description Wakefield Mill Overview
Wakefield Mill is a former grist mill beside MacLaren Falls in Wakefield, within the municipality of La Pêche, Quebec. Built in 1838, it used the water power of the Gatineau River watershed to process grain and later served other industrial purposes. The preserved mill complex now operates as a hotel and spa, combining historic stone architecture with accommodations for visitors to the Outaouais region.
help Wakefield Mill FAQ
Who built Wakefield Mill and when?
Scottish immigrant William Fairbairn built the stone grist mill in 1838 beside the falls at Wakefield. The site is now in La Pêche, Quebec, in the Outaouais region.
What did the original Wakefield Mill produce?
It used water power from the La Pêche River system to mill local grain into flour for farms in the Gatineau and La Pêche valleys. After James MacLaren bought it in the 1840s, the site also included a sawmill, woollen mill and general store.
Why are MacLaren Falls important to Wakefield Mill?
The falls supplied the moving water that powered the mill's mechanical and electrical turbines. The falls remain the defining natural feature of the preserved heritage site.
What happened to Wakefield Mill after the 1910 fire?
A flour mill was rebuilt after the 1910 fire, and flour production continued until 1939. Larger mechanized mills then made the small local operation less competitive.
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