Québec Lakes

Lake Massawippi

North Hatley and Ayers Cliff, Québec

4600 acres
136’ average depth
281’ maximum depth
Elevation 528 feet

One of the deepest lakes you’ll ever skate on (along with nearby Lake Willoughby in Vermont), it’s a rarity to catch Massawippi with safe ice and no snow cover.
While the south end freezes early - and often becomes snow-covered - central and northern sections sometimes don’t freeze over until early February. This can make Massawippi an inviting target for mid-season skating.
Sections of the west shore are rugged and roadless, with isolated cabins hemmed in by steep cliffs. These cabins can only be accessed by crossing the lake from the opposite shore. Toward the north end is Hovey Manor, a luxury lakefront resort that really throws out the welcome mat for visiting ice skaters.
At the end of your adventure, a sauna awaits you on shore at the North Hatley town beach (reserve online at solsticesauna.com).

Above: An isolated summer cabin.
Right: Vertical cliffs with overhanging trees rise up from the west shore.
Below: Hovey Manor throws out the welcome mat with a firepit, barbecue grill, Christmas trees and a tent to escape from winter windchills.

Above: Topographic map of the lake bottom (depths in feet).
Below: Satellite map showing old gray ice (light blue), new black ice (dark gray) and open water (solid black) on the lake, with forestland (in red) and snow-covered fields (white) on shore.