Discover Saint-Casimir

Saint-Casimir combines impressive church art with cave experiences and activities on the water. It is also home to a venue in a former cinema and an annual musical and culinary gathering. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping these different highlights in mind: architectural history and art sit alongside nature experiences and a changing cultural programme.

Church art and parish complex

The Église Saint-Casimir was built between 1898 and 1899 by Alfred and Joseph Giroux, based on plans by architect Joseph-Georges Buissières. Its interior furnishings also tell the story of several artistic hands: Berlinguet et Lemay of Québec designed the richly decorated interior; Joseph Giroux and Michele Rigali carried out the work. One distinctive feature is the semicircular “jubé des sœurs,” a gallery that encloses the choir. Four statues by sculptor Louis Jobin adorn the nave.

The church is part of a larger parish complex on open grounds opposite the bridge over the Sainte-Anne. The complex also includes the rectory, the old convent, and the spacious cemetery. Several elements of local architectural and religious history thus come together in one place. If you are particularly interested in architecture, the construction period, interior design, and arrangement of the buildings each offer a different point of interest.

The le Trou du Diable cave

The le Trou du Diable cave is 980 metres long and is considered the second-longest accessible cave in Québec. An exploratory, educational tour introduces visitors to cave science. The tourist route is considered easy and accessible to everyone; the trail passes through a shallow streambed. Check seasonal access and operating conditions before your visit.

There is also an adventure route, which is very challenging and intended for the particularly daring. The two routes therefore offer different kinds of cave experiences: the tourist route combines the visit with an introduction to cave science, while the adventure route explicitly presents a greater challenge. This distinction can help with planning without treating the two experiences as equivalent.

Rafting and paddling

A 6.6-kilometre route for inflatable rafting boats runs along the Sainte-Anne from Saint-Alban to Saint-Casimir. The unguided trip is intended for groups of two to five people and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 3 hours, depending on pace and breaks. The departure point is at 615, rue Notre-Dame in Saint-Casimir; from there, a shuttle takes participants to the launch site. Check the latest departure and trip details before setting out.

The rafting route is considered easy and a gentle, contemplative activity. It is described as accessible to families, friends, groups, and schools. Depending on water levels, there are only a few rapids; at the same time, river conditions can affect the nature of the trip. The approximate duration is therefore a guide for planning, not a fixed travel time.

For paddlers with an intermediate level of experience, the route bleue includes a section between Saint-Alban and Saint-Casimir with some whitewater passages. Check the current certification status and conditions before setting out. The stated experience level and passages help distinguish this option from the rafting trip described as easy.

Culture and cuisine in the former cinema

Les Grands Bois is located in the heart of Saint-Casimir in a former cinema built in 1946. The Microbrasserie is on the first floor, and the Théâtre des Grands Bois is on the second. The brewery makes a varied selection of craft beers; small sharing plates are created in collaboration with partners from the Portneuf region. The offering thus brings together brewing and food, while the two floors serve different purposes within the building.

The Théâtre des Grands Bois has room for 450 people, including 275 seats, and regularly welcomes artists from Québec and abroad. Commission B is an annual musical and culinary gathering in the heart of the town. Since dates and programmes can vary, check the current event details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Simon-De-Rimouski, Senneterre, Pointe-Lebel, Saint-Denis-De-Brompton, Saint-Philémon, Saint-Léon-De-Standon, Nouvelle, Blainville.

For the main travel overview: Quebec.