Saint-Sévère Travel Guide

Explore Saint-Sévère in Mauricie, Quebec with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover best places to visit, do, eat, and stay in Saint-Sévère.


Introduction to Saint-Sévère

Saint-Sévère is a small community located in the Maskinongé Region of Quebec, Canada. This charming town is situated in Mauricie, renowned for its beautiful landscapes and historic attractions. Surrounded by rivers and forests, Saint-Sévère offers visitors a unique mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and local cuisine.

In this travel guide, we will explore some of the top attractions, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Saint-Sévère.

List of Places to Visit in Saint-Sévère

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Saint-Sévère is home to several museums and historical sites that provide an insight into Quebec’s rich history and culture.

La Maison de la Culturel de Saint-Sévère is a cultural center located in the heart of the town. The center features exhibits, workshops, and performances that celebrate local arts and crafts.

Musée de Pétronille is a small museum dedicated to Pétronille Quimper, a renowned artist and local resident of Saint-Sévère. The museum showcases her paintings, sculptures, and other artworks, providing an intimate look into her creative life and legacy.

Natural Attractions of Saint-Sévère: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Saint-Sévère’s location in the heart of the Mauricie region provides access to endless outdoor adventures. The town is surrounded by parks, rivers, and forests, offering several opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Parc de la Rivière Batiscan is a popular destination among nature lovers. The park features several trails that take visitors through the stunning landscapes of the Batiscan River. The park also offers camping, picnic areas, and swimming spots.

Forêt Drummond is a dense forest located near Saint-Sévère known for its hiking trails and scenic lookout. The forest is home to several animal species, including deer, beavers, and otters. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and berry-picking in the forest.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint-Sévère

Saint-Sévère offers several hiking and biking routes that take visitors through the scenic landscapes of the town and the surrounding areas.

Le Parcours des Légendes is a 33 km cycling route that takes visitors through the stunning countryside of Saint-Sévère and the neighboring communities of Saint-Boniface and Saint-Léon-le-Grand.

La Boucle du Lac des Îles is a 7 km hiking trail that takes visitors around the beautiful Lake of the Islands. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and its surroundings, as well as opportunities for swimming and fishing.

Best Things to Do in Saint-Sévère: Activities and Tours

In addition to outdoor activities and cultural attractions, Saint-Sévère offers several activities and tours for visitors to enjoy.

Kayaking on the Batiscan River is a popular activity among visitors to Saint-Sévère. Several tour operators offer kayaking tours on the river, taking visitors through the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the region.

Visiting the Sugar Shack is another popular activity in Saint-Sévère, especially during the maple syrup season. The sugar shack offers a unique cultural experience, where visitors can learn about the production of maple syrup and enjoy a traditional Quebecois meal.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint-Sévère

Whether you have a week or a weekend to spend in Saint-Sévère, there are several things to see and do. Here is a week-long itinerary that covers some of the must-see attractions and activities in the region:

Day Activity
1 Discover the culture of Saint-Sévère by visiting the La Maison de la Culturel de Saint-Sévère and Musée de Pétronille
2 Explore the stunning landscapes of Parc de la Rivière Batiscan
3 Embark on a Kayaking Tour on the Batiscan River
4 Take a scenic drive to Forêt Drummond and enjoy a hike through the forest
5 Enjoy a traditional Quebecois meal at The Sugar Shack
6 Go on a cycling adventure on Le Parcours des Légendes
7 Take a leisurely hike around the beautiful Lake of the Islands

Food and Drink Scene of Saint-Sévère

In addition to its outdoor activities and cultural attractions, Saint-Sévère has a thriving food and drink scene that celebrates the region’s culinary traditions and local produce.

Must-Try Dishes

Tourtière is a classic Quebecois meat pie that is popular in Saint-Sévère and the surrounding areas. Filled with potatoes, pork, and other herbs and spices, tourtière is a staple dish during the winter months.

Pouding Chômeur is a traditional dessert that originated in Quebec. It’s a simple but delicious blend of sugar, flour, and butter, usually served with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Local Beverages

Unibroue Beer is a local beer from Chambly, Quebec, and is popular in Saint-Sévère and the surrounding areas. Unibroue offers an array of handcrafted beers, including Blonde de Chambly, La Fin du Monde, and Maudite.

Ice Cider is a sweet and flavorful cider made from apples that have been left on the tree past the harvest season. The cold temperatures of Quebec’s winters give the apples their unique flavor, resulting in a delicious and distinct cider.

Where to Stay in Saint-Sévère: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options for accommodation in Saint-Sévère, ranging from hotels to guesthouses.

Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire is a 4-star hotel located near Saint-Sévère that offers guests a luxurious stay in the heart of nature. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant that serves traditional Quebecois cuisine.

Gîte du Champayeur B&B is a cozy bed and breakfast located in the heart of Saint-Sévère. The B&B features beautifully decorated rooms with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The breakfast at the Gîte du Champayeur B&B is made with local ingredients and is a highlight of the stay.

What to Buy in Saint-Sévère: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are several local products and souvenirs that visitors can buy in Saint-Sévère.

Maple Syrup is a must-buy souvenir from Quebec. Saint-Sévère is home to several sugar shacks where visitors can buy traditional maple syrup and other maple-related products.

Art and Crafts are also popular souvenirs from Saint-Sévère. Visitors can find an array of handmade products such as ceramics, jewelry, and woodcarvings in the local markets and artisan shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint-Sévère

The people of Saint-Sévère are proud of their heritage and culture. Visitors can experience the town’s unique traditions and customs by attending local festivals, such as the Fête de la St-Jean-Baptiste, which celebrates Quebec’s national holiday.

Best Time to Visit Saint-Sévère

The best time to visit Saint-Sévère is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and adventures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint-Sévère

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages
  • Take the time to explore the natural beauty of the region

Don’t:

  • Leave trash in natural areas or parks
  • Ignore safety rules or warnings when participating in outdoor activities
  • Disrespect the local culture or traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Saint-Sévère

Saint-Sévère is a safe and friendly town to visit. However, visitors should take necessary precautions when participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking. Always follow safety guidelines and instructions from guides or park rangers.

Health in Saint-Sévère

There are several health clinics and hospitals located near Saint-Sévère in case of emergency. It is recommended that visitors have travel insurance and carry sufficient medication, especially if they have any pre-existing conditions.

Getting to Saint-Sévère: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Saint-Sévère

The closest international airport to Saint-Sévère is Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, which is approximately 2.5 hours away by car.

Bus Stations Near Saint-Sévère

The nearest bus station to Saint-Sévère is located in Shawinigan. Several bus companies provide regular service to Shawinigan from Montreal and Quebec City.

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car and drive to Saint-Sévère from Montreal or Quebec City. It is recommended to check for road conditions and weather updates before embarking on the journey.

How to Get Around in Saint-Sévère

The best way to get around in Saint-Sévère is by car or bike. Several rental companies provide car and bike rentals for visitors.

Where to Go Next from Saint-Sévère: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can take from Saint-Sévère:

  • Mauricie National Park - A stunning national park situated only 45 min away from Saint-Sévère. The park features more than 150 lakes, rivers and streams, and over 500 km of trails.
  • Shawinigan - A vibrant city situated just 20 min away from Saint-Sévère.
  • Trois-Rivières - A historic town located 50 min away from Saint-Sévère that features several attractions, museums, and restaurants.

Conclusion

Saint-Sévère is a charming town that offers visitors a unique mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and local cuisine. With its stunning landscapes, friendly people, and rich history, Saint-Sévère is a must-visit destination in the Mauricie region of Quebec.