The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Canada

In 1658, a crippled workman named Louis Guimont was hired to help build a small chapel dedicated to St. Anne on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. After placing just three stones upon the foundation, Guimont found himself suddenly and completely healed of the rheumatism that had plagued him for years. Word of this miracle spread rapidly through New France, and within decades, Indigenous peoples were journeying from across the continent to venerate the saint they called Grandmother in the Faith. Today, nearly a million pilgrims annually climb the steps of the magnificent basilica that rose from that humble chapel, making Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre one of the oldest and most visited pilgrimage sites in North America. Two pillars near the entrance hold thousands of crutches, canes, and braces left behind by those who testify to healings received through St. Anne's intercession. For over 365 years, the grandmother of Jesus has welcomed the faithful to this sacred ground along the Cote-de-Beaupre, drawing pilgrims from Quebec, the United States, and around the world to seek her maternal care.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

Devotion to St. Anne arrived in Canada with the first settlers and missionaries of New France. On March 8, 1658, settler Etienne de Lessard donated land from his property so that a chapel could be built to honor the mother of the Virgin Mary. The miraculous healing of Louis Guimont during construction established the site's reputation, and by 1707, First Nations peoples were making pilgrimages from across the region. The original wooden chapel was replaced by increasingly larger churches as pilgrim numbers grew. In 1670, Monseigneur de Laval, the first Bishop of Quebec, obtained a major relic - a finger bone of St. Anne - from the canons of Carcassonne in France. This treasure, first exposed for veneration on March 12, 1670, drew even greater crowds. Cardinal Taschereau later presented the Great Relic, St. Anne's wrist bone, in 1892. The first basilica opened in 1876 and was elevated to minor basilica status by Pope Leo XIII on May 5, 1887. Tragedy struck on March 29, 1922, when fire destroyed the building. The present Romanesque Revival basilica, designed by architects Maxime Roisin and Louis-Napoleon Audet, was begun immediately and took over four decades to complete. Cardinal Maurice Roy consecrated the new basilica on July 4, 1976. Pope John Paul II visited the shrine on September 10, 1984, meeting with Indigenous peoples and affirming their centuries-old devotion to St. Anne.

☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre

Basilica of St. Anne de Beaupre The magnificent Romanesque Revival basilica dominates the landscape with its twin spires reaching toward heaven. The interior dazzles with over 240 stained glass windows and elaborate mosaics depicting the life of St. Anne. The miraculous statue given by Bishop Laval in 1662 remains enshrined here, while the Great Relic of St. Anne's wrist bone draws pilgrims seeking healing. Two pillars flanking the entrance display thousands of crutches and braces left by those who report being cured. Address 10018 Avenue Royale, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, QC G0A 3C0, Canada GPS 47.024167, -70.922222 Map Google Maps Web sanctuairesainteanne.org

Scala Santa

Holy Stairs Built in 1891, this was the first Scala Santa erected in North America, modeled on the Holy Stairs in Rome that Christ ascended during his Passion. Pilgrims climb the 28 wooden steps on their knees in prayer, meditating on Christ's suffering. Each riser contains a relic from shrines in the Holy Land. The building also houses a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. Closed during winter months.

Chapelle Commemorative

Memorial Chapel Built in 1878 on the foundations of the third church (1676-1876), this intimate chapel preserves elements of the earlier structure including its steeple. The wooded hillside setting provides a contemplative atmosphere. Pilgrims gather here for quieter prayer away from the main basilica. Closed during winter.

Chemin de Croix

Way of the Cross Life-sized bronze statues mark the Stations of the Cross along a wooded hillside path behind the basilica. The outdoor devotional route offers pilgrims an opportunity to walk with Christ through his Passion amid the natural beauty of the Quebec landscape. Open seasonally, weather permitting.

Cyclorama de Jerusalem

Jerusalem Cyclorama A remarkable 360-degree circular painting depicting Jerusalem at the time of the Crucifixion. Created in Munich in 1878, this immersive artwork stands 14 meters high and 110 meters in circumference. Visitors stand on a central platform surrounded by the panoramic scene, experiencing the Holy City as if transported through time.

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

Novena to St. Anne - July 17-25

Nine consecutive days of special prayers and Masses draw tens of thousands of pilgrims from across North America. Multiple services in French and English throughout each day accommodate the crowds. The novena culminates in the great feast day celebrations, making this the peak pilgrimage period of the year.

Feast of St. Anne - July 26

The patronal feast brings the largest crowds of the year. Solemn Mass at 10:30 AM, a special Celebration of the Sick at 3:00 PM with blessing and veneration of the relic, and evening Mass followed by a Celebration of Light at 7:30 PM. The Italian community of Quebec traditionally processes to the shrine on this day as part of a pilgrimage from Notre-Dame-du-Cap.

First Nations Pilgrimage - June

Indigenous peoples have journeyed to venerate St. Anne since the early 1700s, calling her Grandmother in the Faith. This annual pilgrimage continues a tradition spanning over three centuries, honoring the special relationship between First Nations communities and the saint who welcomed them when the shrine was young.

Nativity of Mary - September 8

The birthday of the Virgin Mary, daughter of St. Anne, draws significant pilgrimages. Special Masses honor both mother and daughter, celebrating the holy family that prepared the way for Christ.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Quality Suites - 3-star hotel on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, an 8-minute walk from the basilica. 47 air-conditioned rooms with kitchenettes, free WiFi, continental breakfast included. Website - Reserve this hotel Auberge La Camarine - 3-star inn at the foot of Mont-Sainte-Anne, 3 km from the basilica. 31 rooms with garden or river views, shared kitchen, terrace. Popular with pilgrims and skiers alike. Website - Reserve this hotel Motel Bellevue - Budget-friendly motel just 700 meters from the basilica. Clean, simple rooms ideal for pilgrims seeking affordable accommodation within walking distance of the shrine. Reserve this hotel

🚗 Getting There

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre lies 35 kilometers northeast of Quebec City along the scenic north shore of the St. Lawrence River on the historic Cote-de-Beaupre. By Air: Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is 45 km away, approximately 40 minutes by car or taxi. Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) is 280 km away with connecting flights and ground transportation options. By Bus: Intercar operates daily service from Quebec City's Gare du Palais station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes with tickets costing $5-7 CAD. By Car: From Quebec City, take Route 138 East (Avenue Royale) along the scenic riverside route, or Highway 440/40 East for a faster highway option. The drive takes about 30 minutes. Free parking available at the shrine. By Train: VIA Rail connects Montreal to Quebec City (3.5 hours). From Quebec City's Gare du Palais, transfer to Intercar bus or taxi for the final 35 km to the shrine.

📚 Further Reading

Books: Jason, Ronald. The Life of St. Anne - A comprehensive biography of the grandmother of Jesus, exploring her life, virtues, and enduring devotion.

🔗 Useful Links

Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre - Official shrine website with Mass schedules, pilgrimage planning, and novena information. Quebec City Tourism - Visitor information for the shrine and surrounding region. Intercar Bus Service - Public transportation schedules from Quebec City to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre.

🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations

Notre-Dame-du-Cap (130 km) - Canada's National Shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary at Trois-Rivieres, site of the Miracle of the Eyes in 1888. The annual walking pilgrimage connects these two great Quebec shrines. Saint Joseph's Oratory (280 km) - The largest church in Canada, founded by St. Andre Bessette on Montreal's Mount Royal. Two million pilgrims annually climb its 283 steps to venerate the foster father of Jesus. Quebec City (35 km) - The cradle of French civilization in North America, home to the Basilica-Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Quebec, the oldest parish church on the continent, and numerous historic churches and convents.

🪶 Closing Reflection

"You represent the first inhabitants of this immense region of North America. For centuries, you have marked it with your imprint, your traditions, your civilization."

• Pope John Paul II, Address to Indigenous Peoples at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, September 10, 1984