9 Best Things to Do in Sainte-Anne de Beaupré

The quaint monastery town of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré sits on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, just 40 kilometers northeast of Québec City. The town’s most famous attraction is the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, drawing around half a million pilgrims annually. Nearby, you’ll also discover Canyon Sainte-Anne, an impressive gorge featuring suspension bridges.

This picturesque landscape is rich in waterfalls, including Sept-Chutes, Chutes Montmorency, and Chutes Ste-Anne. Explore the best things to do in Sainte-Anne de Beaupré with our curated list.

1. Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

St. Anne has been credited by the Catholic Church with numerous healing miracles, making the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré a significant attraction for pilgrims. The initial chapel dedicated to St. Anne was established here in the 17th century and swiftly gained pilgrimage status due to reports of miraculous occurrences.

In 1661, a new stone chapel was constructed on the hillside, only to be replaced 15 years later. A fire destroyed a basilica in 1872, and the current neo-Romanesque church was completed in 1923.

Designed by Parisian architect Maxime Roisin and constructed by master-builder Louis Audet from Sherbrooke, the church boasts notable features such as mosaics, vibrant stained-glass windows, and exquisite sculptures and paintings by European and Canadian artists.

Along the ascent to the hillside chapel, built in 1878, the Stations of the Cross are delineated by impeccably crafted life-size metal figures.

2. Chutes Montmorency

Just ten kilometers north of Québec City, the Montmorency River cascades over an 84-meter-high escarpment, surpassing Niagara Falls by 30 meters. Various trails, staircases, and viewing platforms provide tourists with multiple perspectives to admire the falls. Additionally, a cable car operates to reach the top of the falls, offering splendid views of the surrounding landscape.

For those inclined, a pedestrian suspension bridge allows visitors to cross the Montmorency River to île d’Orléans. Maison Montmorency, also known as “Kent House,” was a favored residence of the Duke of Kent in the 1790s. Today, it houses a restaurant and an interpretive center.

3. Edison Phonograph Museum

The Edison Phonograph Museum originated as Jean-Paul Agnard’s pastime but swiftly evolved into a repository of over 200 historic phonographs, featuring many rare specimens. The museum boasts its most extensive collection of 42 Edison phonographs, along with exhibits detailing Edison’s invention and the evolution of the cylinder phonograph.

The assortment also encompasses numerous Columbia Gramophones, in addition to antique phonographs crafted in England, Germany, Switzerland, and France.

Among the museum’s most intriguing exhibits are the talking dolls, also pioneered by Edison. Notably, the collection houses an 1889 Edison Talking Doll, operated by a hand-crank.

4. Côte de Beaupré

Past Montmorency, the route traverses the agricultural expanse known as Côte de Beaupré, Quebec’s “garden.” This bucolic landscape benefits from a particularly favorable local climate and is adorned with ancient mills, farmsteads, and unique cellars partially embedded in the valley slopes. Travelers can indulge in the regional bounty, especially the locally produced bread, butter, and maple syrup, at charming old farmhouses and rural inns where they pause for a welcome break.

The area is also celebrated for its rich artistic heritage, hosting several outstanding museums and galleries, including Atelier Paré, a museum and artist-operated workshop specializing in woodcarvings and sculpture.

For a deeper exploration of the region’s history, visitors can explore the displays and archaeological excavations at Aux Trois Couvents and La Grande Ferme. These attractions offer insights into the culinary history of “New France,” and patrons have the chance to savor traditional dishes during their visit.

5. Parc du Mont Sainte Anne

Located approximately thirty minutes northeast of Québec City by car, Mont Ste-Anne boasts stunning scenery, making it a beloved year-round recreational destination for the residents of Québec. The area is adorned with various tourist attractions.

Renowned for its premier downhill and cross-country skiing facilities, Mont Sainte Anne is a hub for winter sports enthusiasts. In the summer, the mountain transforms into a lively destination with offerings such as a spacious campground, mountain biking trails, and a golf course. Additionally, a gondola operates on the mountain, providing breathtaking panoramic views and convenient access to the mountain’s summit trails.

Numerous chalets and holiday homes dot the landscape, contributing to the resort community’s reputation for exceptional gourmet cuisine. The picturesque surroundings feature romantically winding rivers, mountains reminiscent of the Black Forest, and valleys ideal for dairy cattle grazing and livestock raising.

6. Go Dogsledding and Meet the Pack

If you’re in Sainte-Anne de Beaupré during the winter, make sure to set aside time for a dogsledding excursion. Located on the lower, more gradual slopes on the northern side of Mont Ste-Anne, Secrets Nordiques offers a team of over five dozen Nordic dogs ready to accompany you on a snowy adventure.

For those visiting during the off-season, there’s no need to worry. Curious tourists interested in the training and upbringing of sled dogs can pay a visit to the Canine Village and meet these energetic fluff-balls. During the off-season, the village is open on Fridays through Sundays, providing an opportunity to interact with the pack. Visitors can ask questions, observe their playful activities, and even offer hugs and belly rubs.

7. Canyon Sainte-Anne

Located about seven kilometers north of Ste-Anne de Beaupré, the Sainte-Anne River has intricately carved a romantically wild gorge through the foothills of the Laurentians as it descends towards the St. Lawrence Estuary. Sainte-Anne Falls, also known locally as Chute Sainte-Anne, is just one of the attractions that draws tourists to the canyon.

Referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Québec,” Canyon Sainte-Anne offers a variety of activities. Visitors can appreciate the falls along the numerous hiking trails (all of which are dog-friendly), and those unafraid of heights can gain a better perspective from the three suspension bridges spanning the gap.

For the more adventurous, there’s the thrill of a zipline adventure across the gorge or the option to rappel down the canyon walls. Additionally, a two-person seated zipline allows you to share the experience with a friend or loved one, offering a unique and exhilarating perspective of the canyon.

8. Île d’Orléans

Landscape view of farm in Ile D'Orleans — Landscape view of farm in Ile D’Orleans

Just across the St. Lawrence River lies Île d’Orléans, an island that also serves as Québec’s largest historic district. The island boasts more than 600 historic buildings and sites, including La Maison de nos Aïeux, which hosts a museum dedicated to the region’s history and the founding families of the island.

Alongside numerous historic homes dating back to the early 1700s, the island is renowned for its agritourism. The island’s products are of such high quality that they carry an exclusive certification known as Savoir-faire île d’Orléans. Among these distinguished products are cheeses, honey, maple syrup, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

9. Go Hiking at Mount Sainte-Anne

If you’re a passionate hiker, you’ll want to explore the trails in and around Mount Saint Anne, many of which are tailored for advanced-level enthusiasts. Among the most popular is the Mount Saint Anne Circuit, a 5.1-mile trail that takes hikers to the peak and back down via an alternative route.

For those seeking a slightly easier option, the Chutes Jean Larose trail in nearby St-Ferrol-les-Neiges is a good choice. This three-mile loop trail is suitable for intermediate hikers and offers the opportunity to cool off at the Jean Larose Falls if you’re hiking in the summer. Pro tip: Hike the trail counter-clockwise to descend the trail’s 400 steps instead of ascending!

Novice hikers and those looking for a relaxed trail to explore can opt for the Canyon Sainte-Anne trail, an easy one-mile loop that provides scenic views of the canyon.

FAQs

Q: Is Sainte-Anne de Beaupré only a religious destination?

A: While it has significant religious landmarks, the town offers diverse attractions, including natural wonders, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.