Barachois: A unique English-Speaking community in Gaspésie

You may know Barachois for its breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches, and, of course, its iconic barachois! However, beyond its natural beauty lies a tight-knit community with a rich history and deep-rooted traditions.

Photos credits :

Joanie Robichaud, BANQ, Théo bout du monde, Georges A. Driscoll (1954), Central Barachois / Le Quotidien, Collection famille LeBel,  Marie-Soleil Dea, Mylène Barlow, Marianne Corriveau-Avard

A glimpse into history

Barachois, formerly known as Petite-Rivière, and over the centuries : « barécoi, barre à échouer, barachois de Malbaie, barachois de Mal-Bay, Saint-Pierre-de-Malbaie » holds a significant place in the history of the Gaspé Peninsula.

Established as the first permanent French settlement in the region in July 1672, its development was largely driven by cod fishing, an industry that played a crucial role in Canada’s early economy, rivalling even the fur trade. Before this settlement, Indigenous Peoples were the only year-round residents of the area.

A community that sticks together

Barachois has always been a place where people look out for one another. This spirit of unity is reflected in the community’s history, including its once-thriving train station. Maurice LeBel, the last permanent stationmaster, served from 1966 to 1982, living on the second floor of the station with his wife and five children. Before him, stationmasters like Henry Lawrence, Anselm Tapp, M. Leterreur, Marcus Tapp, and M. Assels played their roles in connecting Barachois to the rest of the region.

Today, Barachois stands as one of the English-speaking communities in Gaspésie, preserving its heritage and traditions while embracing the present. One of its long-standing landmarks is Thompson’s General Store, widely known as Chez Robin or Le Robin. This beloved establishment has been serving the community for generations and continues to do so under the stewardship of its new owner, Christine Côté, who acquired it on June 21, 2024.

Local identity and pride

One of the charming quirks of Barachois is how its residents introduce themselves. Instead of simply saying they’re from Barachois, they proudly identify by their specific street. You’ll often hear someone say, “I’m from Vauquelin!”—a testament to the strong sense of belonging within the community.

A place of natural beauty 

Barachois is also home to the stunning Emerald River Park, a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. This picturesque area offers a year-round escape into nature, whether for peaceful walks, summer swims, or winter adventures.

Another highlight of Barachois is the Belle Anse School, part of the Eastern Shores School Board. This elementary school serves the community’s English-speaking children, who get to enjoy an extraordinary view of the iconic Percé Rock right from their playground.

A thriving English-speaking community

Barachois remains a dominant English-speaking community, with most of its community center activities organized by and for English speakers. Whether through cultural events, educational initiatives, or social gatherings, Barachois continues to celebrate and preserve its heritage while welcoming new generations to experience its unique charm.

With its rich history, strong sense of community, and stunning surroundings, Barachois stands as a shining example of the vibrant English-speaking communities that enrich Gaspésie.

If you haven’t already visited, now’s the time to explore this remarkable village and discover its many treasures for yourself!

Source: Magazine Gaspésie

Thank you Ji-Py Langlois for your help in gathering information for this article.