Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré


Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a town in La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality, Quebec, Canada, along the Saint Lawrence River, north-east of Quebec City. The population was 2,803 according to the Canada 2006 Census. Major religious landmarks, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and the Convent of the Redemptoristines, are located in the town. The basilica continues to attract pilgrims.
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré stands in a rolling agricultural country, with the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains in the background. The first church was built by sailors, seeking protection against shipwrecks off Ile-Oeuf on their way upriver to Quebec City. Saint Anne is the patron saint of sailors.

Demographics

Population trend:
Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 1,307
Mother tongue:
The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a major Roman Catholic place of pilgrimage. It has a copy of Michelangelo's statue, the Pietà. The basilica is known as a place of miracles. One of the builders of the original church, Louis Guimont, helped build the church despite having severe scoliosis and needing the aid of a crutch. When the church was complete, he was able to walk independently.
Many subsequent visitors who have prayed at the church have left their canes, crutches and walking aids behind as testament to their healing. The main wall at the entry into the basilica is completely covered with crutches.
In addition to the basilica, the town contains numerous religious edifices, the chief being the Scala Santa, built in imitation of the Holy Stairs in Rome.
The town is home of the Cyclorama of Jerusalem, a circular painting depicting the city of Jerusalem at the time of death of Jesus.
Canyon Sainte-Anne, lying 6 km east of the town, is a steep walled gorge. A waterfall lies within the canyon. The canyon is accessible to visitors via footpaths and foot bridges.