Cap-de-la-Madeleine is a former city in Quebec, Canada, now a Trois-Rivières district. It is located at the Saint-Maurice River and the St. Lawrence River confluence.
 

The area was first settled in the 17th century, but Cap-de-la-Madeleine was not incorporated until 1923. It was later amalgamated with Trois-Rivières in 2002.

Cap-de-la-Madeleine is known for its famous Basilica Notre-Dame du Cap, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The basilica receives thousands of visitors each year, drawn by two reported miracles—the Miracle of the Ice Bridge in 1879 and the Miracle of the Eyes in 1888.

The area has a rich history. The first church was built in 1659, and the current "Old Shrine" church was constructed in 1714 using field stones, making it the oldest preserved fieldstone church in Canada. The Oblate Fathers took over the administration of the parish and shrine in 1902 and were responsible until 2011.

In addition to the basilica, Cap-de-la-Madeleine was home to a Royal Canadian Air Force training school during World War II. The city also has a history of industries like pulp, paper, aluminum, and abrasives manufacturing.

 

History of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

Cap-de-la-Madeleine, located in Quebec, Canada, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Initially settled in the 17th century, the city developed significantly after 1900 with the establishment of sawmills and pulp mills. 

The city was officially incorporated in 1923 and later amalgamated with Trois-Rivières in 2002, becoming a district of the city. Industries in Cap-de-la-Madeleine have included pulp, paper products, aluminum foil, clothing, and abrasives manufacturing, contributing to its economic importance in the region.

One of the most notable features of Cap-de-la-Madeleine is the famous Basilica Notre-Dame du Cap, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The basilica, constructed in 1714 using field stones, is Canada's oldest preserved fieldstone church. 

It is renowned for two reported miracles - the Miracle of the Ice Bridge in 1879 and the Miracle of the Eyes in 1888. The basilica attracts thousands of visitors annually, drawn by its historical significance and religious importance.

From 1902 until 2011, the Oblate Fathers significantly administered the parish and shrine in Cap-de-la-Madeleine. 

They were instrumental in organizing and developing the pilgrimage site, and Father Frédéric Jansoone was closely linked to the pilgrimage of Our Lady of the Rosary. 

The Oblates obtained the usufruct and administration of the parish and shrine in 1902, solidifying their presence there.

Cap-de-la-Madeleine's history is intertwined with religious significance, industrial development, and a legacy of pilgrimage that continues to draw visitors to the region.

 

Geography of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

Cap-de-la-Madeleine is a former city in Quebec, Canada, situated on the St. Lawrence River's north shore at the Saint-Maurice River's confluence. It is opposite central Trois-Rivières, of which Cap-de-la-Madeleine is now a district. 

The area was named after an abbot of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine-de-Châteaudun, France. Cap-de-la-Madeleine was first settled in the 17th century but saw significant development after 1900 when sawmills and pulp mills were established. 

The city was officially incorporated in 1923 and later amalgamated with Trois-Rivières in 2002, becoming a city district. Industries in Cap-de-la-Madeleine have included those manufacturing pulp, paper products, aluminum foil, clothing, and abrasives, contributing to its economic significance in the region.

 

Demographics of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

The demographics of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada, reveal exciting insights about the area's population. According to the 2001 Community Profiles, the total population of Cap-de-la-Madeleine was 32,535, with 15,290 males and 17,245 females. 

The population density per square kilometre was 1,782.2, and there were 15,072 private dwellings in the area. The population's age characteristics showed a diverse distribution across different age groups, with specific numbers provided for each category.

Comparing this data with the statistics from AreaVibes, the population of Cap-de-la-Madeleine was reported as 15,318, with a population density of 1,000 per square kilometre. The median age in the area was 48.0, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.0:1. 

Additionally, 40% of the population comprised married couples, and 32% of families had kids at home. The predominant language spoken was French, with only 0.1% speaking English.

These demographic details provide a comprehensive overview of Cap-de-la-Madeleine's population composition, age distribution, and linguistic characteristics, shedding light on the area's diversity and social structure.

 

Economy of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

The economy of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada, has historically been driven by various industries, including pulp, paper products, aluminum foil, clothing, and abrasives manufacturing. 

The city experienced significant industrial growth after 1900 with the establishment of sawmills and pulp mills, setting the stage for economic development. 

Notably, the industrial boom in Cap-de-la-Madeleine began in 1909 with the Grès Falls Co., followed by the Wayagamack Pulp and Paper Co. in 1912. 

These industries played a crucial role in the region's economic prosperity, leading to major residential construction and further industrialization. 

However, industrial activities in Cap-de-la-Madeleine have slowed since the 1970s, with the city transitioning into a residential suburb of Trois-Rivières. 

Despite this shift, Cap-de-la-Madeleine's economic history reflects a blend of industrial heritage and evolving economic dynamics that have shaped the city's development.

 

Education in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

Cap-de-la-Madeleine has a history of educational institutions that have contributed to its development. One notable example is the École Sacré-Coeur, formerly known as the Académie du Sacré-Coeur, which was a pioneering educational institution in Cap-de-la-Madeleine.

77.4% of the Cap-de-la-Madeleine population has a high school certificate or equivalent, compared to the national average of 81.6%. 

The percentage of the population with a bachelor's degree or higher is also lower in Cap-de-la-Madeleine at 14.3%, compared to the national average of 30.0%.

Transport System in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

The transport system in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, the following key points characterize Canada:

1. Multimodal Transportation System: The transportation system in Quebec, including Cap-de-la-Madeleine, is concentrated around major population centers and along the St. Lawrence River. It includes airports, marine ports, railways, and highways and contributes to local, interprovincial, and international trade flows.
2. Airports: The Quebec region is home to three airports that are part of the National Airport System, including the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Canada's third-largest airport and has seen steady passenger traffic growth over the past decades.
3. Marine Industry: Quebec has a large domestic marine industry due to the St. Lawrence Seaway, with the Port of Montreal being Canada's second-busiest container port. The region also has several other ports, both private and public, along the St. Lawrence River.
4. Rail Network: The Quebec region has three Class I railroads (Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, and VIA) and three passenger rail operations (VIA Rail, Exo, and Amtrak) over approximately 5,300 kilometres of track. Canadian National, the most extensive rail carrier in Canada, has its headquarters in Montreal.
5. Public Transportation: In the Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, which includes Cap-aux-Meules, the RÉGÎM (Régie intermunicipale de transport Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine) provides public transportation services, including bus routes with bike racks available for passengers.
6. Driving Schools: At least one driving school, Tecnic, is located in Cap-de-la-Madeleine and offers driving courses and registration services.

The transportation system in Cap-de-la-Madeleine is part of the broader multimodal network in the Quebec region, which focuses on airports, marine ports, railways, and public transportation options.

 

Living in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

Living in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada, offers a blend of historical charm, religious significance, and access to various industries. 

The area, located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River, is now a district of Trois-Rivières. 

Cap-de-la-Madeleine boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century, with the city's development spurred by the establishment of sawmills and pulp mills after 1900. 

The city was officially incorporated in 1923 and later amalgamated with Trois-Rivières in 2002, becoming a district of the city. 

Industries in Cap-de-la-Madeleine have included pulp, paper products, aluminum foil, clothing, and abrasives manufacturing, contributing to its economic importance in the region.

One of the notable features of living in Cap-de-la-Madeleine is the presence of the famous Basilica Notre-Dame du Cap, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 

The basilica, constructed in 1714 using field stones, is Canada's oldest preserved fieldstone church. It is renowned for two reported miracles - the Miracle of the Ice Bridge in 1879 and the Miracle of the Eyes in 1888. 

The basilica attracts thousands of visitors annually, drawn by its historical significance and religious importance.

Living in Cap-de-la-Madeleine provides residents with a unique blend of historical heritage, religious landmarks, and industrial opportunities, making it a distinctive and culturally rich place to call home.

 

Healthcare in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

In Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada, healthcare services are primarily provided by Hôpital de l'Archipel, the leading hospital catering to the residents of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. 

This modern healthcare facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to offer medical care to the local population. 

Additionally, walk-in clinics are available in the broader Trois-Rivières area, including Clinique multidisciplinaire en santé UQTR, providing medical services to residents needing immediate care. 

These healthcare facilities play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and medical needs of the community in Cap-de-la-Madeleine and its surrounding regions.

 

Tourist places in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

1. Basilica Notre-Dame du Cap: This is the famous basilica and major pilgrimage site in Cap-de-la-Madeleine. It is known for two reported miracles—the Miracle of the Ice Bridge in 1879 and the Miracle of the Eyes in 1888. The basilica attracts thousands of visitors annually. 
2. Cap-de-la-Madeleine Lighthouse: Located in Sainte-Madeleine-de-la-Rivière-Madeleine, this lighthouse offers beautiful panoramic views and a museum with a local legend about the village, lighthouse, salmon, and paper mill.
3. Parc Ogden: An ecological area in Trois-Rivières, near Cap-de-la-Madeleine, offers hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities.
4. Parc Robert-Bourassa: A park in Trois-Rivières with recreational facilities like a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails.
5. Parc des Buck: A park in Cap-aux-Meules, part of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, that provides hiking trails and outdoor activities.
6. Musée des Ursulines: A museum in Trois-Rivières that showcases the history and heritage of the Ursuline order in the region.
7. Vieille Prison de Trois-Rivières: A historic prison in Trois-Rivières converted into a museum and cultural center.

These attractions highlight the diverse range of historical, religious, and natural sites that draw visitors to the Cap-de-la-Madeleine area.

 

Local Foods of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

The local foods of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada, reflect the region's culinary heritage and connection to the sea. Some of the traditional and popular local foods in the area include:

1. Lobster: Cap-de-la-Madeleine is known for its fresh and flavorful lobsters sourced from the rich waters of the St. Lawrence River. Lobsters are a prized delicacy in the region, enjoyed for their sweet and slightly salty taste.
2. Seal Meat: Traditional Madelinot cuisine includes dishes made from seal meat, showcasing the area's culinary traditions. Seal meat and oil are common ingredients in local dishes, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
3. Island Lamb: Cap-de-la-Madeleine is also known for its island lamb, and dishes like island lamb ribs with spiced honey are popular among locals and visitors.
4. Local Artisanal Products: The region boasts a variety of local artisanal products, including goat cheese, bread, pastries, and ceramics. These products showcase the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans, adding a unique touch to the culinary scene in Cap-de-la-Madeleine.
5. Market Cuisine: Restaurants in Cap-de-la-Madeleine offer market cuisine featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients, with dishes often highlighting local produce and seafood. This emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients contributes to the region's vibrant food culture.

The local foods of Cap-de-la-Madeleine celebrate the region's maritime heritage, traditional recipes, and a commitment to showcasing the best of Quebec's culinary offerings.

 

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