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municipality in Quebec, Canada
North America > Canada > Quebec > Central Quebec > Quebec Region > Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges

Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges is a town of 3,800 people (2021) in the eastern suburbs of Quebec City in Quebec, Canada.

Pedestrian bridge over the canyon of the Sainte-Anne river.

Located at the foot of Mont Saint-Anne and Mont Ferréol (summit at 762 m), Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges is an essential destination for resorts and recreational tourism activities in all seasons. This picturesque village is well set in a magnificent valley.

Understand edit

Geography edit

Besides the main village, the main hamlets of the municipality are: Saint-Léon (hamlet shared with Saint-Tite-des-Caps), Saint-Nicolas (around Lac des Trois Castors), and the village at the foot of Mont Sainte-Anne.

 
Waterfall on Sainte-Anne River circa 1900 in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges

Mont Ferréol (summit at 762 m) straddles Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges and the unorganized territory of Lac-Jacques-Cartier. This intermunicipal limit passes almost at the top of the mountain. The latter is overlooked by the summit of Mont Sainte-Anne (altitude: 809 m) located 7.1 km (4.4 mi) south of the summit of Mont Ferréol. This mountain is part of the Mont Sainte-Anne park.

The vast majority of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges residents live along Route 360, which runs along the north shore of the Sainte-Anne River and in the Saint-Nicolas sector.

History edit

In 1916, a run-of-river hydroelectric power station was erected on the Sainte-Anne River, thus giving impetus to the local economy and the quality of life of the inhabitants. The operations of this power station were suspended in 1984. This hydroelectric power station operated by Hydro-Québec was restored and put back into service in 1999 as part of the government's policy to revive small power stations. Today, it is at the heart of a vast interpretation centre, combined with a natural park.

Get in edit

 
Map of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges

By car edit

  • From Montreal (305 km, time: 3 hr 10 min), take Autoroute 20 (direction East); cross the Pierre-Laporte bridge and continue on Highway 73 (northbound); take Highway 40 (direction East); take Route 138 (eastbound) to the village of Beaupré; take route 360 (direction (north), to the village of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges.
  • From Quebec City (48 km, time: 38 min), take Route 138 (eastbound) to the village of Beaupré; take route 360 (direction (north), to the village of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges.

Get around edit

  • 1 Station service Sonic, 3190, route 360. Service station for motor vehicles. (updated Feb 2022)

See edit

  • 1 Canyon Sainte-Anne, 206, route 138 (from Route 138 (in Saint-Joachim), take Chemin des Chutes Ste-Anne), ☏ +1 418-827-4057. The Sainte-Anne canyon is on the border of Saint-Joachim and Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges. It started 1.2 billion years ago (Precambrian era) with the formation of the rock of the walls and the bottom of the canyon which are part of the Canadian Shield. It was during the melting of an ice cap 75,000 years ago that the current Quebec hydrographic network was formed (St. Lawrence River, Île d'Orléans, Îles de la Madeleine and the rivers known today) as well as the Canyon as we can see it today.
    This extraordinary natural site has been accessible to the general public since 1973, but Indigenous peoples used to frequent the site. The waterfall was painted by the famous artist Cornelius Kreighoff, and described by the American ecologist and philosopher H.D. Thoreau.
    Easy-to-access family footpaths allow you to enter the spectacular canyon carved out by the imposing 74 metres (243 ft) fall which constantly rumbles between the rocky walls of the gorges. Visitors cross 3 suspension bridges… including one 60 metres (200 ft) high! One of the largest giant's pot in Quebec (15 metres (49 ft) in diameter) is visible as well as several waterfalls when you are at the bottom of the Canyon.
    The exceptional beauty of the site has often been recognized, both in Quebec (recipient of 3 Grands Prix du tourisme) and in Canada (national winner Attractions Canada). When John Travolta came to shoot his film Battlefield Earth in Montreal, several scenes were shot in Charlevoix as well as at Canyon Sainte-Anne.
    "Roc-ambolesque" family games allow young people and their parents to have fun by decoding riddles and legends in a section of the park different from that which allows the visit of the site.
    For adventurers and thrill-seekers, it is possible to do vias ferrata, abseiling and zip-lining in the gorges of the Canyon. In fact, the via des marmites was the first via installed in Quebec. The concept is imported from Europe by well-known Quebec adventurer François-Guy Thivièrge.
    For people who have difficulty walking, it is possible to take advantage of a shuttle service that runs along the entire North Rim of the Canyon and provides access to 2 of the 3 suspension bridges.
    On site, the main building offers a snack service and a pleasant terrace. There are also 2 wooded picnic areas, one of which is directly by the river.         (updated Feb 2022)
  • 2 Mont Saint-Anne, ☏ +1 418-827-4561, toll-free: +1-888-827-4579. Mont-Saint-Anne Park offers 4-season activities in an elusive setting; the activities vary according to the seasons. This park has an internationally renowned downhill ski centre, accessible about 30 minutes from downtown Quebec City. The ski area extends over 3 sides of the mountain: 71 runs, 19 of which are lit in the evening, 2 snow parks, 1 "boardercross" and alpine hiking. Cross-country skiers have access to 200 km of trails, including 191 km for skating. In summer, the “XC, DH and Enduro” bike trails challenge sports enthusiasts. The park has hiking trails at the base and at the top of the mountain. Golfers can practice on the 18 or 9 holes of Le Grand Vallon golf course by walking or with a cart with a splendid view of the mountain. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 3 Lac du Faubourg, ☏ +1 418-826-2253, . Lake with a water fountain. (updated Feb 2022)

Tourist circuits edit

  • Circuit des créateurs de la Côte-de-Beaupré (Circuit of the creators of the Côte-de-Beaupré), . As part of the Regroupement des Intervenants culturel de la CBD, local artists offer a tourist circuit comprising 28 stations, between Boischatel and Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, linked to various forms of art, meeting the creators in their respective workshops. and to visit exhibition sites and interpretation sites. This circuit concerns as much professional artists in current, traditional arts or crafts; it also includes a visit to an economuseum, a museum, a library, interpretation centres, art galleries or distribution partners. The creators' circuit website displays the map of La Côte-de-Beaupré and the 28 recommended resorts. (updated Feb 2022)
  • Route de la Nouvelle-France (New France Road). Heritage, cultural and nature trail. Departing from Quebec, this route takes place on the Côte-de-Beaupré. In Boischatel, visitors can stop to see the Vézina, Jacob and Pageau ancestral homes, as well as the Manoir de Charleville. Opposite, the river offers a panorama full of life: passing boats, pleasure craft, fog, and clouds. (updated Feb 2022)
  • Excursion patrimoniale - Vivre la Côte-de-Beaupré (en BaladoDécouverte) (Heritage excursion - Discovery Live the Côte-de-Beaupré (in Balado)), toll-free: +1-877-611-6145, . Visitors can independently experience the cultural and touristic experiences of La Côte-de-Beaupré through a podcast (French and English). This guided tour of 80 km is made up of 16 places, and includes two stops per municipality. At each place visited, participants listen to relevant themes related to the municipality and the territory. Participants must download the podcast before starting the circuit to discover the Côte-de-Beaupré. (updated Feb 2022)

Events edit

Do edit

  • 1 Canyoning, Bureau: 206, route 138, Beaupré, . Canyoning has been practised for a long time at the Jean-Larose waterfall, at the foot of Mont-Sainte-Anne Station. The site offers varied walls accessible to all calibers. With the practice of this sport, canyoning sportsmen must prepare their personal equipment well; beginners can attend a rope descent familiarization clinic. On this site, the descent includes two vertical waterfalls of 12 and 19 m; the descent is under the supervision of professional guides. Deep pools are at the base of each waterfall; diving enthusiasts can jump 7 m. Ice canyoning is practiced in winter in a truly magical ice environment. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 2 Golf Le St-Ferréol, 1700, boulevard les Neiges, ☏ +1 418-827-3778, . Golf offering an irresistible view of the majestic Mont-Sainte-Anne. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 3 Piste multi-fonctionnelle, 300, rang St-Julien, toll-free: +1-888-827-4579. Paved trail for various sports including walking, roller blading, and cross-country skiing. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 4 Sentier Mestachibo, 3432, avenue Royale, ☏ +1 418-822-3578, toll-free: +1-877-611-6145. Hiking trail linking the church of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges to the Jean-Larose falls. The latter is located at the foot of Mont-Sainte-Anne, on the Jean-Larose River. Most of the route of this trail runs along the course of the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River. This trail allows you to cross a mature forest of hemlocks, pines and cedars. This trail crosses several scree slopes and rocky ridges, two suspended footbridges (70 m). Hikers can make a stop at the 2 lookouts, including a magnificent view of the canyon of the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord river. (updated Feb 2022)
  • Sentiers de vélo de montagne du Mont-Sainte-Anne et piste cyclable Jean-Larose (Mont-Sainte-Anne mountain bike trails and Jean-Larose bike path), toll-free: +1-888-827-4579, . Mont-Sainte-Anne offers a wide range of mountain bike trails. This mountain is a destination for mountain biking with an international reputation, especially for its downhill and cross-country infrastructures, which are aimed at athletes of all calibers. The Jean-Larose trail is ideal for families with families or beginner athletes. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 5 Villéa nature & Nordique Spa, 186, rang St-Julien, ☏ +1 418-826-2000, . The Nordique Spa Mont-Sainte-Anne is located on the edge of a small private lake on land comprising more than 300,000 square feet. This spa offers a Finnish sauna bath, Turkish steam bath, outdoor whirlpool baths and Nordic bath. In addition, the spa offers massage therapy sessions and body treatments. It has contemporary architecture. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 6 Terrain de jeu des Trois-Castors (Trois-Castors playground). Municipal park near the Lacs des Trois Castors. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 7 Parc des Fouineurs (Snoops Park). Municipal park. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 8 Parc des Moustiques, 113, rue de la Savane. Cartier municipal park. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 9 Patinoire du Lac, 200-250, rue du Faubourg. (updated Feb 2022)

Buy edit

Specialized foods edit

  • 3 Chimo Design, 4008, avenue Royale, ☏ +1 418-827-8782. Sporting goods store. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 4 Domaine du Bocage, 363, rang St-Nicolas, ☏ +1 418-826-0108, . Farm harvesting and processing forest products. Tasting box offer to taste on the spot or to take away after the guided tours. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 5 Kombucha du Mont-Ferréol, 140, rue du Mont-Ferréol, ☏ +1 418-476-0853. Production of a drink made 100% locally with fruits from Quebec, spring water and sea buckthorn leaves. Cultivation of sea buckthorn, at the foot of Mont-Ferréol. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 6 Les Canardises, 5170, avenue Royale, ☏ +1 418-826-2112, . Mulard duck breeding for the quality of their foie gras. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 7 La Ferme Misise, 4406, avenue Royale, ☏ +1 418-826-3206, . Wild turkey farm. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 8 The Artisan Smokehouse handed saw contest, 172, rue du Godendard, Sainte-Ferréol-les-Neiges, ☏ +1 418-826-0600. Novelty item store. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 9 Lila des Neiges, 5281, avenue Royale, ☏ +1 418-826-0318. Founded in 2018, La Lila des Neiges promotes a healthy and simple lifestyle. This area specializes in three aspects: the gardens, the kitchen and the Vedic centre. (updated Feb 2022)

Others edit

Eat edit

Since March 2020, in the context of health measures resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, several restaurants or dining rooms in the Quebec City region have transformed the mode of meals at the tables into take-out or delivery service. In general, restaurateurs have demonstrated great resilience by updating their website, integrating interactive and automated applications for remote orders, as well as the display of the menu, opening hours, their mode of operation (e.g. by reservation, drive-thru service), required health measures (e.g., vaccination record, mask, distancing), other services (e.g., caterer, shops, accommodation, access for disabled, wi-fi, take-out, delivery), contact details and often the history of the restaurant or site. Considering the evolving context of the pandemic and government measures, it is recommended that customers inquire with each establishment by consulting their respective website.

Drink edit

Sleep edit

Gîtes edit

Camping edit

Cope edit

Municipal services edit

Go next edit

Routes through Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges
Quebec City ← Château-Richer ←  W   E  → Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges → Saint-Tite-des-Caps


  • 1 Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve Created in 1978, this reserve is made up of marshes, plains and forests. Its mission is to protect an American bulrush marsh which is the main habitat of the greater snow goose during its migration. This reserve is crossed below (on the northwest shore of the St. Lawrence River) by the Train de Charlevoix railway. It faces the flats of Pointe aux Prêtres. It has several hiking trails allowing the ascent via Cap Tourmente. This reserve is home to more than 180 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, 22 types of forest stands and 700 species of plants. Many school groups and tourists come here for educational visits on the flora and fauna.
  • 2 Mont Sainte-Anne   Mount with a major downhill ski centre of international renown, a reception infrastructure, particularly in terms of accommodation (hotels, condos, camping), restaurants and recreational tourism activities (golf, hiking trails, bicycles ).
  • 3 Saint-Joachim The main attractions are the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve and the Canyon of the Sainte-Anne River. Visitors can do many recreational and tourist activities there: hiking trails, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and nautical activities on the river.
  • 4 Sault-au-Cochon This territory is exploited for silviculture, recreational tourism activities and the passage of the Charlevoix train at the foot of the cliff. The Sentier des caps de Charlevoix and its sub-trails are entirely developed in Sault-au-Cochon.
  • 5 Saint-Tite-des-Caps Saint-Tite-des-Caps is a vacation and resort destination, thanks to its natural attractions near Quebec City. This rural and forest environment presents majestic landscapes on the Laurentians and the St. Lawrence River. The famous Sentiers des Caps attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.
  • 6 Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a tourist destination due to its reception capacity (lodging, camping, restaurants), its recreational and tourist activities (hiking trails, bicycles, spa, snowmobiles, mountain biking), its businesses and its historical attractions (basilica, museums).
  • 7 Beaupré 2 eighteen-hole golf courses, a shopping centre, a wide choice of restaurants, pubs and dining rooms.
This city travel guide to Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.


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