Harrington Lake / Lac Mousseau

This country property is situated in Gatineau Park and was originally acquired as part of the federal government’s efforts to protect the forested natural areas around the Capital.

When the Right Honourable John Diefenbaker, who hailed from Saskatchewan, became prime minister, several of his supporters suggested that he should have a country retreat near the Capital. Mr. Diefenbaker needed convincing. When he was taken on a tour of the property, the caretaker was instructed “to be sure Mr. Diefenbaker caught a trout.” He did, and in 1959, Harrington Lake became the official country residence for the prime minister.