In the early 17th century, the peoples of the Wendat confederacy lived in Huronia, southeast of Lake Huron, in present-day Ontario. They grew corn, squash and beans, hunted and fished. Their trade network reached around lakes Huron, Ontario and Erie.
The town at a glance
CommunityHuron-Wendat Nation
North Shoresurrounded by Québec City
Life in Wendake
The vibe
The seat of the Huron-Wendat Nation, where Wendat culture is very much alive. Vieux-Wendake has old houses, craft shops and restaurants.
The housing
Old houses and apartment buildings in Vieux-Wendake, and 1970s bungalows and newer homes in the northern part.
Nearby
Kabir Kouba Falls · Saint-Charles River linear park · Maison Tsawenhohi
Good to know
Housing falls under the Huron-Wendat Nation Council, and some rental units are reserved first for Wendat members. Check with the Council before starting your search.
Landmarks
- Vieux-Wendake
- Église Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
- Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations
History
The history of Wendake
- 1697Lorette community is founded
- 1730First Notre-Dame-de-Lorette chapel
- 1957Chapel is classified as heritage
- 1997Wendake marks 300 years
- 2008Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations opens
Epidemics and competition for the fur trade weakened the confederacy, which was invaded by the Iroquois in 1648. Survivors settled near Québec. Their community, then known as the Hurons of Lorette, was founded in 1697.
A first Notre-Dame-de-Lorette chapel was built in 1730. In 1784, Village-des-Hurons had 23 houses and 105 residents. Nicolas Vincent, Tsawenhohi, was Grand Chief from 1810 to 1844, and in 1825 he travelled to England with a delegation to claim the seigneury of Sillery.
The chapel, partly destroyed by fire in 1862, was rebuilt as it had been. It was classified as a heritage building in 1957 and designated a national historic site in 1981. Wendake celebrated its 300th anniversary in 1997, and the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, which connects to the Huron-Wendat Museum, opened in 2008.
Frequently asked questions about Wendake
Where is Wendake?
In the north of Québec City, which surrounds it completely. Wendake borders the Loretteville, Lac-Saint-Charles and Saint-Émile areas, in the La Haute-Saint-Charles borough.
What does Wendake mean?
Wendake means “among the Wendat.” In the Great Lakes region, the Hurons were called Wendat, a name that means “people of the island or peninsula.”
What is there to see in Wendake?
In Vieux-Wendake, the Huron-Wendat Museum, the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette church, Maison Tsawenhohi and Kabir Kouba Falls. The area also has many craft shops.
How do I find an apartment for rent in Wendake?
Rental units managed by Lease Lane in Wendake 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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