Happy TravellerWelcome to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, a charming city located in the eastern Montérégie region of Quebec, Canada. With a population of just under 100,000, this city is a hidden gem that offers a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu has something for everyone.
History:
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu has a rich history as an important transportation hub. The first railway line in British North America connected it with La Prairie in 1836. During the American Revolutionary War, control of the town changed hands several times as British and American forces moved through the area. Today, the city is home to the annual International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, a hot air balloon festival which attracts hundreds of tourists who come to see the hundreds of balloons in the sky each August.
Geography:
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is located on the banks of the Richelieu River at the northernmost navigable point of Lake Champlain. The city is the seat of Le Haut-Richelieu regional county municipality and of the judicial district of Iberville.
Demographics:
Despite the fact that nearby Montreal is very racially diverse, in 2021 Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu had a very large majority of white residents (~94.4%). French was the mother tongue of 92.5% of residents. Other common mother tongues were English (2.5%), Spanish (0.8%), and Arabic (0.5%).
Economy:
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is home to the Carrefour Richelieu regional shopping mall which has 115 stores. The historic downtown area, which borders the Richelieu River and includes Richelieu and Champlain streets, is home to a variety of locally-owned bars, restaurants, and shops. St-Jean is a manufacturing centre for textiles, wood products, sporting equipment, and metal transformation. It hosts an Area Support Unit (ASU) of the Canadian Forces, which functions as a primary recruit and officer training establishment.
Transportation:
The Ville de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu public transit system provides commuter and local bus services. Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu has its own municipal airport, Saint-Jean Airport, and is also close to Montreal Pierre-Elliot Trudeau International Airport.
Education:
In addition to more than a dozen public elementary and secondary schools, St-Jean is home to two private schools, one English-language school, and two higher education institutions: École Vision Saint-Jean, a trilingual (French-English-Spanish) primary school and CEGEP Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, part of Quebec’s CEGEP network, offering post-secondary, pre-university programs.
Notable people:
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu has been home to a number of notable people, including rock singer Gerry Boulet, wrestler Claude Giroux, and comedian Jean-Marc Parent.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply enjoying the local cuisine, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is a destination that should not be missed. Come and discover all that this charming city has to offer!
