Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is a charming village nestled in the Regional County Municipality of L'Islet, within the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec, Canada. This picturesque village, located on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, serves as the county seat and is easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway, Autoroute 20, and Route 132. Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is renowned for its talented craftspeople and artists, particularly in the realm of wood carving and sculpture, and boasts several highly-rated restaurants.
The village's name originates from the seigneury of Port-Joly, established in 1677. The Parish of St-Jean-Port-Joli was canonically established in 1721, and construction of the church, known for its unique architecture and numerous sculptures, began in 1779. The municipality was created in 1845 and joined L'Islet County (a predecessor to the RCM of L'Islet) in 1847. In 1855, it became a parish municipality, and in 1857 it was divided into the municipalities of St-Jean-Port-Joli and Saint-Aubert.
Like many villages in the Côte-du-Sud region between Rivière-Ouelle and Beaumont, most of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli's houses were burned down in September 1759 during the Conquest of 1760 in the French and Indian War, under the orders of British general James Wolfe. The tradition of wood carving in the village began in the early 20th century with the Bourgault brothers, Médard, Jean-Julien, and André.
Despite its small population, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is a bustling tourist stop in the region, primarily due to its abundance of artisan wood carvers and cultural events. The village also features a marina with access to the Saint Lawrence River at the site of the old wharf. In recognition of its vibrant cultural scene, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli was awarded the title of Cultural Capital of Canada in 2005.
This festival celebrates the village's maritime heritage, legends, and songs. The weekend-long event includes a dinner, workshops, a literary contest, a sailboat race, a market, films, and expositions.
This annual music festival has been held since 1998. Every September, fiddlers gather to play music from a wide variety of genres.
In February, the Trois-Bérets park invites ice sculptors from around the world to showcase their talent. The festival also offers family-friendly daytime activities, such as helicopter rides, and concerts at night.
