Yamachiche is a town of about 2,800 people (2016) in Mauricie.

Understand

In 1653, the area was part of a fief granted to Pierre Boucher de Grosbois, Governor of Trois-Rivières, but because of war with the Iroquois First Nation, it could not be colonized until the beginning of the 18th century.

In 1703, the first colonists, the three Gélinas brothers, settled in the area and by 1706, there were 7 families. In 1711, the first chapel was built, dedicated to Sainte Anne by Récollet Siméon Dupont, and the Parish of Sainte-Anne was formed in 1722. A year later, the settlement consisted of about 20 families and 100 persons.

In 1725, the Chemin du Roy (French for "King's Highway") was built connecting it with Louiseville and Pointe-du-Lac. In 1764, the West Grosbois Seignory was purchased by Conrad Gugy, thereby becoming the first French-Canadian Seignory in English possession. Between 1765 and 1790, Yamachiche grew quickly with new settlers from Acadia (Acadians expelled by the English) and from the United States, particularly Loyalists from Massachusetts.

Get in

Quebec Autoroute 40 provides access to Yamachiche with 3 interchanges.

The Express Bleu bus leaves from the Cégep in Trois-Rivières M-F at 07:55, 11:55, and 17:55, and stops 30-40 min later in Yamachiche at Porte de la Mauricie, Hôtel de Ville, and the Shell Station Service Shell (871, rue Ste-Anne). The fare is $6, children under 6 free (Apr 2019).

See

Church of Sainte-Anne-d'Yamachiche built in 1794

• 1 Église Sainte-Anne (Church of Saint Anne), 530 Rue Sainte Anne. A church built in 1794. 

Do

• Ferme le Crépuscule, 1321, ch. de la Grande-Rivière N., ☏ +1 819-296-1321. Late March-April. Located on an authentic farm, this sugar bush is known for its traditional family atmosphere. Each spring, farmer Jean-Pierre celebrates the sugaring-off season in his sugar shack with organic traditional dishes based on in-house and local products. 0-2 years old free, 3-8 years old $17.39, 9-14 years old $30.44, 15 years old and more $47.83, taxes not included, tip included. (updated Apr 2019)
• La Route Verte. A cross-provincial bicycle network that runs through Yamachiche. It covers 5,300 km of trails. (updated Apr 2019)

Buy

If you need something you can't get at a convenience store or a small town pharmacy, head into Trois-Rivières.

Eat

• Porte de la Mauricie, 4 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, ☏ +1 819-228-9434. 24 hr. 24-hour truck stop restaurant with Saturday night buffet, Sunday brunch, menu at other times. Also A&W hamburger and Thai Express fast food outlets at the same location. (updated Apr 2019)
• Chez Archie, 821 Rue Sainte Anne, ☏ +1 819-296-2308. Th-M 11:00-19:00. Fast food. (updated Apr 2019)

Drink

• Brasserie Dépareillée, 751, rue Ste-Anne, ☏ +1 819-900-0916. M-W 11:00-17:00, Th F 11:00-19:00, Sa 13:00-19:00, Su 12+00-17:00. Brewery. Tour the production centre (by reservation), sample beers and purchase products on-site. (updated Apr 2019)

Sleep

• Yamachiche P.Q., 511 Rue Sainte Anne, ☏ +1 819-269-0119, Yamachichepq@gmail.com. B&B with three smoke-free rooms, home-cooked food made with local ingredients. Free Wi-Fi and parking. From $105. (updated Apr 2019)
• Hotel Lyston Inn, 191 Rue Sainte Anne (2 km from Exit 174 on Autoroute 40 on route 138 "Chemin du Roy"), ☏ +1 819-296 3930. Continental breakfast available for $7. Free Wi-Fi and parking. Fridge and microwave in the room. English, French, Spanish and Catalan spoken. $59-90. (updated Apr 2019)

Go next

• La Mauricie National Park - 80 northeast along route 155 from Trois-Rivières

Routes through Yamachiche

Montreal ← Lavaltrie ←

W  E

→ Trois-Rivières → Quebec City