About Canterbury

The Town of Canterbury is in Merrimack County in the central part of New Hampshire bordering the State Capitol of Concord.

Our population as of the census in 2016 was 2,408. Canterbury is primarily rural and residential with an active agricultural and farming community. We also have a small commercial area with direct access to Interstate 93.

Our location in the state provides easy access to the White Mountains, Lakes Region, the Atlantic Ocean and Beaches and the major urban areas of Manchester, NH and Boston Ma.

There are multiple four season recreational opportunities in Canterbury. The Merrimack River forms our western border with the Town of Boscawen. There are several access points to the river in town that provide canoe and kayak launching, swimming and fishing to area residents and visitors. There are hiking trails and conservation areas that are open to the public. In the winter months the NH Snow-Shakers snowmobile club operates a clubhouse and a large network of trails for snowmobile enthusiasts and cross country skiers.  

Local attractions include: Shaker Village, NH Motor Speedway, Hackleboro Orchard and Brookford Farms and Canterbury Woods Golf Course.  Links to their websites can be found in the “Community” section of this site.

There are many active community organizations in Canterbury. Canterbury Historical Society, Canterbury Troop 296 BSA, Friends of the Elkins Public Library, Canterbury Cloverbuds 4H, a local seasonal Farmers Market, an active community newsletter and the Canterbury Fair-“Always the last Saturday in July” are just a few.  

A history and complete demographics of Canterbury can be found in the Demographics section of this site.  

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