A rich history
Incorporated in 1909, the municipality of Ayer’s Cliff still maintains its Anglo-Saxon lustre from the late 18th century. John Langmaid of New Hampshire took ownership of the territory, which he baptized under his own name as Langmaid’s Flat. He ran a small hotel, welcoming visitors traveling up from the United States. In 1799, a man named Thomas Ayer bought property to lay a railway. When this was accomplished, the town took on the name of Ayer’s Flat. But this term suggesting a swampy lowland didn’t bode well for the area’s investment potential.
And so, in 1904, “Cliff” became the town’s suffix, a better reflection of the area’s scenic attributes. Every summer, the citizens of Ayer’s Cliff hold a colossal fair at their county fairgrounds, one of the oldest such events in the region. An old music bandstand in the center of the village, one of the oldest in the country, has become the symbol of the municipality.
Ayer’s Cliff is also a great access point to Lake Massawippi, Abenaki for “lake of deep waters.” In 2009, year of the centennial, the population was over 1200 citizens.
A journey amidst land and water
A passage by land
Ayer’s Cliff owes much of its fame to its regional equestrian vocation and its important Summer agricultural fair, one of the oldest in the region. Come see the impressive site of the Fair nestled in the heart of the village. It has retained all its picturesque charm of yesteryear.
Because of its location at the crossroads of Routes 208 and 141, the village has the shape of a Y. Many businesses are located in the heart of the Y, you can find everything you need for a good time.
The Tomifobia Nature Trail, the former route of the railway, allows you to bike or walk 20 km along the Tomifobia River and discover some of the most impressive birds as well as a variety of natural landscapes and vibrant wildlife.
In the center of the village, you can visit the Literary Circuit. Five strategically placed panels opening windows to the past, will escort you to different eras. Fun for adults and children… a beautiful open-air story told by Mr. Hervé Gagnon, a local author (panels 1 to 5).
Tyler Park, located on the street of the same name, offers water games for families.
The municipal library offers a varied collection of books (French and English) and is a tourist information center.
A passage by water
Nestled at the southern end of Lake Massawippi, three waterways identify the entrances to Ayer’s Cliff.
The entrance by Route 208, near the junction of the Niger and Tomifobia rivers, offers a splendid view of the marsh. A magnificent splendor in any season.
The southern entrance via Route 141 overlooking the Tomifobia River offers access to the trail that bears its name. Summer and Winter, you can walk along the river and enjoy wetlands with a variety of wildlife and birds that are a delight for birdwatchers.
The entrance by the lake makes spending a day at Massawippi Beach possible. Enjoy swimming, sand and a variety of watercraft for rent. A boat launch is also accessible.
Every year, just before the ice forms on the lake, an impressive gathering of snow geese is a delight for ornithologists. A spectacle to admire early in the morning and at the end of the day.
A little closer to the village, the Rest Area offers access to the municipal wharf with a splendid view of the lake.
During the summer, a ferry can take you across Lake Massawippi to North Hatley for a few hours, on foot or with your bike. * Reservation required – $
At the municipal wharf, the addition of floating docks offers fishermen access to the lake. It is also possible to temporarily moor a boat in order to get supplies in town which is only a 10 minute walk.
Public services
An aqueduct, sewer system, waste water treatment plant and a fire department serve our territory. Two elementary schools, one French and one English. A library with more than 12,000 books and several computers connected to the internet is available to 1000 members. A park for baseball, soccer and skating is also available.
Lake Massawippi
It is a paradise for sport fishing: salmon, bass, yellow perch and pike. Each year, many fishing tournaments welcome hundreds of fishermen from far and wide.
