Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré stands in a rolling agricultural country, with the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains in the background. The first church was built by sailors, seeking protection against shipwrecks off Ile-Oeuf on their way upriver to Quebec City. Saint Anne is the patron saint of sailors.
Demographics
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré had a population of 2,888 living in 1,412 of its 1,499 total private dwellings, a change of 0.3% from its 2016 population of 2,880. With a land area of 62.38 km2 (24.09 sq mi), it had a population density of 46.3/km2 (119.9/sq mi) in 2021.[4]
Population in 2011: 2854 (2006 to 2011 population change: +1.8%)
Population in 2006: 2803
Population in 2001: 2752
Population in 1996: 3023
Population in 1991: 3146
Mother tongue:
English as first language: 0%
French as first language: 98.2%
English and French as first language: 0%
Other as first language: 1.8%
Attractions
The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a major Roman Catholic place of pilgrimage. It has a copy of Michelangelo's statue, the Pietà (the original is in the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome). The basilica is known as a place of miracles. One of the builders of the original church, Louis Guimont, helped build the church despite having severe scoliosis and needing the aid of a crutch. When the church was complete, he was able to walk independently.
Many subsequent visitors who have prayed at the church have left their canes, crutches and walking aids behind as testament to their healing. The main wall at the entry into the basilica is completely covered with crutches.
In addition to the basilica, the town contains numerous religious edifices, the chief being the Scala Santa, built in imitation of the Holy Stairs in Rome.
The town is home of the Cyclorama of Jerusalem, a circular painting depicting the city of Jerusalem at the time of the death of Jesus.
Canyon Sainte-Anne, lying 6 km east of the town, is a steep walled gorge. A 74 meters (243 ft) waterfall lies within the canyon. The canyon is accessible to visitors via footpaths and foot bridges.
