Kamouraska, Quebec, is a picturesque municipality nestled on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River. This charming village, part of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region and the Regional County Municipality of Kamouraska, has been recognized as one of the top 20 most beautiful villages in Quebec. The name "Kamouraska" is derived from an Algonquin word, signifying "where rushes grow at the water's edge."
The history of Kamouraska, Quebec, dates back to the late 17th century when French colonists first settled in the area. In 1674, it was designated as the Seigneury de Kamouraska, a constituent of the Gouvernement de Québec. The village has a long-standing tradition of eel fishing, and visitors can learn more about this unique aspect of Kamouraska's history at the local interpretive centre.
Kamouraska, Quebec, boasts a diverse geography that includes salt marshes along the river and an ecological reserve near the village. These marshes provide a vital habitat for birds during nesting and migration periods. The cliffs along the river are home to peregrine falcons, cormorants, and great blue herons. Seals can also be spotted in the river. However, visitors should be aware that the mosquitoes found in the marshes can be particularly aggressive at certain times of the year. The village is easily accessible via Autoroute 20, with Route 132 passing through the village.
Kamouraska, Quebec, has also made its mark in media and literature. The village's history inspired Canadian author Anne Hébert's novel, "Kamouraska" (1970). The novel, based on the real-life events surrounding Louis-Pascal-Achille Taché, the seigneur of Kamouraska, and his wife, Joséphine- Éléonore d’Estimauville, was translated into several languages and adapted into a film in 1973. The film, directed by Claude Jutra and featuring a screenplay written by Jutra and Hébert, won four Canadian film awards, including Best Actress for star Geneviève Bujold.
