The St. Lawrence Iroquoians frequented Cap Tourmente, which they called Ajoasté. In 1626, Champlain had a farm built at the foot of the cape to feed the colony at Québec. It was destroyed by the Kirke brothers in 1628.
The town at a glance
RCMLa Côte-de-Beaupré
Côte-de-Beaupréat the foot of Cap Tourmente
Life in Saint-Joachim
The vibe
A quiet farming village between the river and the mountain. In spring and fall, thousands of snow geese stop over on the Cap Tourmente tidal flats.
The housing
Mostly single-family homes, including several heritage houses along Avenue Royale. There are also a few duplexes and small buildings.
Nearby
Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area · La Grande Ferme · Canyon Sainte-Anne
Good to know
Saint-Joachim is reached by Route 138 East, then Avenue Royale. The Véloroute Marie-Hélène Prémont offers a 10 km family loop here, the Tour du Cap-Tourmente.
Landmarks
- Avenue Royale
- Église de Saint-Joachim
- Cap Tourmente
History
The history of Saint-Joachim
- 1626Champlain’s farm at Cap Tourmente
- 1684First mention of the name Saint-Joachim
- 1721Parish established
- 1779Current church blessed
- 1978National wildlife area is created
The Compagnie de Beaupré acquired the seigneury in 1636. In the 1660s, Bishop de Laval, founder of the Séminaire de Québec, became its owner and set up the Petite Ferme and the Grande Ferme there. The name Saint-Joachim appeared in 1684, and a first church was built the next year on the Grande Ferme site.
The parish was established in 1721, after it separated from Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. In 1759, during the siege of Québec, British troops burned the church and several houses. The current church, one of the oldest surviving in Québec, was blessed on July 8, 1779.
The parish municipality was created in 1845, abolished in 1847 and restored in 1855. Saint-Joachim later gave up parts of its territory to create Saint-Ferréol, Saint-Tite-des-Caps and Beaupré. In 1969, the federal government bought land from the Séminaire, which became the national wildlife area.
Frequently asked questions about Saint-Joachim
Where is Saint-Joachim?
At the eastern end of the Côte-de-Beaupré, east of Beaupré, at the foot of Cap Tourmente. You get there by Route 138 East, then Avenue Royale.
What is there to see at Cap Tourmente?
The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area protects the marshes where greater snow geese stop in spring and fall. It has hiking trails, an interpretation centre and the remains of Champlain’s farm.
Where does the name Saint-Joachim come from?
The parish honours Saint Joachim, husband of Saint Anne according to tradition. The name was chosen because the parish split off from Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
How do I find an apartment for rent in Saint-Joachim?
Rental units managed by Lease Lane in Saint-Joachim will soon be listed on the site, along with the online rental application. In the meantime, Cléo can notify you as soon as a unit is posted.
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