Ancient history

Did you know that the Haut-Richelieu tourist information office is now located in the Canadian National (CN) station, built at the same time as Canada's first railroad?

Did you know that there's a tourist circuit for L'Acadie? Available on the Ondago app, this tour features historical facts from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The tour includes 25 historic sites, 13 of which can be explored on foot in the heart of La petite Cadie.

American Prohibition, Canadian contraband... During the Prohibition era, the Haut-Richelieu region's proximity to the U.S. for tourism and trade greatly favored the illegal alcohol trade. As a result, some of the region's residents, farmers and entrepreneurs made a killing!

Did you know that the Municipality of Lacolle was once called Odelltown? The Church of Odelltown is a historic site you may want to visit soon...

Can you tell what Fort Saint-Jean was once called? In this episode, Thomas Hodgson tells you about the construction of the first fort in the Haut-Richelieu region, Fort Saint-Jean, in 1666. The town of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu recently celebrated its 350th anniversary. What's more, you can visit the Musée du Fort Saint-Jean, and download its heritage tour audioguide!

Did you know that the Chambly Canal was dug by hand? Yes, you did! Running along the left bank of the Richelieu River, southeast of Montreal, the Chambly Canal stretches for nearly 20 kilometers between the municipalities of Chambly and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The Canal-de-Chambly is a paradise for cyclists, boaters and hikers, offering a moment of pure relaxation in an environment sculpted by over a century of history.

In the region, we're fortunate to have two public markets, one in Venise-en-Québec and one in the heart of Vieux-Saint-Jean. The latter is one of the few traditional markets still in operation today, and we tell you all about it in this capsule! In the same vein, pick-your-own is just around the corner, and it's allowed! Les Fraises Louis Hébert can't wait to welcome you with their delicious seasonal strawberries.

For the most part, they remained loyal and faithful to the Crown of England, making demands that have brought about changes that are still perceptible today, in our lands among others... Does Upper and Lower Canada ring a bell? Well, this episode on the Loyalists will take you back in time.

Find out what the temperance movement is all about. In this episode, we talk about the movement that led to the passage of the Prohibition Act. The law was abolished in 1921, and the Quebec Liquor Commission was created. The latter drew up a list of legal alcohols in the territory BUT left out one very important one... It's up to you to find out which one... Hint: this alcohol is a local pride in the Haut-Richelieu!

This episode is the second in our long-running Acadian theme. We talk about a rather singular tradition: the planting of May, and about a great man from L'Acadie who left a huge mark on our region, Napoléon Bourrassa. And then, a treasure hunt! A great family activity, free and educational, created by the City of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and author Marilou Desnoyers! Marilou is also a contributor to the Acadian and Patriot themes. ERRATUM: As of last year, Napoleon Bourassa's Lost Treasure Hunt book is no longer available from the tourist information office (BIT).

Favorite episode from our producer Frada Productions! The tragic fire of 1876, which destroyed almost everything in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu at the time. Then the creation of the Pumping Station, now part of the Musée du Haut-Richelieu. The famous Silsby pump is on display.

Do you know the origin of the expression Sacrer comme un charretier? Our second episode on the Chambly Canal National Historic Site gives you the answer. Find out all about carters and lock keepers in this episode of C'est de l'histoire ancienne. We also invite you to visit the wonderful Lockkeepers' Park on your next adventure in the Haut-Richelieu!

A spicy episode! Episode 13 of the web series focuses on the second Fort St-Jean. A key location in our region's military history!

Firstly, it stands on land where the graves of eight patriots were discovered, and secondly, the monument is a reminder of the 1837-1838 rebellions. Another episode on the theme of Les patriotes!

Did you know that Mont Saint-Grégoire was once known as Mont Johnson? But who was this famous Sir John Johnson? Find out in this 15th episode of C'est de l'histoire ancienne! We invite you to visit the reconstruction of his tomb, located at the entrance to the CIME Haut-Richelieu in the magnificent wasteland at the foot of the mountain. Interpretation panels are also available to learn more about this John Johnson.

The last episode of the season! What better way to end on a high note 🌾🌿One of the riches of the Haut-Richelieu is undoubtedly its culinary heritage.

Discover the famous Lacolle River Blockhouse. Built in 1781, this historic site is part of the British colony's defense network. Normally, you can visit the exhibition "A Sentinel on the Border" free of charge, and take a guided tour of the site, but for now, learn more in this episode!

In the 1920s, despite Prohibition, people could legally buy alcohol in Quebec. Quebecers could buy wine, champagne or "fort" and then export it. In addition to store-bought alcohol, some Quebecers also started making their own craft alcohol. As a result, the illegal trade and transport of contraband alcohol was at its peak during these years.

Some consider it "the emblem of the region" 🌊 Episode 3 is all about the Richelieu River, which attracts many visitors every year for a variety of reasons, including cruises and water sports. 🚣‍♂️🏄‍♀️🚢 Since the Richelieu River also attracts many anglers, particularly at Quai Ryan, it will be the location for this episode.

Firstly, Fort Saint-Jean is located on the banks of the Richelieu River. Built in the 18th century, remnants of the fort's ramparts still remain, including masonry foundations, pile imprints and palisade pits. In addition, the remains of the 1776 fort are clearly visible on the site today, particularly the two bastions. The boundaries of the site correspond to the ground contours of the forts built in 1748 and 1775-1776.

In fact, ceramics and pottery have played an important role in the history of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu ✨ For a century, from 1840 to 1940, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Iberville were considered the pottery capital of Canada.

Did you know that the Chambly Canal was dug by hand? Yes, you did! Running along the left bank of the Richelieu River, southeast of Montreal, the Chambly Canal stretches for almost 20 kilometers between the municipalities of Chambly and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. A paradise for cyclists, boaters and hikers, the Canal-de-Chambly site offers a moment of pure relaxation in an environment sculpted by over a century of history.

Learn more about the War of 1812, which mainly took place near the Lacolle and Saint-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-noix borders. A number of interpretation panels have been set up in these municipalities to provide information about the conflict.

Have you seen the pretty Christmas lights on the new bridge? In any case, the bridge allows over 20,000 motorists to cross between the Saint-Jean and Iberville sectors every day. What's more, it's also a vital link in the Route verte connecting the Montérégiade to the Estriade. Another story to discover!

First of all, it's a real jewel of our heritage. What's more, the municipality of St-Blaise-sur-Richelieu was the birthplace of the first Franco-Protestant college. The site is particularly interesting, and features several interpretation panels. Finally, this magnificent church is located right in front of the 1292 vineyard. All in all, it's the ideal spot for a picnic!