Champlain (Quebec)

Champlain is a rural municipality, picturesque and offering recreational tourism, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, in the regional county municipality Les Chenaux, in Mauricie. The town is part of the Association des plus beaux villages du Québec (Association of the most beautiful villages of Quebec).

During the summer season, the population increases significantly because of vacationing and second homes. In summer, nautical activities on the river are particularly intense: boating, sailing, and fishing.

History
During his exploratory trip to America, Samuel de Champlain, founder of New France, lent his name to designate the Champlain River which flows in the eastern part of the current territory of the municipality of Champlain. The first European inhabitants settled in Champlain in 1664 or 1665.

In 2014, the citizens of Champlain declared their 350th anniversary of the founding of the seigneury of Champlain.

Geography
The municipality of Champlain is located along the St. Lawrence River, between Cap-de-la-Madeleine (Trois-Rivières sector since 2003) and the municipality of Batiscan. This territory faces Gentilly, on the south bank of the river. The meandering course of the Champlain River passes through the eastern part of the municipality of Champlain.

This relatively flat territory of the St. Lawrence River valley includes areas of marshes extending parallel to the north shore of the St.Lawrence River, between the limits of Sainte-Marthe-du-Cap and the Champlain River, i.e., on either side of Autoroute 40. The area near the Champlain River is designated “Petite Batture Champlain”; the area near the Hertel stream is designated Le Haut-de-Champlain, facing the flats of Gentilly. The main hamlets are: Bas-de-Champlain, Haut-de-Champlain, Trou-des-Roses and Village Sainte-Marie. Carignan Island is located on the river, near the southwestern limit of the municipality.

The dwellings are mostly surrounded by the edge of the St. Lawrence River (with greater density in Haut-de-Champlain) and on either side of Route 138.

Economy
In the past, agriculture, forestry and fishing were the engines of the local economy. After the mid-20th century, vacationing took off significantly along the river. Several second homes have become permanent residences.

In the 21st century, the economic vocation of the town of Batiscan is focused on recreational and tourism activities (vacationing, boating, fishing, swimming, marinas, docks, museum), agriculture, local businesses and certain services.

Get in
The village of Batiscan is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), snowmobile and all terrain vehicles.

By car

 * From Montreal (downtown) (. Time: 1 hr 46 min. From Montreal, take highway 40 (north shore) heading east, to Champlain Exit; take route 359 (southbound) to the village of Champlain.
 * From Quebec City (downtown) (. Time: 1 hr 10 min. From Quebec City, take highway 40 westbound to Champlain Exit; take route 359 (southbound) to the village of Champlain.

Heritage tour

 * Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade: Erected from 1855, over 14 years, the church of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade has exterior walls made of stones from Deschambault and transported to the corvée. It was finalized in 1869. The bell towers measure 110 feet. The distance from the floor to the top of the arch is 54 feet. The architecture of this church is similar to the Gothic style: pointed arches associated with the height of the place; the light appearance of the general architecture, and generous lighting provided by the large windows. Its architectural and grandiose elegance is similar to the style of the great cathedrals. The magnificent stained-glass windows from 1877, from France, characterize the symbols of Christianity. The large portico of the church has in its vault the granite statue of Saint Anne which stands 96 feet above the ground. One of the great treasures of the church is the statue of Saint Anne carved in oak from Belgium. Visitors can admire the Stations of the Cross, the old organ from 1902, the bells and interior renovations from 1951.
 * Batiscan: church erected in 1866 reflecting a neo-Gothic architecture of great value. Visitors will appreciate the exuberant interior design: height of the chancel and the nave, the ribbed vault, the interior decoration, the interior reliefs. A large outdoor statue perched on a raised plinth and decorated with a magnificent flower arrangement on the ground, guards the front facade of the church. The Batiscan presbytery reflects a great history of the locality, with its objects, old furniture and architecture.
 * Champlain: Champlain Church is an exceptional listed heritage building. During the interior visit, use digital a tablet or a smartphone to view story sections in augmented reality. Discover the daily life of Champlain residents around 1908. By moving the tablet towards the vault, the woodwork, the works of painters and the stained-glass windows, visitors will discover the architectural and design secrets of this picturesque church. In addition, play "Halte là salle jerk" in augmented reality, helping the character Lucien the dog hauler to find dogs that have infiltrated the church under the pews.
 * Champlain: Champlain Church is an exceptional listed heritage building. During the interior visit, use digital a tablet or a smartphone to view story sections in augmented reality. Discover the daily life of Champlain residents around 1908. By moving the tablet towards the vault, the woodwork, the works of painters and the stained-glass windows, visitors will discover the architectural and design secrets of this picturesque church. In addition, play "Halte là salle jerk" in augmented reality, helping the character Lucien the dog hauler to find dogs that have infiltrated the church under the pews.