Cap-Saint-Ignace brings together notable examples of architectural history, nature watching along the St. Lawrence River and seasonal culinary experiences. This offers a range of ways to plan your trip, whether you’re interested in historic buildings, river scenery or apple products.

Heritage spanning several centuries

A religious complex rooted in Catholic tradition comprises a church, a presbytery and a tithe barn. Saint-Ignace-de-Loyola Church was built in 1891, after a fire destroyed the previous church, built in 1881. The presbytery was built in 1920 and 1921; the tithe barn completes the complex as another building.

Manoir Gamache offers a different perspective on architectural history. Its first section dates from 1744. This classified heritage site is considered a characteristic example of an 18th-century rural house in Québec with French influences. Together with the religious complex, it shows how the community’s architectural heritage spans different periods of construction.

Older still is the Moulin à vent de Vincelotte: this grist mill was built in 1690 and 1691. Its cylindrical stone tower is topped by an octagonal roof. The classified mill stands in Anse-à-Gilles on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, within the municipality of Cap-Saint-Ignace. It is the only surviving windmill on the river’s south shore between Bécancour and Gaspé. Its design, age and the specific geographic comparison make it a particularly striking part of the local heritage.

River scenery and birdwatching

Le Petit-Cap is an access point to the St. Lawrence River. The paths there are designed to preserve the site’s natural character. From here, visitors can enjoy a special view of the river and the L’Isle-aux-Grues archipelago. Several bird species can also be spotted along the paths. Scenery and wildlife observation come together here as part of the same nature experience, without requiring you to follow a particular route.

The former Quai du Gouvernement also brings together nature and local history. It was built in 1909 to accommodate schooners engaged in coastal shipping on the St. Lawrence River. A footpath at the wharf offers a place to watch Canada geese as they migrate in spring and fall. The former wharf also serves as a maritime landing place for small boats such as canoes and kayaks; seasonal docking is subject to restrictions.

Apple route and seasonal tastings

La pomme de Cap-Saint-Ignace is a three-kilometre route along apple farms. Seasonal offerings include tastings of nearly 30 apple varieties and other berries. Along the route, you can also buy local wines, cider, jams, juices, compotes and apple butter. So, in addition to the fruit itself, a range of processed regional products are also in the spotlight.

Domaine Ritt offers free tastings of cider made from high-quality apples. In the fall, you can also pick your own apples there. If you’d like to include these activities in your plans, check before visiting to see whether tastings and apple picking are currently available.

Seasonal activities vary throughout the year: Canada geese can be observed during their spring and fall migrations, while apple picking at Domaine Ritt is offered in the fall. This makes fall a season when the two overlap, although geese can also be observed in spring.

Discover more destinations

Saint-Paul-De-Montminy, L’isle-Aux-Grues, Saint-Just-de-Bretenières, Berthier-Sur-Mer, St-Pierre-De-La-Riviere-Du-Sud

Return to the main travel overview: Montmagny.