Saint-Élie-de-Caxton is a village of fewer than two thousand people, between lakes and hills, twenty minutes from Shawinigan. It would have stayed unknown had a storyteller, Fred Pellerin, not made it the setting of his tales. Since then, visitors come looking for the elves, the Wicked Beast and the characters of his stories — and leave charmed by a real, living village where people greet you in the street.
Morning — The village
Start in the heart of the village, near the church. Storytelling walks and trails are offered in season; ask at the visitor office for what is on. Otherwise, a free wander is enough to feel the atmosphere: the colourful houses, the small shops, the lake close by.
A few kilometres away, the Le Brun general store in Maskinongé is a period general store preserved as it was, a short and delightful visit to understand rural Québec of old.
Lunch — Eating local
Le Lutin Marmiton cooks with the region’s wild edibles in a setting that fits the village perfectly. Resto Bistro Le Prince Élie is the bistro option, simple and good.
Afternoon — The beach
Domaine Floribell has one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauricie, on a crystal-clear lake: swimming, boat rentals, children’s games. It is the ideal place to let the afternoon heat pass. Outdoor lovers can also drive to Saint-Paulin, to Coop Le Voisinage du bout du monde (canoeing, archery, dog sledding in winter) or visit the Ferme du loup.
Staying overnight
- Camping Bivouak, for a family nature stay.
- Chez Mel & Nico, to sleep somewhere unusual.
- Further on, in Saint-Paulin, Le Baluchon on the banks of the Rivière du Loup, or Aux Berges du Lac Castor.
And in winter?
Saint-Élie has its own Christmas: Noël dans l’Caxton turns the village into a holiday setting over the festive season. With snow, the tales take on another dimension.
A tip: read or listen to one of Fred Pellerin’s tales before you come. You will see the village differently.
Every address in the Maskinongé area is in the guide and on the map.
