAU, the real estate team.

Photo: Jean-Philippe Boulet (Lake Massawippi seen from North Hatley), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons