A network of authentic heritage villages, located in remarkable landscapes

All Rights Reserved, 1998 / 2012, Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec

The jewel of the fjord

Nestled between the capes of the Saguenay fjord, located some forty kilometres of Chicoutimi, the tiny village of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord (population 409) is hidden between two rocky escarpments. Until 1942, it was called “The Women’s Descent”, La Descente-des-Femmes. Sainte-Rose-du-Nord is situated at a distance from the main highway, and is surrounded by mountains and capes, that offer easy access to the exceptional panoramic views.

Please take a considerate and eco-friendly approach to touring this area’s fragile natural environment.

The village is comprised of three main sites: High Cove (Anse d’en Haut or Anse-à-Xavier) where a handful of homes are located; Théophile Cove (Anse Théophile), which houses the village centre and the quay; and Women’s Descent Cove, (l’Anse de la Descente-des-femmes or Anse d’en Bas). Three other, lesser sites located in the surrounding areas are l’Anse-à-la-Mine, the Tableau and Cap-à-l’Est. Sections of the municipality blend into Saguenay Park.

After 1838, when the Society of 21 abandoned their first attempt to develop the community’s forestry industry, three families settled in the three main coves in 1858. Autonomous and self-sufficient, they survived on agriculture, ranching, hunting and fishing, until the start of the 20th century.

During the economic crisis of 1929, thirty-one families settled in the surrounding area, and in 1937, a barely passable road to Chicoutimi was paved. Up until 1931, religious services were provided by traveling missionaries who crossed the frozen fjord on horse-driven carriages in the winter, and by schooner once the ice had begun to thaw. In the 1950s, agriculture was slowly taken over by the forestry industry with the creation of a cooperative and the construction of the sawmill not far from the village. Construction—and the population—began to increase in the area, lending Sainte-Rose-du-Nord a reputation for “Faith and Tenacity”.

Hidden far off from the main highway, Sainte-Rose-du-Nord continues to preserve its charm and serenity. Discover the village by trailing down the tree-covered mountainside to the lush valley below. Houses are scattered about randomly, adding to its charming and haphazard character. Because the architectural heritage dates back only to fairly recently, it tends to lacks the scope and splendor of the other villages of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec. Still, Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, displays a harmony of land and its inhabitants, who have adapted effortlessly to the undulating hilly terrain.

The heart of the village sits between two capes, above the quay that leads to the loading docks where you can discover the Saguenay fjord on the tourist’s ferries or rubber dinghies. The quay provides a beautiful view of the village, as well as access to a hiking trail that leads to the top of the cape overlooking the fjord and village. In winter, why not try some ice fishing (pêche blanche) from the small cabins installed on the frozen Saguenay. The small wooden church, built in 1903, and expanded in 1915, is decorated in a forest-inspired theme. The unique Museum of Nature (Musée de la Nature) holds interesting and whimsical exhibitions, such as tree burr, natural sculptures, and a taxidermy collection.

Take any one of the streets of rue des Pionniers, or rue des Artisans that lead to the top of the mountain. From there, take a fifteen-minute walk along the footpaths to the two belvederes, which provide an extraordinary view. From here, you will see the farming valley, the winding road, the village, the string of capes, and ten kilometers of the Saguenay fjord. Follow along on the same small road to go back down to High Cove (Anse d’en Haut) or Théophile Cove (Anse-Théophile).

From the village entrance, head east on Women’s Descent Road (le Chemin de la Descente-des-Femmes) to reach the cove bearing the same name. Legend has that three Native women, angry with their husbands and anxious to reach the village of Bersimis on the northern coast of the Saint Lawrence, spent two extra days walking to this area to continue their journey on canoe. They had taken a detour from the regular route to avoid getting caught.

You can take highway 172 towards Tadoussac to arrive in the area of Tableau, located on the banks of the Saguenay. Heading towards Chicoutimi, the outfitters club of Cap-au-Leste rents out wooden chalets with views of the fjord, and offers a variety of outdoor adventure activities to enjoy.

Located at approximately 20 miles from the town of Saguenay, the village of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord is the most interesting community living on the fjord, with the marine and the Saguenay parks.

It is a village where citizens are proud of being part of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec.

Welcome to Sainte-Rose-du-Nord; you will feel at home after just a few minutes with us !

M. Laurent Thibeault,

Mayor of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord