East Lake

Lac de l’Est, 9 km long and around 1 km wide, straddles the border between Mont-Carmel, in the Kamouraska region of Quebec, Canada, and Northwest Aroostook, in the state of Maine, USA. It covers an area of 8 km², approximately 80% of which is on the Quebec side. From Mont-Carmel, it’s almost 30 km to its shores.

A logging operation once stood at the head of the lake on the north side. In 1894, the first sawmill was opened here. Other sawmills followed, with activity reaching its peak around 1930, when 300 people lived permanently in the hamlet. After the 1960s, logging activity declined.

Today, a few cottages dot the shores of the lake, but much of it remains untamed. At the north end, a vast sandy beach welcomes visitors, with several facilities: supervised swimming area, children’s mini waterslide, beach volleyball court, water sports equipment rental, fishing tournaments, restaurant and convenience store.

Lac de l’Est is an ideal spot for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Access fees apply, as do fees for washing boats before launching.