Maritime History of Charlevoix

History of Baie‑Saint‑Paul

First contacts and toponymy

The territory that would become Baie‑Saint‑Paul had long been inhabited by Indigenous communities, who were well aware of the region’s natural wealth and the characteristics of its terrain and waterways. The first European contacts date back to the 16th century, when explorer Jacques Cartier visited the area. He noted the beauty and complexity of the landscape, but it was Samuel de Champlain and his companions who left a lasting mark on the local toponymy.

While exploring the bay and the Rivière du Gouffre, Champlain observed the swirling waters, the depth of the riverbed, and the presence of numerous rocks at the mouth—elements that fascinated and sometimes worried the early explorers. The bay quickly became surrounded by mythical stories; some described it as an “infernal abyss,” reflecting the vivid folklore of the local population. These narratives, blending observation and superstition, highlight the bay’s importance in the collective imagination of both residents and visitors of the time.

Colonization and seigneurial system

European colonization was organized around seigneuries, a system inherited from France. Baie‑Saint‑Paul originally belonged to the Seigneurie de Beaupré, founded in 1636. Although the region was officially colonized in 1678, its development remained limited due to geographic isolation, especially before the construction of the railway linking the town to Quebec City—a project supported by Rodolphe Forget as part of his electoral commitments. The opposite bank of the river became the Seigneurie du Gouffre in 1682, using the river as a natural boundary between the two territories. This division reflects the territorial organization of New France, where waterways served not only as resources but also as legal and social markers.

Economic and cultural development

From the earliest colonial years, agriculture and forestry formed the backbone of the local economy. The presence of a royal tar works on the Rivière du Gouffre shows the region’s importance for shipbuilding and the production of strategic resources. Over time, tourism and the arts became major economic pillars. The inauguration of the railway in 1918 opened the town to the world, facilitating visitor access and encouraging the settlement of numerous artists. This artistic development led Baie‑Saint‑Paul to be recognized as Canada’s Cultural Capital in 2007, highlighting its central role in Charlevoix’s cultural life and beyond.

Heritage and local infrastructure

The architectural heritage of Baie‑Saint‑Paul illustrates the passage of time and the evolution of its communities. The seigneurial manor and the first chapel, located on Sainte‑Anne Street, were the town’s first major buildings and witnesses of colonial history before being destroyed by fire in 1926. The historic train station, now part of a tourist circuit, reminds us of the railway’s crucial role in structuring the town and facilitating the movement of people and goods. Saint-Laurent row, initially used by Indigenous peoples and later by settlers, reflects the agricultural history and offers an exceptional view of the Charlevoix astrobleme, a unique geological remnant. Local farms, such as those of Marie‑Noëlle Beaulieu and du Gouffre, continue to combine tradition and innovation, maintaining family agriculture while adopting modern technologies to ensure economic vitality.

Saint-Urbain sector and surrounding nature

The Saint-Urbain area serves as a gateway to the Charlevoix hinterland. It offers numerous hiking trails, including the famous Florents Trail, and privileged access to Grands-Jardins National Park, part of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve. This park protects five levels of vegetation and hosts a declining population of woodland caribou, highlighting the region’s ecological significance. Local farms, such as Madikewi and Basque, continue agricultural traditions by producing local products, supporting short supply chains, and promoting family farming. This close relationship between nature, agriculture, and recreation is one of the region’s defining characteristics.

Heritage and contemporary culture

Today, Baie‑Saint‑Paul combines heritage, culture, and nature in a unique balance. Its historic buildings, local businesses, and agricultural and tourism initiatives reflect an identity rooted in history yet open to innovation. The town remains a symbol of Charlevoix’s cultural and natural wealth, attracting artists, visitors, and nature enthusiasts eager to explore a territory where past and present harmoniously coexist. The Baie-Saint‑Paul sector, in particular, exemplifies this convergence of historical heritage and contemporary vitality, offering a rich and rewarding experience to all who venture into this exceptional region.

History of Saint‑Irénée

First contacts and toponymy

The bay of Saint-Irénée lies within a landscape long inhabited by Indigenous peoples who traveled along the shores of the St. Lawrence River, made use of its marine resources, and followed the inner valleys of its tributaries. The territory of Saint-Irénée is situated precisely at the mouth of the Jean-Noël River, which flows from the northwest to the southeast, emptying into the St. Lawrence. The name “Saint-Irénée” honors Irenaeus of Lyon, and the parish took shape in the mid-19th century. The area’s rugged, forested terrain is characteristic of Charlevoix: the coastal section stretches along the river, while the hinterland rises toward moraine plateaus formed by the ancient impact of the Charlevoix astrobleme.

Colonization and seigneurial system

The territory of Saint-Irénée was once part of the Seigneurie of Murray Bay, granted in 1762 to John Nairne, marking the establishment of the seigneurial land system in this part of Charlevoix. The civil parish of Saint-Irénée was officially recognized on July 1, 1855. From the earliest days of European settlement, subsistence farming, shipbuilding in the estuaries, fishing, and coastal trading along the St. Lawrence were central activities. The rural landscape developed around agricultural “rangs” (settlement rows) and small coastal hamlets. Over time, the coastal road—now Route 138—became the main link between these communities. Despite these developments, accessibility remained limited until the 20th century, as was the case for many parts of Charlevoix.

Economic and cultural development

Over time, agriculture remained a local mainstay. The La Côte des Bouleaux farm, for instance, has been active since the 1920s, specializing in vegetable crops and cattle farming. Meanwhile, tourism and culture gradually became more prominent. The Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, located in Saint-Irénée, emerged in the late 20th century as a major center for the performing arts—music, dance, and sculpture. In 2025, the Bay of Saint-Irénée was officially admitted to the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club, a distinction that highlights both the site’s international renown and its commitment to sustainable tourism and the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage. This recognition placed Saint-Irénée on the global map of coastal destinations. Today, coastal tourism, local lodging, artisan shops, and outdoor activities such as hiking and sea kayaking play an essential role in the local economy.

Heritage and local infrastructure

The heritage of Saint-Irénée is both rich and diverse. The parish church, built between 1842 and 1843, is the second oldest in Charlevoix (after Sainte-Agnès) and offers a magnificent view of the St. Lawrence. It also preserves several artworks influenced by European styles. The territory is structured around three distinct landscape sectors: the main village located at the mouth of the Jean-Noël River, the Chemin des Bains area along the shore (historically developed for seaside retreats and summer residences) and the Domaine Forget plateau, overlooking the bay. The coexistence of agriculture, resort activities, and landscape conservation has shaped local land use. Today, Saint-Irénée maintains a balance between farms, secondary residences (which represent nearly 30 % of all homes), and protected areas.

Nature and environment

The landscape of Saint-Irénée is directly linked to the Charlevoix astrobleme, the result of an ancient meteorite impact that shaped the region’s ridges and plateaus, extending from the river up to the forested highlands. The Jean-Noël River flows through a valley that blends woodland, farmland, and recreational areas, illustrating the coexistence of forestry, agriculture, and tourism. The coastline, beach, and bay of Saint-Irénée attract visitors and nature lovers alike. The recent designation by the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club confirms the area’s ecological and scenic importance. Criteria for this distinction included sustainable coastal management, heritage preservation, and ecological stewardship. The inland region features forests, farmland, and panoramic viewpoints over the St. Lawrence, all contributing to the area’s appeal and ecological balance.

Heritage and contemporary culture

Today, Saint-Irénée harmoniously blends agricultural tradition, natural heritage, culture, and refined tourism. Local farms continue to innovate, artists and artisans settle in, and visitors are drawn to a place where history intertwines with modernity. The Domaine Forget hosts international festivals and artist residencies, reinforcing the municipality’s cultural prominence. The coastal village, with its wooden houses, historic church, pier, and beach, offers an authentic Charlevoix atmosphere. Being part of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club is a major asset for sustainable tourism development, while also encouraging heritage conservation. As a destination, Saint-Irénée offers a complete experience: breathtaking landscapes, architectural heritage, vibrant rural traditions, and easy access to nature. Its local identity is deeply rooted in respect for the environment, history, and culture—values that define both the community and the spirit of Charlevoix.