An Overview of Gaspésie’s English-Speaking Communities:

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Gaspésie’s English-speaking communities as we showcase their heritage, resilience, and contributions to the region.

Cascapédia St-Jules

Cascapédia-St-Jules: A Unique English-Speaking Community in Gaspésie

You may know Cascapédia-St-Jules for its world-class salmon fishing, stunning river views, and rich forestry heritage! However, beyond its natural beauty lies a welcoming community with deep-rooted traditions and a strong sense of pride.

Photos credits :

https://www.cascapediastjules.com/ – Cascapédia-St-Jules Récréation

A glimpse into history

Nestled in the heart of Gaspésie, Cascapédia-St-Jules is a vibrant and historically rich community that showcases the enduring spirit of its English-speaking residents. Originally known as “Irish Town,” this municipality was officially formed in 1999 through the merger of Grand Cascapédia and Saint-Jules, both of which had been established decades earlier—in 1929 and 1948, respectively. The roots of these settlements lie in the forestry and fishing industries, which attracted Irish, Scottish, Acadian, and Loyalist settlers eager to build new lives in the region.

A thriving past

At its peak, Cascapédia-St-Jules was a bustling village with three small grocery stores, a bank, a post office, schools, a flour mill, and a sawmill. The community had a population exceeding 1,000, and by the late 1800s, there were no fewer than 18 post offices in the surrounding area of Cascapédia Bay. Economic growth in the 1960s, fueled by new industries and the Consolidated Bathurst mill, eventually led to the merger of Grand Cascapédia and Saint-Jules, forming the modern-day municipality.

One of the most iconic establishments in the town was Campbell’s General Store, founded in 1836. This family-run business thrived for over 150 years, expanding in the 1960s before finally closing its doors in 1991. Today, its buildings house the Cascapédia Society and River Museum, preserving the area’s rich history for future generations.

Natural beauty and tourism

Bordered by Gaspésie National Park, New Richmond, and Maria, Cascapédia-St-Jules is accessible via Route 299, which runs north-south through the peninsula, and Route 132, the main coastal highway. The region is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including the famous Cascapédia River, that has over 180 salmon fishing pits, each with a unique history.

A community committed to growth

Despite its small size, Cascapédia-St-Jules remains committed to preserving its heritage while fostering growth. The town prioritizes community beautification, sports, leisure, the arts, and family services. Efforts such as community clean-ups, signage, and activities encouraging property enhancements help maintain its charm. Additionally, the community works on residential, tourism, agriculture, and municipal infrastructure development to keep their town thriving.

Did you know?

Cascapédia-St-Jules is a diverse and bilingual community, with 50% of its population being anglophone, 33% francophone, and 17% bilingual. The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture and industrial resources, providing employment opportunities for many residents. Additionally, the municipality has gained recognition as a prime destination for tourists, particularly those from the United States and Europe, who visit to experience its renowned salmon fishing industry.

Local culture and expressions

One unique expression that has stood the test of time in Cascapédia-St-Jules is: “You must be related to Kerr Robertson.” This lighthearted remark is used to tease someone with a hearty appetite. Kerr Robertson, a member of one of the town’s original Loyalist families, was famous for his impressive eating habits. Many locals, being descendants of the Loyalist settlers, are familiar with this playful saying.

Looking to the future

Today, Cascapédia-St-Jules continues to be a welcoming community with a deep appreciation for its history and a strong vision for the future. Whether through tourism, sustainable development, or cultural preservation, the residents are dedicated to ensuring that their town remains a dynamic and inviting place to live and visit.

Barachois

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.