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Québec Montréal Lanaudière Capitale-Nationale Centre-du-Québec

Mekinac

Host of the famous Saint-Tite Western Festival, the Mékinac RCM welcomes nearly 600,000 cowboys and cowgirls every year, coming to celebrate to the rhythm of rodeos and country music. But far from only attracting enthusiasts dancing in line to the sounds of “Man! I feel like a woman! 🎵”, Mékinac also represents a land of culture and adventures marked by the presence of abundant forests and the legendary Saint-Maurice River.

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Portrait of the Region

The Mékinac RCM takes its name from the Algonquin word “Mikinak” (meaning “turtle”), referring to a local mountain whose shape is reminiscent of the shelled animal. We know, we know: this info alone is enough to rapidly increase the region’s charm quota. 🐢

But that’s not all, as the Mékinac RCM is traversed by important rivers such as the legendary Saint-Maurice, the Batiscan and the Sainte-Anne, which were crucial for the economic development of the region. One can think of the famous era of log driving and lumberjack camps, about which more can be learned at the Lumberjack Village. You will have the opportunity to hear the legends of real “wood guys” proving that, despite the passage of time, the region has managed to preserve that raw and authentic character that makes its reputation.

With its 4,665 lakes and a vast network of waterways (including Lake Mékinac, which alone covers 23 km2!), the region is a true paradise for outdoor activities, hunting, and fishing.

The Mékinac RCM also boasts several friendly towns and villages conducive to outdoor activities or agro-tourism discoveries, such as Grandes-Piles, Sainte-Thècle, and Saint-Tite. With its 4,000 inhabitants (plus the 600,000 festival-goers during the iconic western festival), the latter presents itself as the most populated municipality.

Other villages that make up the region are Hérouxville, Lac-aux-Sables, Notre-Dame-de-Montauban, Saint-Adelphe, Saint-Roch-de-Mékinac, Saint-Séverin, and Trois-Rives.

Must-Sees

The 10 rural-tinted municipalities of the Mékinac RCM are sure to charm visitors. Offering a delightful mix of culture, nature, and culinary delight, they satisfy both great explorers and those who simply want to enjoy time.

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For more tips and activities, consult the pros!

Tourisme Mauricie is like a doting mom. She has 6 offspring – the 6 territories of the region – whom she loves equally (or almost. Everyone knows the little rascal is always the most endearing 🤩). And as a good mother with no bias, she will tell you that her children are the BEST. So, don’t hesitate to consult them to get plenty of advice and activities concerning their respective territories! (Did we really just compare ourselves to a doting mom?)

Visit Tourisme Mékinac website

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