It was formed following the construction of the Mercier Dam (fr) in 1927[2] and has an area of 413 km2.

[3] Since 2007, a 55 MW generating station is in operation at the site of the dam, the reservoir also being used to control the flow of the Gatineau River for several hydroelectric generating stations downstream.

Other significant sources are: Baskatong Reservoir is accessible by several short forest roads off Route 117, about 200 km (124 mi) north of Ottawa, and about 290 km (180 mi) north-west from Montreal.

Baskatong Reservoir is a popular location for fishing and has over 20 outfitters established on its shores.

Fish species present are walleye, northern pike, lake trout, whitefish, and landlocked salmon.