Aerial view of the village of Sainte-Thècle

Sainte-Thècle is a picturesque and recreational tourism locality in the Middle-Mauricie. It sits at the southeastern limit of the Laurentian Shield, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, in the regional municipality of Mékinac Regional County Municipality (MRC), in Quebec, in Canada.

Understand

Its economy is based on recreational tourism activities (vacationing, camping, hunting and fishing, mountain biking, snowmobiles, boating, observations of flora and fauna), forestry, agriculture and certain paragovernmental services (education in elementary school, Mékinac family helpers, etc.).

Founded canonically in 1873, Sainte-Thècle is a popular destination for recreational and tourist activities. The festivities for the centenary of Sainte-Thècle were celebrated over ten months from 1973 to 1974.

Geography

View of the southern part of Lac du Jésuite, from Chemin du Lac du Jésuite

This locality has an area of 213.5 km² (82.4 sq mi) with a population of 2484. The village of Sainte-Thècle is located at the junction of routes 153 and 352.

The locality of Sainte-Thècle is mainly part of the Batiscania hydrographic basin; the northern part is part of the Saint-Maurice River watershed, via the hydrographic slope of the Mékinac river.

The Rivière des Envies has its source at Lac de la Traverse and is the most important hydrographic basin. Its course crosses rang Saint-Joseph to the southwest to the limit of Saint-Tite; then, its course crosses this last municipality subsequently, Saint-Séverin and Saint-Stanislas. It flows onto the west bank of the Batiscan River in Saint-Stanislas.

The Tawachiche River flows on 25 km (16 mi) entirely within the municipality of Lac-aux-Sables, almost the limit of Sainte-Thècle. The northeast zone of Rang Saint-Thomas and Rang Saint-Georges is part of the hydrographic slope of this river.

The Batiscan River flows north to south over 196 km (122 mi) starting at lac Édouard in Mauricie. It drains into the St. Lawrence River at Batiscan. A short segment of the course of this river turns out to be the eastern limit of the municipality of Sainte-Thècle.

The Pierre-Paul river takes its source at Pierre-Paul Lake of Saint-Tite. Its course on 14 km (8.7 mi) describes a large Z by crossing a mainly agricultural territory (a forest part at the beginning of the route) of Saint-Tite, Sainte-Thècle and Saint-Adelphe. In Sainte-Thècle, its course crosses the Saint-Thomas and Saint-Georges ranges. It flows into the Batiscan River near the village of Saint-Adelphe.

History

Presbytery of Sainte-Thècle

View (north) of the cemetery from above

View (north) of the upper cemetery (behind the church)

View towards the northwest of rue Notre-Dame (route 153), in Sainte-Thècle.

Founded in 1873, the municipality has a great agricultural, forestry and religious history. The Catholic Church of Sainte-Thècle was erected from 1903 to 1905. The Stations of the Cross in the sacristy were made in 1907 and 1908. The great organ of the church was acquired in 1914. The interior finish of the church was carried out in 1932 under the aegis of the famous painter Louis-Édouard Monty. The legendary cement lion was erected on a plinth on the northeast side of the church by the priest Maxime Masson in 1938. On August 3, 1938, a hurricane knocked down the two bell towers of the church of Sainte-Thècle. Several buildings and houses were damaged. The 52-year-old parish priest Maxime Masson ended on July 1, 1955; according to the presbytery register, the latter baptized 2497 children between 1903 and 1955. The high altar was reconstructed in 1987 in the choir of the church.

Get in

The territory of Sainte-Thècle is accessible by road vehicle, ATV or snowmobile.

By car

• From Montreal (202 km (126 mi). Time: 2 hr 10 min. Take Autoroute 40 eastbound to Trois-Rivières; Highway 55 North, to the Saint-Maurice River, Route 153 North to the village of Sainte-Thècle.
• From Quebec City. (134 km (83 mi). Time: 1 hr 35 min. Take highway 40 westbound to Grondines then take route 363 to Lac-aux-Sables then route 153 North to the village of Sainte-Thècle.
• From Trois-Rivières. (78 km (48 mi). Time: 55 min. Take highway 55 north to the Saint-Maurice river then take route 153 north to the village of Sainte-Thècle.

Trails

The Quad trail (Quad trail) passes through the forest north of Sainte-Thècle.

Get around

• 1 Station-service Esso, 739, rue Saint-Jacques, ☏ +1 418-365-5038. (updated Oct 2021)
• 2 Borne véhicule électrique - Caisse Desjardins Sainte-Thècle (Electric vehicle terminal), 250 rue Masson, ☏ +1 418-365-7591. (updated Oct 2021)

See

View of the floral arrangement at the start of the Promenade Laurent Naud along rue Lacordaire and Lac Croche in 2021

• 1 Église catholique de Sainte-Thècle (Church of Sainte-Thècle), 331, rue Saint-Jacques, ☏ +1 418-365-6594. Place of worship. Erected from 1903 to 1905, the church of Sainte-Thècle is one of the most beautiful in the Mauricie, particularly for its interior layout (numerous religious paintings, lots of woodwork in the choir and a well-decorated vault) and its exterior fittings. This church has been administered since June 2018 by the Catholic parish of Saint-Coeur-de-Marie (formerly Fabrique of the Catholic parish of Sainte-Thècle). (updated Oct 2021)
• 2 Presbytère de Sainte-Thècle (Presbytery of Sainte-Thècle), 331, rue Saint-Jacques, ☏ +1 418-365-6594. (updated Oct 2021)
• 3 Cimetière de Sainte-Thècle (Sainte-Thècle cemetery), 331, rue Saint-Jacques (behind the church), ☏ +1 418-365-6594. Site of the Sainte-Thècle cemetery, located next to and behind the church. It features a magnificent Calvary, a Stations of the Cross carved in granite stone, a cement lion on a plinth and rustic funerary monuments. This cemetery has been administered since June 2018 by the Catholic parish of Saint-Coeur-de-Marie (formerly Fabrique of the Catholic parish of Sainte-Thècle). (updated Oct 2021)
• 4 Parc Saint-Jean Optimiste, 140, rue Saint-Jean (from the Sainte-Thècle church, go down rue Masson; turn right at rue St-Jean, in the village below), ☏ +1 418-365-6728, + 1 418-365-7342. Parc Saint-Jean Optimiste located on the shores of Lac Croche. Boat launch, beach, water games, playground, picnic area, kayak rental, recreation center, volleyball court. Ice available for free skating in winter. The Laurent Naud promenade runs along Lac Croche to rue Du Pont. (updated Oct 2021)

Scenic tours

• 5 Tour vers le Lac du Jésuite (Tour to the Jesuit Lake), chemin du Lac-du-Jésuite (take Chemin Saint-Michel Nord, Route Marcotte, northbound, Chemin du Lac du Jésuite, northbound). The Jesuit Lake offers a backdrop of mountains with steep cliffs and boreal forest. This area is a paradise for recreational and tourist activities including resorting, hunting and fishing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, rock climbing, etc. From the church of Sainte-Thècle, the 22 km (14 mi) (to the northern end of the lake) takes approximately 32 minutes, bypassing the lac de la Traverse and lake Aylwin. After about ten minutes (8 km (5.0 mi)), visitors first arrive at the dam at the mouth of the lake, ie at the southern end of the lake. Then the road bypasses the Jesuit lake to reach its northern end. The car tour can continue towards Saint-Joseph-de-Mékinac or go south by Chemin Joseph Saint-Amant to Route 159, connecting Saint-Tite and Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac. Free. (updated Oct 2021)

Do

• Club Quad Mékinac, Lac-aux-Sables, ☏ +1 418-365-2100, [email protected]. This Quad club covers most of the municipalities of the MRC Mékinac: Notre-Dame-de-Montauban, Lac-aux-Sables, Sainte-Thècle, Saint-Adelphe, Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac and Trois-Rives. This club organizes several quad excursions for its members. (updated Oct 2021)
• 1 Parc St-Jean Optimist, 140, rue St-Jean (from the Sainte-Thècle church, go down rue Masson; turn right at rue St-Jean, in the village below), ☏ +1 418-289-2070. Nautical activities (swimming, boat launching), children's play areas, picnic area, kiosk on the peninsula, and a community room. Free. (updated Oct 2021)

Le Jay Bleu Cross-Country Ski Club, Rang St-Michel-Nord, Sainte-Thècle (Quebec)

• 2 Club de ski de fond Le Geai Bleu (Le Geai Bleu cross-country ski club), 2501, chemin St-Michel Nord, ☏ +1 418-507-4138. 5 marked trails for cross-country skiing from 1.4 km to 11.7 km) and two trails for snow-shoeing. (updated Oct 2021)

Buy

Interior view of 2024 of the Cinq Soeurs Café and boutique, rue Masson.

Food

• 1 Marché Tradition Baril & Frères inc, 171, rue Lacordaire (in the village below, near the Saint-Jean Optimiste park), ☏ +1 418 289-2240. General grocery store. (updated Nov 2021)
• 2 Boulangerie Germain (Germain bakery), 2570, rue Notre-Dame (in the village of the station, at the southern entrance to the village), ☏ +1 418 289-3145, [email protected]. Bakery with a great local history. The Germain bakery offers a variety of breads including white bread, wheat bread, flax seed bread, raisin bread, nine-grain bread, rye bread, bacon cheese bread, bagel and a variety of special breads. The breads are entirely hand-shaped and produced locally. The shop is at the front of the building. Catering service for group events. (updated Oct 2021)
• 3 Épicerie Éco & Bio grano Vrac (Eco & Organic Grano Bulk Grocery), 221, rue Saint-Jacques, ☏ +1 418 289-2922, [email protected]. Advisory service in health food and therapeutic consultations in naturopathy and aromatherapy. Grano-delights and prepared meals. Eco & bulk grocery store in natural foods. Catering service for healthy, vegetarian and nutritious meals. Grocery store on site or online. Delivery services in 13 municipalities in the region. (updated Oct 2021)
• 4 Dépanneur Voisin-Famille Moreau (Famille Moreau's convenience store), 320, rue Saint-Jacques (opposite the Sainte-Thècle presbytery. Ex-Boni-Soir - Le Comptoir Escompte Moreau), ☏ +1 418 289-2833. Convenience store and gas station. (updated Jul 2024)

Flowers and market garden products

• 5 Boutique Fleur de Mai (May Flower Shop), 350, rue St-Jacques (Located in the village, opposite the church), ☏ +1 418 289-2110. Florist and gift shop. (updated Oct 2021)
• 6 Centre Jardin Multi-Fleurs (Multi-Flower Garden Center), 2061, chemin St-Thomas (section nord) (from the village of Sainte-Thècle, take road 352 (south towards Saint-Adelphe); then turn left to take Chemin St-Thomas Nord), ☏ +1 418 289-2121. Garden centre in the spring. Flowers and vegetables grown in greenhouses by owner Luc Gravel. (updated Oct 2021)
• 7 Jardins Nature Mauricie, 2121, chemin Saint-Joseph (from the village of Sainte-Thècle, take rang St-Michel Nord, then route Marcotte and turn left on Chemin Saint-Joseph), ☏ +1 819 531-9629, [email protected]. Organic fruit and vegetable kiosk set up near the road with picnic tables, and local produce shop in the barn which has been restored. Garlic is the main crop of this farm specializing in market gardening. (updated Oct 2021)
• 8 Les jardins de St-Georges, Festins bio (The gardens of St-Georges, organic feasts), 2880, chemin petit St-Georges (from the church, take rue St-Jacques (northbound); turn right on Chemin Petit St-Georges), ☏ +1 418 289-3705. Kiosk on the farm offering local products: vegetables in the summer season, processed products such as organic relish, organic melon sorbet, organic vegetable salsa. (updated Oct 2021)
• 9 Miels & Forêts SENC, chemin Jean-Paul Trudel, ☏ +1 418 289-2021. Beekeeper (updated Nov 2021)

Other stores

• 10 Magasin Korvette - Sainte-Thècle (Korvette store), 560, rue Notre-Dame (at the southern entrance of the village, next to Boulangerie Germain and near the railway), ☏ +1 418 289-3490. General store. (updated Oct 2021)
• 11 Savonnerie Belle à Croquer (Belle à Croquer soap factory), 2500, chemin Saint-Michel Nord (from the village, take rue Du Pont Nord which becomes chemin Saint-Michel-Nord), ☏ +1 418 289-2210, [email protected]. Edible flowers, fresh herbs, high quality biodegradable artisanal soaps, all produced and processed with inputs purchased locally. (updated Oct 2021)

Eat

Snack/fast food

• 1 Casse croûte Tournesol et bar laitier, 2830, chemin St-Pierre-Nord (from the Sainte-Thècle church, take rue St-Jacques (north), continuing on chemin St-Pierre north; restaurant located at the entrance to the village of Hervey-Jonction), ☏ +1 418-289-3217. Seasonal snack bar restaurant for lunch and dinner, as well as a dairy bar. (updated Oct 2021)

Restaurants

• 2 Restaurant Au Petit Palace, 204, rue Masson (From the church, take rue Masson (north).), ☏ +1 418-289-2939, [email protected]. Lunches: 08:00-14:00; daily menu: 11:00-14:00; table d'hôte: 16:00-21:00. Canadian cuisine restaurant. Lunch menu, daily menu and table d'hôte. (updated Oct 2021)
• 3 Tacos El Sombrero, 400 rue St-Jacques, ☏ +1 418-289-1260, [email protected]. Authentic Mexican restaurant in the former Veillet & Frères store in the village of Sainte-Thècle, almost opposite the church. (updated Oct 2021)
• 4 Bistro chez Léoma, 106, rue Masson, ☏ +1 581-781-7800, [email protected]. Bistro-style restaurant, in the heart of the village of Sainte-Thècle. Chansonniers every weekend. (updated Oct 2021)
• 5 Resto-Bistro Le Sainte-Thècle, 780, rue St-Jacques, ☏ +1 418-289-3040. Restaurant also serving as a snowmobile and ATV relay. Meals on site and order online. (updated Oct 2021)
• 6 Rôtisserie Le Ranch, 780, rue St-Jacques (from the Sainte-Thècle church, take rue St-Jacques (northbound)), ☏ +1 418-289-2232. Rotisserie-type restaurant. Takeaway. (updated Oct 2021)

Café

• 7 Aux Cinq Sœurs, 290, rue Masson (from the church, go down rue Masson to the village below.), ☏ +1 418-289-4135. Concept of café boutique and general store offering local products. This store began in 2015 when Roxanne and Olivier acquired their first house, which was linked to the former David Leblanc general store. This store had been operated from 1890 to 1996 by the family of David Leblanc. This Belgian-inspired café and boutique offers access to the creations of more than 110 artisans from the Mauricie and Quebec. (updated Oct 2021)

Take-out meals

• 8 Grano-Vrac et délices, comptoir lunch (Grano-Bulk and delicacies, lunch counter), 221, rue St-Jacques, ☏ +1 418-289-2922. Organic food grocery store and vegetarian lunch counter. (updated Oct 2021)
• 9 Marché Tradition famille Moreau, 171, rue Lacordaire (from the church take rue St-Jacques (northbound); then turn left at rue Lacordaire), ☏ +1 418-289-2240. Cold buffet, hot and cold prepared meals, as well as a wide variety of products smoked on site (ham, trout, salmon, cheese, roast bacon and peperette). (updated Oct 2021)

Sugar shacks

• 10 Érablière Angelo et Anita, 1631, chemin St-Georges (on route 153 between the villages of Saint-Tite and Sainte-Thècle), ☏ +1 418-289-2348, [email protected]. Sugar-season meal service, in March and April only. Sale of maple products year round. Meals and shop by reservation. (updated Oct 2021)
• 11 Érablière aux Mille Érables, 1671, chemin St-Georges (on route 153 between the villages of Saint-Tite and Sainte-Thècle), ☏ +1 418-933-8153, +1 819-786-2192. Maple grove operated by Les Érablières Bonneville with organic certification of the products produced. (updated Oct 2021)

Sleep

Camping

• 1 Camping Lac et Forêt (Lake and Forest Campsite), 131, 12e Avenue Sud (from the Sainte-Thècle church, take route 153 (rue St-Jacques, then chemin St-Pierre north); turn left at 12th avenue south), ☏ +1 418-289-3871, [email protected]. Campsite on the shores of Lac Croche with around 70 pitches. It has a wave pool, a high acrobatic course ("hebertism course" in Quebec French) including two 75-foot zip lines (22.86 m (75.0 ft)), a few equipped play areas, a track for mountain bikes (BMX) and a mini animal farm. Swimming in Lake Croche. (updated Oct 2021)
• 2 CAMPagne au Clos Sainte-Thècle, 171 rue Du Vignoble, ☏ +1 418-365-8005, [email protected]. Arrival at 16:00; leave at 11:00. Live a unique experience in the heart of the Mauricie. Welcome to this atypical place where to escape in any season. A promise of adventure, an extraordinary trip, the beauty of a landscape sublimated by eco-responsible comfort. In total immersion in this natural setting in the heart of the village of Sainte-Thècle, CAMPagne offers you a friendly accommodation experience in the intimate and discreet setting of this part of the country. (updated Oct 2021)

Chalet, gîte, inn

• 3 Chalet Du Grand Pic, 170, chemin du Lac-Moreau, ☏ +1 514-799-4496, [email protected]. Cottage on the shores of Lake Moreau where motorized boats are prohibited. Dock and pedal boat. Place of rest in a natural and peaceful environment. (updated Oct 2021)
• 4 Auberge de Vinsy (auberge de jeunesse) (Auberge de Vinsy (youth hostel)), 2721 chemin St-Pierre Nord (between the villages of Sainte-Thècle and Hervey-Jonction), ☏ +1 418-289-3560. Youth hostel. (updated Oct 2021)
• 5 Auberge Josephat Groleau, 270 rue St-Jacques (in the village), ☏ +1 418-538-0199. This residence was once the home of the couple Joséphat Groleau and Rose-Blanche Gervais. The brothers Arthur and Joséphat Groleau joined forces in 1938 to form the company Groleau Inc dedicated to the operation of a hardwood floor factory in Lac du Missionionnaire (until 1955), then in the village of Sainte-Thècle until 'in 1977. Joséphat Groleau held several public positions: municipal councilor and mayor in the village municipality, school commissioner and president of the Sainte-Thècle village school board, then county prefect. The hostel has nine rooms, two with a single bed and seven with a double bed. (updated Oct 2021)
• 6 Auberge de la Rive Gauche, 106, rue Masson, ☏ +1 581-781-7800, [email protected]. Hostel opposite the northeast side of the church, in the heart of the village. Picturesque 1930s decor. (updated Oct 2021)
• 7 Chez les Coyac (At the Coyacs), 290, chemin Jean-Paul Trudel, ☏ +1 418-286-2254. Lodging and shop. (updated Nov 2021)

Cope

• 3 Public library (Bibliothèque municipale), 301, rue Saint-Jacques, local 203, ☏ +1 418-289-2070. Virtual library service with various digital resources. Program of events and activities. (updated Oct 2021)
• 4 Pavillon Desjardins (Desjardins Pavilion), 140, rue St-Jean (From the church of Sainte-Thècle, go down rue Masson; turn right at rue St-Jean, in the village below.). Community reception room, with kitchen, located at St-Jean Optimiste Park and operated by the municipality of Sainte-Thècle. Capacity: 50 people. (updated Jul 2024)
• 5 Salle Aubin (Aubin public meeting room), 301, rue St-Jacques, ☏ +1 418-289-2070 x0. Public meeting room operated by the municipality of Sainte-Thècle. Multimedia and sound equipment, refrigerator and bar. This room is located in the former Aubin secondary school (formerly the convent of Sainte-Thècle) whose building houses the offices of the municipality, the organization of Aides famille de Mékinac inc and various other organizations. This is the largest room in the municipality. Capacity: 350 people. (updated Jul 2024)
• Salle Morin (Morin's meeting room). Meeting and reception room. (updated Jul 2024)
• 6 Eric Bédard Recreation Center (Centre des loisirs Éric Bédard), 340, rue St-Gabriel, ☏ +1 418-289-2070. Leisure centre for sports activities located near the Masson primary school. This park offers various sports grounds (skating rink, softball court, soccer). The centre is named after the Olympic athlete Éric Bédard, from Rang St-Georges, Sainte-Thècle. (updated Oct 2021)
• 7 Lac Croche boat launch (Rampe de mise à l'eau Lac Croche), rue Saint-Jean (access via rue St-Jean, in the heart of the village of Sainte-Thècle), ☏ +1 418-289-2070. Municipally administered boat ramp for pleasure craft. Lac Croche is known for its boating in a magnificent forest setting. A sticker ($) issued by the municipality is necessary in order to have access to the landing stage. (updated Oct 2021)
• 8 Lac du Jésuite boat ramp (Rampe de mise à l'eau Lac du Jésuite), Chemin du Lac du Jésuite (access via rue St-Jean, in the heart of the village of Sainte-Thècle), ☏ +1 418-289-2070. Municipally administered boat ramp for pleasure craft. The Jesuit Lake is known for its boating in a superb natural environment of mountains, cliffs and forest. A sticker ($) issued by the municipality is necessary in order to have access to the landing stage. (updated Oct 2021)
• 9 Launching ramp Lac Grand Chnabail (Rampe de mise à l'eau Lac Grand Chnabail), chemin Canton Lejeune (access from Sainte-Thècle via the Lac du Jésuite road and the Canton Lejeune road), ☏ +1 418-289-2070. Municipally administered boat ramp for pleasure craft. A sticker ($) issued by the municipality is necessary in order to have access to the landing stage. (updated Oct 2021)

Note: The municipality has prohibited access to the Lac-des-Chicots landing stage since the summer of 2016 due to the appearance of Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive exotic plant. This measure aims to avoid contamination of other lakes.

Go next

Routes through Sainte-Thècle

Yamachiche ← Shawinigan ←	S  N	→ Hervey-Jonction → Lac-aux-Sables
Trois-Rivières ← Saint-Stanislas (Les Chenaux) ←	N  S	→ End

• 1 Lac-aux-Sables Lac-aux-Sables is an internationally renowned recreational tourism centre. Its beach, stretching for nearly 0.6 km, is one of the most beautiful in the Mauricie. The resort and camping increase the population to nearly 3,500 people in the summer season. While the Hervey-Jonction sector has a whole railway history; this sector is endowed with the ZEC Tawachiche which offers forestry activities services, in particular camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking.
• 2 Saint-Adelphe The municipality of Saint-Adelphe is distinguished by its agricultural and forestry economy and recreational tourism activities (vacation, boating, hunting & fishing). The municipality is separated in two by the course of the Batiscan river. The legendary railway bridge spanning the Batiscan River was in use from 1907 to 2007.
• 3 Saint-Tite Its Western festival is internationally renowned. Today its economy is based on recreational tourism activities (Western festival, vacation, camping, hunting and fishing, mountain biking, snowmobiles, boating, flora and fauna observations)...
• 4 Trois-Rives It offers recreational tourism activities (vacationing, hunting & fishing, swimming, snowmobiling, mountain biking, etc.) The bridge erected at Matawin (over the Saint-Maurice river) gives privileged access to the ZEC du Chapeau- de-Paille and the Saint-Maurice wildlife reserve.
• 5 ZEC Tawachiche A controlled exploitation zone (ZEC) mainly in the municipality of Lac-aux-Sables (Hervey-Jonction sector), and partly in the unorganized territories of Lac-Masketsi and Lac-Lapeyère. This area is south of the ZEC de la Bessonne. The Tawachiche and Tawachiche Ouest rivers cross its territory. This ZEC in Moyen-Mauricie is popular for recreational and tourist activities.