Saint-Charles-de-Bourget, Quebec: History, Things to Do and Travel Guide
Saint-Charles-de-Bourget is a small municipality in Quebec’s Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, north of the Saguenay River and northwest of Chicoutimi. Fields, river views, the parish core, the landing area and Place des Ormes give the community its travel identity.
A visit here is about rural Saguenay context. Saint-Charles-de-Bourget is small, but the river, church, old local centre and agricultural roads make it a clear stop for travellers exploring the north side of the Saguenay.
How Saint-Charles-de-Bourget Started
The municipal history says clearing began around 1864 under Abbé Charles Stanislas Richard, then parish priest of Sainte-Anne-de-Chicoutimi-Nord, on lots that had already been surveyed by Edmond Duberger. By 1885, the place then called Township Bourget had about 300 residents.
The same history notes that the post office opened in 1886 under the long name “La Décharge de la rivière à l’ours,” shortened to “La Décharge” in 1889. The community later took the name Saint-Charles-de-Bourget.
The Saguenay River also changed the community’s geography. The municipal history describes the early-20th-century rising of the Saguenay waters linked to the Chute-à-Caron dam, the use of a ferry to maintain contact across the river, and the move of the village to its present location. That river story explains why local memory, farming and the present village site are so closely linked.
What Saint-Charles-de-Bourget Is Like Today
Saint-Charles-de-Bourget today remains rural and small, with 784 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. The village core is compact, and much of the municipality is defined by fields, rang roads, river views and wooded edges.
The community is close enough to Saguenay for services and lodging, but it feels separate from the city. Local life is tied to agriculture, municipal services, homes, the church area, a marina and landing area, community groups and the river landscape.
Tourisme Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean highlights Place des Ormes, where residences, the small church built in 1915, cultivated fields and Saguenay River panorama form the strongest heritage scene. That setting gives visitors the clearest view of how the municipality presents itself today.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
Start at Place des Ormes and the church area. This is the strongest heritage scene in the municipality and the easiest way to connect the village to the Saguenay River landscape.
Look for river views where public access and road safety allow. The regional tourism profile points to a quay and free boat-launch ramp, with nearby rest area, accommodation camping and sanitary facilities. Confirm conditions before counting on river access or boat use.
The same tourism profile notes an exhibition of paintings by Linda-Pierre Bélanger in the church, and the marais du lac Duclos at the intersection of 3e Rang and route Racine, where an interpretation trail reaches a rocky mound and wetland viewpoint. For more restaurants, hotels and major attractions, connect the visit with Saguenay.
Quick Facts
- Province: Quebec
- Region: Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
- Municipality type: municipality
- 2021 Census population: 784
- Regional county municipality: Le Fjord-du-Saguenay
- Known for: Place des Ormes, Saguenay River views, parish history, marina area, rural roads and marais du lac Duclos
- Official website: Municipalité de Saint-Charles-de-Bourget
- Key routes: local rang roads, roads toward Saint-Ambroise, Saguenay and the north side of the Saguenay River
Travel Notes
Saint-Charles-de-Bourget is easiest to visit by car. Road shoulders can be narrow, and farm vehicles may be present. Confirm any river access, event details, church exhibition hours, boat-launch conditions or municipal facilities before arrival. Winter travel can include blowing snow and icy rural roads. Use Saguenay for larger-scale visitor services while keeping the village stop focused and respectful.