Matachewan, an Indian name meaning "meeting of the waters".  Located 56 k. W of Kirkland Lake, 102 k. NW of New Liskeard, Matachewan is located on the shores of the Montreal River.  Rich in historical lore, the river long the transportation choice of the aboriginal peoples and fur traders.  Before the town of Matachewan was formed, Hudson Bay Company Post was located at Fort Matachewan, 8 k. North of the present town.  It was to the Fort that aboriginal peoples travelled, selling their fur and picking up staples for their diet.  The Fort was not a townsite, but rather a large depot of stores.  Old Aboriginals tell of dances held on the upper story.  Latterly a church was built on the grounds and the bi-annual visit by freighter canoe of the Priest was a major occasion for one and all to come, gather and camp on the sides of the Montreal River.  Sadly, today the Fort is just a crumbled relic.  In the 20's gold, copper, molybdenite and other minerals were discovered and the town of Matachewan slowly came to life.  Like many other mining towns, Matachewan enjoyed surges and slumps dependant on the value of the various minerals.  Tourism and Forestry provided more stability and have stood the test of time in Matachewan.
For the adventurous, Matachewan is an explorers delight.  From Old Woman Rapids, 3.5 k North of Matachewan, named for the profile of an old woman's face on a rock about 200 yards south of the portage.  Hidden by trees so search for it.  Thirteen kilometers from Matachewan, is High Falls and further upstream, Aboriginal Wall Painting (Pictographs) and Matachewan Lake where much of the early gold mining took place will give you indications of how hard life was for the early settlers and aboriginals that lived and worked in this area.  Mistinikon Lake, 24 miles long and headwater for the Montreal River system is a popular tourist spot and part of a chain of lakes popular with canoeists. 

 Rich in history come and explore Matachewan!