The village of Sainte-Pétronille is relatively young. However, the area's occupation dates back to the beginnings of New France. Jesuit Chaumonot settled Hurons there in 1651, who were then being pursued by their Iroquois enemies.
By the late 19th century, Quebec's bourgeoisie turned it into a vacation spot, attracted by the microclimate at the island's tip.
Often English-speaking, they gave the new village a distinctive character, with a golf course, the oldest in America, a beautifully preserved Anglican chapel (an unusual architecture for the island), and the sumptuous Porteous estate, with its Italian-style gardens.
A unique and magnificent panorama
The village offers its visitors a unique and magnificent panorama. To the south, commercial ships and liners glide along the Saint Lawrence; to the west, beyond Beauport Bay, Cap Diamant crowns the fortifications of Old Quebec; to the north, the impressive Montmorency Falls, 80 meters high, appears majestically in an enchanting setting.
The best way to appreciate Sainte-Pétronille is on foot. One walk offers a panoramic and cultural interpretation circuit in the heart of the village, while another follows a rustic trail through the northernmost red oak forest on the continent.