Saint‑Donat and the Liberator Crash Site – A Hike Up to the Worst Military Aviation Disaster in Canada’s History
Not far from both Mont Tremblant and the quaint village of St. Agate you will find the township of Saint‑Donat, where thick forests dot a lac covered landscape. It is a beautiful place, but one that is solemn. The hills, so beautiful from far, hide the resting place of twenty four members members of Canada’s military, victims of a 1943 crash involving a Consolidated Liberator III aircraft. Despite the tragic nature of the incident, their gravesite is a serene memorial to those we have lost in defense of the country whether in the field or at home.
Table of Contents
Geography
The hike up to the Liberator starts at the base of la Montagne Noire (the black mountain) near the waterfront of Archambault lake. From here it is a 6km trip up to the top (and another 6 back). The elevation gain is nearly 600 meters and the round trip can be completed in 4 hours. On your way up you will be privy to three major sites:
- A beautiful viewpoint of Archambault lake
- The Liberator crash site
- The summit viewpoint
History of the Crash
The flight was scheduled to fly from Gander, Newfoundland to Mont-Joli Airport in Quebec. Unfortunatly bad whether diverted the plane, forcing it to continue to towards Rockcliffe in Ottawa or Dorval, Quebec. During their flight, they lost contact and were never heard from again.
The search for the craft was called off after 728 sorties and 2,438 total flight hours. The craft would not be found until the 20 June 1946 by another military aircraft that was looking for another missing plane.
The exact cause of the incident is still unknown. It is considered to be the largest military disaster on Canadian soil during the Second World War.
Exploring
Archambault Lake Viewpoint and Lezard Lake
The first stop is close to the start of the trail. After a brif but steep climb you will be privy to views of Archambault lake below. Here you will find a picnic table to rest at.
As you continue up you will come across a mountain lake that displays the the mountains nature in all its glory.
The Liberator Crash Site
Eventually you will come across a humid clearing with thick ferns and trillium flowers. It is here that you will find the remnants of the jet, emerging from the vegetation.
The plans is been shattered is many different pieces as you can see below.
The Canadian government buried the victims and you can come pay your respects to them if you wish. There are two plots full of wooden crosses and a Star of David by a cenotaph.
From the tower that overlooks it you will have a great view of the area
Montagne Noire Summit and the “Le Mésangeai” Refuge
Finally when you reach the peak of the mountain you can climb the nearby firepower for 360 degree views of the region.
At the time of my visit the path down was a little overgrown due to the damage done during a windstorm.
On your way down you can visit another pretty lake and stop at a little cabin, the Mésangeai Refuge where you can rest.
Conclusion
The Liberator crash site is one of the most underrated hikes in the Laurentides and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the region.
