Cap-Saint-Ignace, Quebec Explained

Cap-Saint-Ignace
Settlement Type:Municipality
Pushpin Map:Canada Southern Quebec
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in province of Quebec.
Coordinates:47.0333°N -98°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Type2:Region
Subdivision Name2:Chaudière-Appalaches
Subdivision Type3:RCM
Subdivision Name3:Montmagny
Established Title1:Constituted
Established Date1:July 1, 1855
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Jocelyne Caron
Leader Title1:Federal riding
Leader Name1:Montmagny—L'Islet—
Kamouraska—Rivière-
du-Loup
Leader Title2:Prov. riding
Leader Name2:Côte-du-Sud
Area Total Km2:205.80
Area Land Km2:208.44
Area Note:There is an apparent
contradiction between two
authoritative sources
Population Total:3045
Population As Of:2011
Population Density Km2:14.6
Population Blank1 Title:Pop 2006-2011
Population Blank1: 5.0%
Population Blank2 Title:Dwellings
Population Blank2:1402
Timezone:EST
Utc Offset:−5
Timezone Dst:EDT
Utc Offset Dst:−4
Postal Code Type:Postal code(s)
Postal Code:G0R 1H0
Area Code:418 and 581
Blank Name:Highways
Blank Info:

Cap-Saint-Ignace is a municipality in the Montmagny Regional County Municipality within the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec, Canada. It is located on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, 70 km east of Quebec City on Route 132.

Cap-Saint-Ignace is located on the scenic chemin des Pionniers Ouest, also known as Highway 132, at the Junction of the route du Petit-Cap which is accessible from provincial Autoroute 20, the Autoroute Jean-Lesage. The town's total area is 227 km2 and borders the scenic St. Lawrence River with privileged access to the river and migratory bird sanctuaries.

Motto and emblems

The town's motto, Mets le cap sur la vaillance, translates as "Vigilance is your bearing" and provides the people of Cap-Saint-Ignace with the popular nickname of "les Vaillants".

Named after its protector, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the town's emblems are the native blue flax and the eastern bluebird. The blue flax, native to the countryside, is attributed many qualities both as clothing linen and for its medicinal properties. The eastern bluebird frequents the local orchards, farms, hedgerows and rock dikes in the area and is renowned for its songbird qualities.

Local attractions

The Petit-Cap ("Little Cape") and the ancient government pier are amongst the local attractions (parking on-site but foot-access only). The area is dotted with trails, observations posts and rest areas with interpretive panels on the local fauna, flora and the areas' rich and colourful history. The fall migration of snow geese, amongst other species, is most spectacular.

For cyclists, the chemin des Pionniers Ouest provides countless hours of scenic riding. Locally, there are four main cycle circuits: Route Verte or Green circuit follows the River through the Town; the Route des pommes or Apple circuit (11 km) takes cyclists by the orchards; the Campagnard or Country trek (21 km) brings cyclists through the local maple sugar and produce areas; and the Seigneurial trek (14.7 km) takes cyclists to and near the historical landmarks. Many of these are natural and preserved sites, pleasant to view and enjoy, but travellers are requested to respect private property. Cycling circuits include rest areas and places where travellers can purchase meals, snacks, refreshments and souvenirs.

There are many events throughout the year in Cap-Saint-Ignace. Not the least is the Feast of the Saint-Hubert (1–3 Sep) held in honour of the Saint and patron of hunters, complete with a procession and solemn mass to the sound of French horns accompanying the great organ pipes, meal, clay pigeon shoot, equestrian demonstrations and other activities related to the hunt.

Notable natives

See also

External links