Montmagny – The Heart of the Chaudière-Appalaches Region
Quebec’s maritime towns are small, full of charm, and tend to be quite lively in the summer months. Montmagny is not exception to this rule. Ideally located near the Berthier-sur-Mer ferry, it can make for a good place to stay overnight on your way up to Grosse-Île or a last resort stop if you don’t feel like you can make it up to Rivière-du-Loup before the sun sets and you are too tired to drive.
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Geography
Located near the St. Lawrence coast, where the tributary Rivière à Lacaille spills into that larger body as it widens into the Atlantic ocean downstream, Montmagny is ideally located among the Chaudière-Appalaches Region.
History
Named after the first governor of New France, Charles de Montmagny, this town was established in 1678. The town remained a farming and dairy centre throughout its history.
Exploring Montmagny
The core consists of a tightly packed small network of streets centered around the triangular intersection of St. Thomas and Jean Baptiste Street. At this point the old town opens up to reveal a stone church a library. The old town is built on the banks of the river, before the falls spill out into the St. Lawrence.
Explore the Downtown
The previously mentioned triangular intersection of St. Thomas and Jean Baptiste Street is home to a lively area full of shops, inns and restaurants/bars making it ideal for a summers evening. This is especially true of Jean Baptiste Street which has been partially pedestrianized for busy season.
In the morning I recommend a visit to Boulangerie Pâtisserie l’Epi d’Or Café Breton, home to Breton pastries and deserts such as Kouign Amann.
Stop by the Chutes de Montmagny (Waterfalls)
This fall is located south of the town where the Rivière à Lacaille spills into the St. Lawrence.
Étienne-Paschal Taché House National Historic Site of Canada
This pretty wooden structure was once the home one of Canada’s forgotten pre-confederation of 1867 builders/founders. For 35 years it was occupied Sir Étienne-Paschal Taché, a French Canadian doctor who would elevate himself to the office of Prime Minister of the United Canadas. He was also a Father of Confederation and an advocate for French Canadians in the professional fields (eg Doctors, Lawyers, …). Even as a native of Canada I had no idea of this man’s contributions to my people (French Canadians) and for a United Canada.
The house was built in the 1820s and features a porch and central roofline typical of traditional Quebec architecture. It was enlarged after 1850, when the two flanking rectangular towers were added.
Montmagny Library
An old stone building near the church was converted into a public library branch. Yes it is just a library branch but it was really well done! It is located south of the church.
Church Saint-Thomas of Montmagny
Another beautiful stone church typical of Quebec. It one of the iconic buildings of the city. In front of it is a small green space with statues of birds.
Where to Stay?
Hôtels l’Oiselière Montmagny Camping
Day Trips
l’Isle-aux-Grues
Home to stunning nature and world class cheeses this pretty island archipelago is worth a ferry ride. Ferries leave directly from Montmagny so you are in luck. For more info click here.
Grosse-Île
This island was one to Canada’s most notorious quarantine station, becoming the resting place to thousands of sick Irish immigrants. Today it is a National Historic Site, home to a fascinating serious of exhibits.
To access it you will have to take a short drive out to Berthier-sur-Mer and take a ferry ride over. For more information click here.
