Our History

For over 25 years, the Municipality of Coaticook has been active in the protection of our environmental heritage. Founded in 1834 by Richard Baldwin, the original site of Coaticook was chosen for its location on the shores of the Coaticook River and its proximity to pine forests teaming with wildlife. The arrival of the railroad and the harnessing of the power of the river both contributed to the growth and dynamism of the town.

The fusion in 1998 of Coaticook with the townships of Barnston and Barford further enriched the community. The township of Barnston had until this time benefited from the presence in its territory of a provincially owned fish hatchery or “Station Piscicole”. The newly fused town of Coaticook continued in the collaboration begun by Barnston with the Société de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec (now known as the Ministére des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune or The Ministry of Wildlife and Natural Resources) in the development of the fish hatchery as a tourist attraction. The display “Histoires de péches” or “Fish Tales” was acquired and guided visits to the exhibition and fish hatchery were offered.

In 2004, over 80 hectares of land adjacent to the fish hatchery were offered to the municipality of Coaticook by the Quebec government for the creation of a park where the public could learn more about ecology and be introduced to the pleasures of sport fishing. Construction was begun in the fall of 2005 and Le Parc Découverte Nature greeted its first visitors on May 29th, 2006 at its grand opening.