Lac-Bouchette

Ermitage Saint-Antoine is a major Catholic pilgrimage site in Quebec, founded in 1907 and known for its miraculous healings and spiritual significance.

📍 Canada 🌍 North America

Description

Lac-Bouchette is a tranquil village in Quebec’s Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, surrounded by dense forests, pristine lakes, and rolling hills that reflect the quiet grandeur of northern Canada. With fewer than 1,000 residents, the area is a serene destination ideal for spiritual retreat and contemplation. Its Catholic significance centers on the Ermitage Saint-Antoine (Hermitage of Saint Anthony), a major pilgrimage destination founded in 1907 by Capuchin friars. Originally established to promote devotion to Saint Anthony of Padua, the site has grown into a national Marian shrine and multi-purpose spiritual complex. Pilgrims journey here for healing, reflection, and Eucharistic adoration in a deeply natural and contemplative environment. The site includes several chapels, a basilica, an outdoor Via Crucis, and a revered statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, blending Quebec's Catholic tradition with the silence of the Canadian wilderness.

Pilgrimage Sites

Ermitage Saint-Antoine de Lac-Bouchette

Short Names: Lac-Bouchette Shrine, Saint Anthony’s Hermitage Local Language Name: L’Ermitage Saint-Antoine Highlights / Devotions:

  • Major devotion to Saint Anthony of Padua and Our Lady of Lourdes
  • Grotto of Lourdes replica with healing waters
  • Open-air Masses and candlelight processions
  • Extensive Stations of the Cross and Marian walking paths
  • Basilica, chapel of adoration, and retreat houses
  • Retreats, spiritual counseling, and annual novenas

Site Details:

Where to Stay?

Lac-Bouchette offers accommodation options directly tied to the shrine, with additional lodging in nearby Roberval and Saint-FĂ©licien.

On-Site at the Ermitage

  • Auberge de l’Ermitage: Pilgrim inn directly on shrine grounds, full-board options and spiritual environment
  • Retreat Lodges: Simple accommodations for individual or group spiritual retreats, includes meals and chapel access

Nearby Towns

  • HĂ´tel Château Roberval (Roberval, ~20 km): Comfortable hotel near Lac Saint-Jean
  • Motel Roberval: Affordable option for pilgrims arriving by car
  • HĂ´tel de la BorĂ©alie (Saint-FĂ©licien, ~45 km): Modern rooms with access to other pilgrimage routes

Recommendations

  • Book directly with the Ermitage Saint-Antoine for spiritual lodging options during novenas (June–August)
  • The shrine offers packages for groups and individuals including meals, retreat programming, and guided visits

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