Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay and more.


Introduction to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a charming town in Central Quebec, located on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River. Its stunning natural surroundings, rich history, and religious significance make it an ideal destination for travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or foodie, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré has something to offer everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll show you the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: This magnificent basilica is the main attraction of the town and attracts pilgrims from all over the world. With its striking architecture and beautiful interior, it’s a must-visit for anyone traveling to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
  • Museum of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: This museum showcases the history and culture of the town from its founding to the present day. It’s a great place to learn about the local heritage and traditions.
  • Ancienne École de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: This historic schoolhouse was built in 1931 and has been converted into a museum. It offers a glimpse into what schooling was like in the early 20th century.

Natural Attractions of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mont-Sainte-Anne: This ski resort in the Laurentian Mountains is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. But in the summer months, Mont-Sainte-Anne offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and golfing.
  • Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Area: Located just north of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, this wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, including snow geese and bald eagles. It’s a great place to go birdwatching or take a scenic hike.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

  • Sentier des Caps-de-Charlevoix: This hiking trail is part of the Sentier National au Québec network and offers stunning views of the Laurentian Mountains and the St. Lawrence River. It’s a challenging trail that’s best suited for experienced hikers.
  • Véloroute Marie-Hélène Prémont: This scenic bike route takes riders through the beautiful countryside surrounding Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Best Things to Do in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: Activities and Tours

  • Fatbike Tours: Rent a fatbike and explore the scenic trails around Mont-Sainte-Anne in the winter months.
  • Helicopter Tours: Take in the breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains from above with a helicopter tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Day 1: Visit the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and the Museum of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

Day 2: Take a hike on the Sentier des Caps-de-Charlevoix.

Day 3: Explore the town’s food and drink scene, trying out local specialties like poutine and maple syrup.

Day 4: Visit Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Area.

Day 5: Take a helicopter tour of the area.

Day 6: Go skiing or snowshoeing at Mont-Sainte-Anne.

Day 7: Relax and unwind at one of the town’s many spas.

Food and Drink Scene of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: This classic Quebec dish consists of french fries, gravy, and cheese curds, and is a must-try for any foodie visiting the area.
  • Maple Syrup: Quebec is famous for its maple syrup, and you can find it in everything from baked goods to cocktails.

Local Beverages

  • Cider: The area around Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is home to a number of cideries, producing a variety of ciders from locally sourced apples.
  • Ice Cider: This specialty cider is made by freezing apples before pressing them, resulting in a sweet and concentrated flavor.

Where to Stay in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Château Mont-Sainte-Anne: This upscale hotel is located at the foot of Mont-Sainte-Anne and offers ski-in/ski-out access in the winter months.
  • Auberge La Camarine: This cozy inn is located in the heart of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and offers comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast.

What to Buy in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup: Bring home a bottle of the area’s famous maple syrup to enjoy at home.
  • Artisanal Cheeses: Quebec is known for its cheese, and there are a number of local cheesemakers producing a variety of delicious cheeses.

Local Culture and Customs of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

  • Religious Significance: Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is considered a place of pilgrimage, with the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré attracting visitors from all over the world.
  • French Language: While many locals speak English, French is the primary language of the area, and knowing a few basic phrases can be helpful.

Best Time to Visit Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

The best time to visit Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré depends on your interests. The winter months are best for skiing and snow activities, while the summer months offer great hiking and biking opportunities. The fall is a beautiful time to visit, as the foliage in the area turns a brilliant shade of red and orange.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Do:

  • Be respectful of the religious significance of the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
  • Try local specialties like poutine, maple syrup, and artisanal cheeses.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural surroundings.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a safe destination for travelers. However, it’s always a good idea to take standard safety precautions, such as locking your car and keeping your belongings secure.

Health in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

There are no major health concerns in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. It’s always a good idea to travel with basic first aid supplies and any necessary medications.

Getting to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

The closest airport to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, which is approximately 30 minutes away by car.

Bus Stations Near Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

The town is serviced by several Greyhound and Orleans Express bus routes.

Other Options

Renting a car is also a convenient option for getting around the area.

How to Get Around in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

The town is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle. Taxis and car rentals are also available.

Where to Go Next from Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Québec City: This historic city is just a short drive from Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and offers numerous attractions, including the picturesque Old Town and the Plains of Abraham.
  • Charlevoix: This scenic region is known for its natural beauty and charming towns, and is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, rich history, or religious significance, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré has it all. With its stunning natural surroundings, delicious food and drink scene, and wide range of activities and tours, it’s an ideal destination for travelers of all types. Plan your trip today and experience the best of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

Landscaped park in front of the main entrance to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré basilica Landscaped park in front of the main entrance to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré basilica Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Convent of the Redemptoristines Convent of the Redemptoristines Historic house in Chateau-Richer Historic house in Chateau-Richer