Saint-Jacques: Acadian History and Landscaped Parks

Saint-Jacques offers several distinct reasons to visit: Acadian history, landscaped parks, and recreational activities. Cultural history takes center stage at the Maison de la Nouvelle-Acadie and Parc des Cultures Bernard-Landry. Visitors who would also like to include exercise or recreational activities can consider the Circuit historique de Saint-Jacques and Parc Aimé-Piette.

Acadian History in Saint-Jacques

Saint-Jacques was founded in 1774 by about 30 Acadian families and is considered the Acadian cradle of Lanaudière. The Maison de la Nouvelle-Acadie explores this historical connection in greater depth with a permanent exhibition comprising eight museum stations. It covers the context and background of the deportation, as well as the Acadians’ settlement in the Sulpician seigneury and its development. This makes it a clear focus for visitors interested in the history of the municipality and its Acadian past.

The Maison is located in the heart of the village center, in the former building known as the sacristan’s house, which was renovated for the institution. Parc des Cultures Bernard-Landry also highlights Acadian heritage: it features a monument to the Great Expulsion and the Acadian Odyssey. The exhibition in the museum and the interpretation in the park offer different perspectives—one through a multi-part permanent exhibition, the other in a park whose design also incorporates historical references.

Parc des Cultures Bernard-Landry

The park has several landscaped areas, including a medieval patio, a Japanese garden, an orchard, and a Zen garden for children. A restored central path connects the church and cemetery. These features give Parc des Cultures Bernard-Landry more than a single thematic focus: alongside its garden areas, the path between the two named locations is also part of the grounds.

The park’s benches offer special insights into the family history of Nouvelle-Acadie. They were made by local craftspeople; plaques list the families, their origins, and their arrival dates in Nouvelle-Acadie. Together with the monument and restored central path, these details make the park a way to explore the Acadian past through different forms of remembrance.

Walking Tour and Recreational Activities

The Circuit historique de Saint-Jacques presents eight sights in the municipality. The suggested route is 1.4 kilometers long and takes about one hour and 30 minutes on foot. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The BaladoDécouverte mobile app includes an interactive map that shows users’ location as they move along the route. Check the route details and app availability before your trip.

For recreation at Parc Aimé-Piette, there are two tennis courts, also marked for pickleball, as well as a volleyball court and a splash pad. The splash pad operates seasonally; access rules and operating conditions may change. If you plan to use any of these facilities, check the current conditions before your visit.

Visit to Distillerie Grand Dérangement

Distillerie Grand Dérangement offers an informative and entertaining tour focused on whisky, gin, and vodka. Its Économusée du distillateur also offers a guided tasting. This complements the historical and landscape-focused attractions with a look at the distillery and its spirits. As operating details may change, check the current visitor options in advance.

When planning your stay in Saint-Jacques, you can choose from several different focuses: the Maison de la Nouvelle-Acadie and Parc des Cultures Bernard-Landry explore history, the Circuit historique leads to eight sights, and the recreational activities at Parc Aimé-Piette offer a different experience. Distillerie Grand Dérangement adds a tour and tasting to these options. Choose your hotel stay based on the topics that interest you most during your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Montcalm.