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parish municipality in Quebec, Canada
North America > Canada > Quebec > Central Quebec > Charlevoix > Saint-Hilarion

Saint-Hilarion is a municipality of the regional county municipality (RCM) of Charlevoix, in the administrative region of the Capitale-Nationale, on the north shore of the Saint-Laurent River, in Quebec, Canada.

Saint-Hilarion is a picturesque locality, with a pleasant main village. Its economy is based on forestry, agriculture, services (municipality, Caisse Desjardins, elementary school) and certain recreational tourism activities (lodging, restaurants, outdoor activities). This locality can boast of being the heart of Charlevoix, being halfway between Baie-Saint-Paul (21 km) and La Malbaie (28 km).

Understand

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In partnership with businesses and organizations, Tourisme Charlevoix and Baie-Saint-Paul City showcase the region's natural attractions (grandiose landscapes of valleys and mountains, its superb border of the river, its maritime space, its streams and bodies of water, its magnificent forests), its picturesque architecture, its regional history (in particular the astroblème of Charlevoix), its artistic and cultural life, as well as the products of the soil, the regional services and its artists and craftsmen. In addition, the community strives to perpetuate the reputation of Baie-Saint-Paul as the cultural capital of Charlevoix, Quebec and Canada.

History

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The first inhabitants settled in Saint-Hilarion in 1792. The civil erection dates from 1855 and the canonical erection from 1864. At the beginning of colonization, agriculture and forestry were the main economic activities. The economy also developed thanks to several sawmills and a few cheese factories that were established there in the 19th century. A chapel was erected in 1851 and a first church in 1900. Built of field stones, the current church was erected in 1925.

Among its citizens who have distinguished themselves in society throughout its history, Saint-Hilarion counts Olivar Asselin (1874-1937), a renowned journalist. The landscapes of Saint-Hilarion serve as a backdrop for many painters, including those of the Group of Seven, including Alexander Young Jackson and Arthur Lismer, as well as Georges Pepper and Kathleen Daly.

The festivities of the 150th anniversary of the canonical foundation of the locality were celebrated in 2014.

Geography

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Municipality located inland on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River; the closest point to the river is located 8.8 km (5.5 mi) from the shore. Thus, travelers on Route 138 will cross the bridge (altitude of 30 m) over the Rivière du Gouffre in Baie-Saint-Paul to head northeast via the Côte à Matou along the Ruisseau du Cap Martin. At the top of the hill, the place called Belley is located 280 m. Near Lac à la Mine, the altitude is 309 m. The hamlet of Saint-Hilarion-du-lac is 373 m away. The center of the village of Saint-Hilarion is at an altitude of 398 m. While the hamlet at Lac aux Bois Verts is 344 m. The place called La Gadelle (distanced from road 138) is 383 m away. Then, the altitude of Route 138 gradually decreases going towards Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs.

This territory has a few mountains: the mountain of the Cross (altitude: 506 m) located on the south side of the village, a mountain (465 m) in the Saint-Hilarion-Nord area, a mountain (422 m) on the west side of the lake in Marcel-Audet, and a mountain (446) in the hamlet of Saint-Hilarion-du-Lac. The municipality has three hamlets: Saint-Hilarion-Nord, Saint-Hilarion-du-Lac and the main village of Saint-Hilarion. The main lakes in this territory are: Lac à Marcel-Audet (north part), Lac aux Bois Verts, Lac Simard and Lac à la Mine (west part).

Built on a hill, the church overlooks the village and the surrounding plateau. The panorama of the village is splendid seen from Route 138 coming from La Malbaie, about 2 km before arriving at the village of Saint-Hilarion.

Economy

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Geology

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The center of the village of Saint-Hilarion is located 8.2 km (5.1 mi) from the north side of the summit of Mont Les Éboulements. The entire municipal territory is located in the heart of the crater of the Astroblème of Charlevoix.

Nearly 400 million years ago, the fall of a meteorite significantly modified the relief of Charlevoix, creating a crater 54 km in diameter; it is the eleventh largest identified impact site on earth. The impact zone would be located along the St. Lawrence River; 60% of the Astroblème covers the north shore of the river and 40% is located under the water of the river. The astrobleme begins on the southwest side a few kilometers west of Baie-Saint-Paul, up to Cap-à-l'Aigle, located on the east bank of the Malbaie River, in La Malbaie. The center of the astrobleme would be the Mont des Éboulements (summit at 768 m), formed by the effect of the raising of the bottom of the crater following the impact. Since this impact, the crater has been strongly metamorphosed under the effect of various erosion agents, making it more difficult to recognize its outline, particularly the part immersed in the St. Lawrence River. Consequently, experts define this ancient impact structure as the astrobleme. Inaugurated in 2014, an interpretation center dedicated to the Charlevoix astrobleme is open to the public; this interpretation center is housed in the former Club House of the Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie.

The main earthquakes felt in Saint-Hilarion:

  • 1534, (IX on the Mercalli scale),
  • 1663, (IX on the Mercalli scale),
  • 1791, (VIII on the Mercalli scale),
  • 1870, (IX on the Mercalli scale),
  • 1925, (6.2 on the Richter scale),
  • 1988, (5.9 on the Richter scale).

Get in

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Map
Map of Saint-Hilarion

By car

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  • From Tadoussac (102 km, time: 1 hr 38 min), take the Tadoussac-Baie Sainte-Catherine ferry; take Route 138 (westbound) to the village of Saint-Hilarion.
  • From Quebec City (114 km, time: 1 hr 22 min), take Route 138 east to the village of Saint-Hilarion.

By bus

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Get around

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Gas stations

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Electric charging stations

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  • 1 Église de Saint-Hilarion (Saint-Hilarion Church), 243, rue Principal. Church erected on a hill overlooking the village and the plateau. A souvenir plaque pays tribute to Olivar Asselin. Outside, to the left of the church, a plaque highlights the International Women's March. The Golden Age room is located in the basement of the presbytery. (updated Jan 2022)
  • Plaque des familles Chouinard, Chemin Cartier. A souvenir plaque has been installed in the village of Saint-Hilarion to pay tribute to the Chouinard families. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 2 Halte de la montagne de la croix, Chemin Principal. Stop with natural environment interpretation panel. Bluebird nesting boxes. (updated Jan 2022)

Events

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  • 3 Carnaval d'hiver de Saint-Hilarion (Saint-Hilarion Winter Carnival). This carnival takes place annually in January. In January 2020, the program for the 66th edition of this carnival included activities over six weekends: outdoor activities at Amical Park (snow sculpture, hockey, sliding, snowshoeing and community meal) and social activities at Recreation center (e.g.: bowling tournament, Duchess's evening). (updated Jan 2022)

Tourist routes

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  • La route des saveurs (The route of flavors). Epicureans can treat themselves to a gastronomic adventure on the Route des Saveurs, from Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to La Malbaie via the backcountry. This tour of flavours among producers generates a diversity of taste experiences of local products: ciders, craft beers, cheeses and fine chocolates, organic meats, ducks and market garden products. This agritourism among producers allows you to taste, taste or dine. (updated Jan 2022)
  • [dead link] Circuit agroartistique PAYS'ART 2021 (Circuit agroartistique PAYS'ART 2021), ☏ +1 418-435-2639 ext 6013, . Pays’Art is an agro-artistic circuit throughout Charlevoix aimed at discovering the region's agricultural landscapes and the businesses that maintain them. Each site visited includes ephemeral and distinctive art installations. The 10 agro-artistic works produced in 2021 are:Ferme la Côte des Bouleaux (15, rue Principale, Saint-Irénée),Pêcheries Charlevoix/Charlevoix fisheries (10, rue du Moulin, Saint-Irénée),Porcherie Roger Gauthier (660, rang Saint-Pierre, Saint-Irénée),Jardins Écho-Logiques/Echo-Logic Gardens (291, rue Principale, Sainte-Aimé-des-Lacs),Safran Nordique (35, rue Larouche, Clermont),Ferme Basque de Charlevoix (813, rue St-Édouard, Saint-Urbain),Le Véritable agneau de Charlevoix/The Genuine Charlevoix lamb (30, rang Sainte-Croix, Saint-Urbain),Ferme Nor-Dik/Nor-Dik Farm (66, rang Sainte-Marie, Les Éboulements),Azulée (54, chemin de la Pointe, Baie-Saint-Paul),Explora-Fruits (222, rang Saint-Antoine Nord, Baie-Saint-Paul).This agro-arts program is scheduled to continue in 2022. (updated Jan 2022)
  • Circuit des sept lieux (Seven places circuit). Seven exceptional cultural sites in Charlevoix have been selected to bring the Regional Culture Experience to life: Espace muséal des Petites Franciscaines de Marie, Musée d'art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul, Les Moulins de l'Isle-aux-Coudres, Musée maritime de Charlevoix, Papeterie Saint-Gilles, Musée de Charlevoix, Forge-menuiserie Cauchon. These museums, economuseums and interpretation sites are seen as ingenious, lively, fun and fabulous. In this cultural circuit, visitors will be able to see artisans at work, admire artistic works in various forms. Thus, this circuit allows you to discover the history and traditions of the region, in particular the Charlevoix Museum and the Cauchon Forge-Menuiserie in La Malbaie. Just connect to: @ circuit7lieux. (updated Dec 2021)
  • La route des métiers d'art (The arts and crafts route). Thanks to the BaladoDécouverte application, this road circuit between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, shows the creations and know-how of artists and artisans of the Charlevoix region. Beginning in Baie-Saint-Paul, this circuit passes through La Malbaie, and goes to Port-au-Persil. This podcast guides visitors through the shops and places of creation of the members of the Corporation des Métiers d'Art en Charlevoix. (updated Jan 2022)
  • Circuit du patrimoine religieux (Religious heritage circuit). The Christianity movement until the second half of the 20th century left an indelible religious heritage of inestimable value in Charlevoix. This circuit takes visitors to tour seven religious buildings: the Chapel of Grand-Fonds, the Church of Pointe-au-Pic, the Church of Sainte-Agnès, the Church of Saint-Étienne de La Malbaie, the Monastery of the Glorious Cross, Murray Bay Protestant Church, St-Peter-on-the-Rock and the Site of the Cross cemetery. (updated Jan 2022)

Outdoor activities

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  • Snowmobile. The countryside, forest and mountainous territory of Saint-Hilarion attracts many snowmobile enthusiasts. (updated Jan 2022)

Foods and Alcools

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  • 1 Audet A M Épicerie inc (Audet A M Grocery inc), 354, route 138, ☏ +1 418-457-3855. Supermarket. (updated Jan 2021)
Others food products
  • 2 Ferme Ambrosia, 335, Rang 1, ☏ +1 819-460-0283, . Exceptional duck reared on pasture and gîte on the farm in an enchanting setting. Shop selling farm products: duck, tea, herbal tea. With gite. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 3 La Charcuterie DET inc, 370, 4e Rang E, ☏ +1 418-457-3532. Meat packer. (updated Jan 2021)

Others

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Since March 2020, in the context of health measures resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, several restaurants or dining rooms in Charlevoix have transformed the mode of meals at the tables into take-out or by delivery service. In general, restaurateurs have shown great resilience by updating their website, integrating interactive and automated applications for remote orders, as well as displaying the menu, opening hours, their mode of operation (e.g., by reservation, car service), health measures required (e.g., vaccination record, mask, distanciation), other services (e.g ., caterer, shops, accommodation, access for the 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 obtain information from each establishment by consulting their respective website.

  • 1 Casse-croûte Bar Laitier, Route 138, 275, chemin Cartier (route 138), ☏ +1 418-440-8504. Snack menu with terrace in summer, at the back. Antique decorations. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 2 Restaurant Michel-Main du Motel Gil-Ber, 269, route 138 (Located halfway between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie.), ☏ +1 418-457-3487. The Miche-Main restaurant offers a varied cuisine and a daily menu. Catering service (cold buffet). Two rooms are available for receptions or meetings. The bar section is equipped with a pool table. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 3 Restaurant Le St-H, 238, chemin Cartier, ☏ +1 418-400-8808. (updated Jan 2022)

Drink

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Sleep

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Inns

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  • 1 Motel Gil-Ber, 269, route 138 (Located halfway between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie.), ☏ +1 418-457-3487. In operation since 1972, this motel offers seven bedrooms, four of which have a balcony. The location of the motel allows access to snowmobilers and ATV enthusiasts. A restaurant is integrated into the motel. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 2 L'AubergeInn, 179, rang 6, ☏ +1 418-457-3018. Inn built on land, with panoramic views of nearby nature. Four bedrooms with their own bathroom. Buffet lunch. Small lake 2 minutes walk. (updated Jan 2021)

Chalets, gîtes

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Campings

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Communicate

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The federal government installed additional communications infrastructure in La Malbaie (and along highways 138, 170 and 362 between Charlevoix and Quebec City) for the G7 Summit in 2018. These facilities were left in place afterwards, so cell phone and wireless internet connections are better than they were before.

Cope

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Municipal services

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  • 1 Bibliothèque Aux Quatre Vents (Four Winds Library), 247, chemin Principal, local 1, ☏ +1 (418) 489-2999, . Library affiliated with the library network of the Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches. The library organizes several activities including a rally (for young people aged 5 to 10) to explore with the family in the heritage universe of Saint-Hilarion. The library service is organized by volunteers. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 2 Centre des Loisirs de Saint-Hilarion, 346, route 138, ☏ +1 (418) 457-3489, . The health studio (gym) was inaugurated in the fall of 2015. This center also offers bowling activities. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 3 Maison des jeunes de Saint-Hilarion (Saint-Hilarion Youth Center), 306, chemin Principal, ☏ +1 (418) 457-3275. From September to May. Closed in the summer seaso. The youth center (10 to 17 years old) offers a dynamic, creative and unifying meeting place and entertainment. It allows young people to get involved in carrying out personal and social projects. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 4 Parc récréatif de l'Amical (Amical recreational park), 306, chemin Principal, ☏ +1 (418) 457-3275. The Amical recreational park offers an outdoor skating rink, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a slide in winter. In summer, a day camp (5 to 11 years old), soccer (6 to 13 years old), a petanque club for adults and volleyball. This park is also equipped with benches, picnic tables, modules for children, mini bike path, mini soccer, softball field... (updated Jan 2022)

Go next

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  • 1 Réserve faunique des Laurentides Wildlife reserve straddling the administrative regions of Quebec Region, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Mauricie. It covers an area of ​​7,934 km2 (3,063 sq mi). This wildlife reserve borders on the limit of Saint-Urbain.
  • 2 Parc national des Grands-Jardins With an area of 319 km2 (123 sq mi) and with more than 120 bodies of water, the Grands-Jardins park is located in the unorganized territory of Lac-Pikauba, in the MRC de Charlevoix. This park constitutes a protected area aimed at the conservation of the natural heritage in which certain human activities are permitted. It is one of the central areas of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, a status granted by UNESCO in 1988. The park is managed by the Quebec government through SÉPAQ. Visitors can enjoy a number of activities here, both summer and winter: camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
  • 3 Parc national Hautes-Gorges-de-la-rivière-Malbaie This National Park exposes magnificent cliffs, a setting of high mountains and a strongly boxed valley which was shaped during the great glacial eras. This park is distinguished by its bucolic landscapes, the Malbaie River where visitors can paddle (by canoe, kayak or paddle serf), its riverboat excursions, its panoramic hiking trails of various calibers in the valley and in the mountains, its bike trails, its shop and a campsite surrounded by incomparable nature. The Acropole-des-Draveurs trail is one of the most majestic in the province, with a drop of 800 m. This park offers bicycle/kayak rentals, a gift shop and a restaurant serving local Charlevoix products.
  • 4 Saint-Irénée Municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, with a magnificent beach that annually attracts tens of thousands of visitors. The offer of recreational tourism activities and services is high: resorts, accommodation, restaurants, beach, mountain biking, snowmobiling...
  • 5 La Malbaie A super-tourist municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, offering many recreational and tourist activities, a developed reception infrastructure (resorts, accommodation, restaurants, shops, Charlevoix casino, Richelieu manor, golf, hiking, museums) and many attractions around the bay and the La Malbaie River.
  • 6 Notre-Dame-des-Monts Village surrounded by mountains, offering magnificent panoramas. The summit of Gros Mont overlooks the region. The forest and mountainous nature offers many attractions, in particular ATV and snowmobile rides.
  • 7 Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs A locality offering plenty of recreational and tourism activities (vacation, fishing, nautical activities, trans-Canada hiking trails and local trails in the Grands Monts sector, observation of the nautical, flora and fauna. Several organizations offer many services: the zec des Martes, the outfitter of Pic-Bois and the Hautes-Gorges de la rivière Malbaie national park. Among the main events, there is the Charlevoix triathlon and the Charleboix rodeo (end of June).
  • 8 Saint-Urbain (Quebec) A rural, forest and mountainous community, Saint-Urbain has a lot to offer in terms of recreational tourism (vacation, snowmobiling, ATV, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, hiking trails, picking wild fruits, observation of panoramas, flora and fauna). Nestled in the magnificent valley of the Rivière du Gouffre, tucked into the Laurentians, Saint-Urbain is the gateway to the Grands-Jardins national park and the Charlevoix hinterland.
  • 9 Baie-Saint-Paul Baie-Saint-Paul is a crossroads of the arts (contemporary art museum (MAC), cultural crossroads Paul-Médéric, several art work shops) as well as a town of services, shops, recreational and tourism activities. and various other attractions. Crossed by Route 362 and Route 138, Baie-Saint-Paul is an important stopover on the Côte-Nord route.
  • 10 Les Éboulements Municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The offer of recreational tourism activities and services is high: resorts, accommodation, restaurants, beach, kayaks, holiday camp, hiking, mountain biking, dog sled excursions, snowmobiling, museums, agritourism, its shops selling local products... The village of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive is legendary for its Grande-Côte, its marine character and the ferry leading to Île aux Coudres.
Routes through Saint-Hilarion
Quebec City ← Baie-Saint-Paul ←  W  E  → Clermont → Sept-Îles


This city travel guide to Saint-Hilarion 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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