Cap-Santé: A Hidden Gem in Quebec

Cap-Santé is a small town located in the Portneuf Regional County Municipality in Quebec, Canada. It is situated on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, approximately 40 kilometers west of Quebec City. Despite its small size, Cap-Santé has a rich history and offers a variety of attractions for tourists to explore.

Attractions

Église de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

The Église de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a beautiful church located in Cap-Santé. It was built in 1723 and is one of the oldest churches in Quebec. The church is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

The Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is a beautiful park located just a short drive from Cap-Santé. The park is home to the Montmorency Falls, which are 83 meters high and are higher than Niagara Falls. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the falls or hike up the stairs for a breathtaking view.

Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière

The Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière is a beautiful estate located just outside of Cap-Santé. The estate features a stunning garden, a greenhouse, and a museum. Visitors can take a guided tour of the estate and learn about its history.

Sentier des Caps

The Sentier des Caps is a hiking trail that runs through the mountains near Cap-Santé. The trail is approximately 50 kilometers long and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Festival de la galette de sarrasin

The Festival de la galette de sarrasin is an annual festival held in Cap-Santé. The festival celebrates the town's French-Canadian heritage and features traditional food, music, and dance.

History

Cap-Santé was founded in 1683 by François de Laval, the first bishop of New France. The town was originally called Saint-Joseph-de-la-Pointe-Lévy and was established as a mission to convert the indigenous people to Christianity. In 1722, the town was renamed Cap-Santé after a ship that had been wrecked on the nearby shore.

Cap-Santé was officially incorporated as a town in 1855. The town's economy was based on agriculture and forestry, and it was an important stop on the Saint Lawrence River for ships carrying goods to and from Quebec City.

Conclusion

Cap-Santé may be a small town, but it has a rich history and offers a variety of attractions for tourists to explore. From the stunning Église de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré to the beautiful Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, there is something for everyone in Cap-Santé. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or culture, Cap-Santé is definitely worth a visit.

Sources

"Cap-Santé." The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/cap-sante
"Cap-Santé." Portneuf Regional County Municipality. https://www.portneuf.com/en/towns-and-villages/cap-sante/
"Église de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré." Quebec Original. https://www.quebecoriginal.com/en-ca/listing/things-to-do/heritage-sites-and-attractions/churches-and-religious-heritage/eglise-de-sainte-anne-de-beaupre-1160000
"Parc de la Chute-Montmorency." Quebec Original. https://www.quebecoriginal.com/en-ca/listing/things-to-do/attractions/parc-de-la-chute-montmorency-1160000
"Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière." Quebec Original. https://www.quebecoriginal.com/en-ca/listing/things-to-do/heritage-sites-and-attractions/historic-sites-and-heritage-houses/domaine-joly-de-lotbiniere-1160000
"Sentier des Caps." Quebec Original. https://www.quebecoriginal.com/en-ca/listing/things-to-do/sports-and-nature/hiking/sentier-des-caps-1160000