Lac-aux-Sables

Today its economy is based on recreational and tourism activities (vacationing, camping, hunting and fishing, mountain biking, snowmobiles), forestry, agriculture and local businesses.

This locality has a territory of 286 km² (110 sq mi) where 1292 inhabitants reside. The municipality has approximately 2,200 seasonal residents and more than several campgrounds. The main village of Lac-aux-Sables sits at the junction of routes 153 and 363. The centre of the village is in a direct line 59 km (37 mi) from downtown Trois-Rivières, 90 km (56 mi) from downtown Quebec and 174 km (108 mi) from downtown Montreal.

The colonization of the territory of Lac-aux-Sables began in 1871, thanks to the construction of a first road between the village of Notre-Dame-des-Anges and the village of Lac-aux-Sables. The objective was to better serve the farmers established in the Chavigny canton. The municipality was incorporated in 1899. The construction of the wooden church took place in 1898.

Lac-aux-Sables is part of the Batiscanie hydrographic basin, being crossed by the Batiscan river.

The Batiscan River flows north to south over 196 km (122 mi) starting from lac Édouard in Mauricie. It drains into the St. Lawrence River at Batiscan. The village is northwest of a segment of this river. From 1852, the Price Brothers and Company began to harvest the forest in the Batiscan Valley. The transport of wood by flotation on the Batiscan river was abandoned in 1963.

The Propre River with its 6.7 km (4.2 mi) course has its source at Lac aux Sables in the municipality of Lac-aux-Sables. The bottom of this river is considered to be sandy. After a journey of 2.8 km (1.7 mi) (by the bottom of the water) receiving water from the outlet of the Little Black Lake, the Propre River flows into Lake Huron (southern part east of the lake) which is located between the main village of Lac-aux-Sables and the railway village of Hervey-Jonction. From Lake Huron, the course of the Propre River flows southeast, passing under the Lake Huron Highway Bridge, then under a railway bridge and finally under the Highway 153 Highway Bridge (connecting the village of Sainte-Thècle in the village of Lac-aux-Sables. The Propre River flows into the Batiscan river near the village of Lac-aux-Sables, near the Sainte-Thècle border.

Flowing over 25 km (north-south direction) entirely within the territory of the municipality of Lac-aux-Sables. The upper part of its basin is located in the Zec Tawachiche, or the canton of Marmier. This basin turns out to be the ninth most important among the sub-basins of Batiscania. The village of Hervey-Jonction is crossed on the northeast side by the Tawachiche river which forms a magnificent fall. It merges with the Batiscan river near the Sainte-Thècle limit, in the area designated Pee-wee.

• From Montreal (222 km (138 mi). Time: 2 hr 53 min. Take highway 40 (north shore) eastbound, to Trois-Rivières; Highway 55 North, to the Saint-Maurice River, Route 153 North, via Saint-Tite, Sainte-Thècle, Hervey-Jonction, to the village of Lac-aux-Sables.
• From Quebec. (109 km (68 mi). Time: 1 hr 19 min. Take highway 40 westbound to Grondines then take route 363 to Lac-aux-Sables.

See also: Rail travel in Canada

• 🌍 Hervey station, 445 Chemin St-Charles. (updated Aug 2023)
  • VIA Rail Canada, toll-free: +1-888-842-7245. Operates train routes across Canada. (updated Mar 2022) The following routes stop at this station:
    • Between Jonquière and Montreal including stops in Hervey-Jonction, Shawinigan, Saint-Paulin, Saint-Justin, and Joliette. Operates one day per week. Route operates as a wilderness service: a request stop may be made at any point along the route for those who want to hike and kayak in the remoter regions of Quebec that the train passes through.
    • Between Senneterre and Montreal including stops in La Tuque, Hervey-Jonction, Shawinigan, Saint-Paulin, Saint-Justin, and Joliette. Travel time to Shawinigan from Seneterre is 9 hours, from La Tuque is 3 hours, and from Montreal is 2.5 hours. Operates one day per week. Route operates as a wilderness service: a request stop may be made at any point along the route for those who want to hike and kayak in the remoter regions of Quebec that the train passes through.

An airport runway is set up along the Canadian National Railway, near Camping lac aux Sables. It stretches over 900 m in length. This is a private, unlisted track. The airport is used more in the summer season because of the tourists who come to stay in the locality.

• 🌍 Borne véhicule électrique - municipalité Lac-aux-Sables (Electric vehicle terminal - Lac-aux-Sables municipality), 820 rue Saint-Alphonse. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Borne véhicule électrique - Parc de la Pointe du Vieux-Moulin (Electric vehicle terminal - Pointe du Vieux-Moulin park), 974, rue Principale. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Borne véhicule électrique - Station-Service (Electric vehicle terminal - Pointe du Vieux-Moulin park), Station-service Ultramar, 560 rue Saint-Alphonse, ☏ +1 418-336-2946. At the Ultramar gas station, near Resto-bar Brinadon and Motel Di-No enr. The Ultramar gas station has a corner convenience store, with coffee service. (updated Oct 2021)

• Route pittoresque entre Carignan vers Hervey-Jonction (Picturesque road between Carignan towards Hervey-Jonction) (from Carignan (La Tuque)). This colonization road stretches 134 km (83 mi) (journey time: 1h48) in a forest valley following the route of the Transcontinental railway, which arrived at Hervey-Jonction in 1907. In leaving from Carignan (Lac-à-Beauce sector, south of La Tuque), the traveler takes the rue de l'Eglise (towards the east) passes close to the Lac-à-Beauce hydro-aerodrome; continue on the railway track, cross the forest hamlet of Festubert along the Lac aux Brochets, pass on the west side of the Montagne de la Croix (304 m above sea level), crosses the forest hamlet of Lac-Chat, and rejoins the Chemin de la Rivière-du-Milieu (which goes north). In this sector, the highest railway bridge in Quebec spans the rivière-du-Milieu; it has the particularity of being a half-bridge since the railway arrives at the top of the mountain heading north. From this bridge, the road continues along the Rivière-du-Milieu, which is very meandering in this area, and will flow near Cap-à-l'Aigle into the lac Mékinac. The traveler continues along the rivière aux Eaux Mortes) in order to join the chemin Tawachiche (in the ZEC Tawachiche). Then, it passes through the Gouin zone between lac Masketsi and lac Roberge; then follows the course of the West Tawachiche river, up to the Audy sector which is the Zec Tawachiche reception post. From there, the road continues, passing the place called Veillette where the company Veillette & Frères had operated a sawmill, passes near the lac en Coeur, to the village of Hervey-Jonction. This little-known valley is picturesque. Free. (updated Oct 2021)

The four municipal parks of Lac-aux-Sables are accessible from 07:30 to 23:00.

• 🌍 Parc Louis-Philippe-Fugère (Louis-Philippe-Fugère Park) (in the centee of the village), ☏ +1 418-289-2070, lac-aux-sables@regionmekinac.com. This park offers a variety of equipment in the play areas: picnic tables, water games, outdoor skating rink, ball court, basketball court, pétanque court, pickleball court, tennis court, volleyball court and bathroom. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Parc des 4J (4J Park), rue Auguste-Lagacé, au village d'Hervey-Jonction, ☏ +1 418-289-2070, lac-aux-sables@regionmekinac.com. This park is near the Hervey-Jonction Community Centre. The 4 Js stand for: games, joy, joviality and junction. This park has a playground, a picnic area, a community centre and a ball field. (updated Oct 2021)
• Place Julien-Rivard (Julien-Rivard Place) (near the town hall, at the junction of rue St-Alphonse and rue Principale), lac-aux-sables@regionmekinac.com. It has a rest and picnic area in a beautiful flower garden. It is named for Julien Rivard who volunteered for the maintenance of the outdoor skating rink, which used to be on this site. This park has a picnic area. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Place de la Pointe-du-Vieux-Moulin (Place of the Pointe-du-Vieux-Moulin) (on the shore of Lac aux Sables, at the end of rue Principale.), lac-aux-sables@regionmekinac.com. This park has a municipal boat ramp This park has a picnic area, a launching ramp, toilets and racks for canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. (updated Oct 2021)

• Fête estivale de Lac-aux-Sables (Lac-aux-Sables summer festival). The Lac-aux-Sables summer festival began in 2009. It usually takes place in mid-August. This festival includes sports competitions (dek hockey, softball, volleyball), bed races, pickleball, irons and washers tournament, and illuminated boat parade. In addition, educational games and games of skills are organized for children. (updated Oct 2021)
• Festival annuel du pompier (Annual firefighter festival). (updated Oct 2021)
• Tournoi annuel de balle-molle (Annual Softball Tournament). (updated Oct 2021)

• 🌍 Casse-croûte du camping Lac-aux-Sables (et Bar laitier), 200, rue Sainte-Marie, ☏ +1 418-336-2488. Restaurant open in summer season. Snack-style restaurant serving campers, swimmers, vacationers and tourists in particular. (updated Oct 2021)

• 🌍 Le Relais du Tawachiche, 190, chemin du Tawachiche (from the church, take rue Masson (north)), ☏ +1 418 289-2117. Daily 08:00-14:00, 16:00-21:00. This restaurant is a snowmobile and ATV relay, at the entrance to Zec Tawachiche. It offers a Quebec-style restaurant service and daily menus. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Resto-bar le Brinadon, 570, rue Saint-Alphonse, ☏ +1 418-336-2627, brinadon@hotmail.com. Resto-bar specializing in wood-fired pizza and burger. Varied menu. Snowmobile and ATV relay. Lunches are served. (updated Oct 2021)

• 🌍 Érablière Batiscan inc, 601, rue Principale, ☏ +1 418-336-2992. Sugar bush open during the sugaring season. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Érablière Mont Sucre, 1010, chemin des Cèdres Sud (in the Audy sector of Hervey-Jonction), ☏ +1 418-289-4124, chantale.robi@gmail.com. Family-owned sugar bush open seasonally for the production of organic maple syrup and byproducts. (updated Oct 2021)

• 🌍 Camping Lac-aux-Sables, 200, rue Sainte-Marie, ☏ +1 418-336-2488, campinglas@xittel.ca. Mid-May to mid-October for the chalets. Campsite located on the shores of Lac aux Sables offering 292 sites for seasonal or day campers. This campsite has a community room with games, a laundry room, a restaurant/dairy bar, toilets and showers, a dump station, a security service, access to the magnificent natural beach of Lac aux Sables and a few playgrounds for children. child. Every weekend, the campsite offers different activities: songwriter on the Terrace, DJ, a "Camper's Christmas" party and a corn roast usually at the end of August. Access to the municipal beach of Lac aux Sables. No smoking and no pets. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Camping La Petite Rivière, 531, chemin Sainte-Marie, ☏ +1 418-336-3128, administration@refugelapetiteriviere.com. Arrival at 16:00; leave at 11:00. Campsite offering 90 semi-wooded sites for rental for seasonal campers. The campsite is crossed by the Propre river, which turns out to be the outlet of Lac aux Sables. It offers: running and drinking water (on each pitch), electricity, sewer system, bathrooms with showers, laundry, mountain spa, children's play area, etc. In addition, the Refuge la Petite Rivière has a yurt fitted out with a wooden structure covered with canvas and comprising a dome on the roof, a garden door and a window; this is an all-inclusive service. A restaurant, a convenience store and two terraces are located off the campsite about a five-minute walk away. The municipal beach of Lac aux Sables is about a six-minute walk away. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Camping de la Rivière Tawachiche, 70, chemin des Cèdres Sud (on a peninsula (0.9 km long) between the Tawachiche and Tawachiche Ouest rivers), ☏ +1 418-289-2404, marchildongabriel96@gmail.com. Arrival at 16:00; leave at 11:00. Located at Zec Tawachiche, this campsite offers 119 campsites (seasonal and daily), with or without services. In addition, the campsite offers the public three rental chalets. Kayak rental. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Camping le Relais, 253, route de la Traverse (on a peninsula in the southern part of the lake), ☏ +1 418-336-3376, campinglerelais@hotmail.com. Arrival at 16:00; leave at 11:00. This campsite allows lake trout fishing activities, diving in clear water, access to the beach and the practice of water sports. The campsite offers camping pitches in shaded or sunny areas. (updated Oct 2021)

• 🌍 Camp et Auberge du Lac en Coeur, 50, chemin du Lac-en-Coeur (secretariat); 858, rue Laviolette, Trois-Rivières (administration), secretaire@camplacencoeur.qc.ca. The Lac en Coeur camp-inn offers accommodation services in cabins, inns, dormitories (ready-to-camp), the Camp Prospect'air site and the Préau chalet. The camp offers various activities: hebertism trail, ecological trail, sliding on inner tubes, skating rink (helmets and skates not included), climbing, trampoline, archery, labyrinth, campfire sites, as well as nautical activities (swimming, canoes). The camp and Auberge du Lac en Coeur also offers an entertainment service. This camp also welcomes groups for meetings, meals and sports activities or in nature. In 2021, it offered a day camp, nature classes and family camps. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Auberge de la Rivière Batiscan, 513, 1e rang Price (from the church in Lac-aux-Sables, take route 363 (rue Principale) (southbound)), ☏ +1 418-538-0199, magnanalain@gmail.com. This inn is on the 2nd floor, near the Batiscan River. It offers daily housekeeping, laundry service (washer, dryer), shared living room, TV and shared kitchen. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Auberge Deveault, 120, rue Principale, ☏ +1 418-336-2530. This hostel is opposite the church. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Chalet la Bastide, 1100, route de la Traverse (from the church, take rue Principale (northbound); turn right at rue Bourassa, which becomes route de la Traverse), ☏ +1 418-365-0216, melanie.thiffeault@gmail.com. Chalet on the south side of the lake, accessible by the route de la Traverse. Reservations are made online. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Chalet le Chaleureux, 480, chemin de la Batiscan, ☏ +1 450-578-1677, chaletlechaleureux@gmail.com. Cottage made of round wood (rustic character) and located on the north shore of the Batiscan River. Chalet located in the heart of nature on a large peaceful lot. Capacity for 6 to 8 people. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Chalet le Coquet, 230, chemin du Lac-Veillette Sud, ☏ +1 418-800-1354, chaletlechaleureux@gmail.com. Chalet built in round wood in a forest area. This chalet offers a splendid view of the lake and the forest environment. Visitors can swim, kayak, paddle boat, rowboat, cycle and read at the end of the dock. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Club loisirs Nautiques Québec (Quebec Nautical Leisure Club), 540, chemin Marcotte, ☏ +1 418-444-5960, guy.lizotte1955@gmail.com. The first floor of this chalet is available for rental, weekdays or weekends. This chalet has direct access to the shore of Lac aux Sables. This chalet has three large bedrooms (double beds) with private bathrooms, a living room, a laundry room and a kitchen with appliances, dishes and utensils. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Condo vacances, 783, rue Principale, ☏ +1 418-336-2000, +1 514-945-6051. Chalet rated 2 stars. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Domaine de la Chute Jocaya, 53, chemin du Lac Huron (in front of the Propre river), ☏ +1 418-336-2337, info@jocaya.qc.ca. 3-star tourist residence between the village of Hervey-Jonction and the main village of Lac-aux-Sables. This year-round residence can accommodate around 20 people under the same roof. This building can accommodate visitors for a family celebration, meeting of friends or business meeting. The residence has a large living room, a modern kitchen, ten bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large screened-in porch, a spa and several services. The site has various infrastructures: hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, pedal boats, beach volleyball, horseshoes, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and quad bikes. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Gîte au Chant de l'eau, 206, chemin Tawachiche Est, ☏ +1 418-289-2120, giteauchantdeleau@hotmail.fr. Gîte north of Hervey-Jonction and surrounded by forest and mountains. Rooms with magnificent views of the surrounding nature. Massage therapy service by Sylvie, electric sauna, paraffin bath for hands and feet, 3-season outdoor spa. This cottage offers access to snowmobile and ATV trails. Large secure parking lot. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Gîte aux petits oiseaux, 541, rue Principale, ☏ +1 418-336-1434, giteauxpetitsoiseaux@hotmail.com. Gîte in the main village of Lac-aux-Sables. Breakfast service in the dining room. Large parking lot and a garage. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 La Douce Évasion, 310, chemin des Sittelles, cmethot1964@gmail.com. 3-star cottage near Lake Georges which straddles Notre-Dame-de-Montauban and Lac-aux-Sables. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 La Sainte Paix, 1490, chemin Sainte-Marie, redore@videotron.ca. Chalet located in the northern part of Lac aux Sables. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Le Missionnaire, 190, chemin du Lac-du-Missionnaire, ☏ +1 418-931-0107, +1 418-554-4610, info@chaletsconfort.com. High-end chalet with a four-season spa. Fully equipped chalet that can accommodate between eight and ten people. The chalet has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a wood-burning fireplace. Large lot on the shores of Lake Missionary. Grandiose nature. Chalet located near ATV and snowmobile trails. Canoe, pedal boat and kayaks at your disposal in season. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Chalet Le petit Huron, 214, chemin du Lac-Huron, ☏ +1 418-877-7391. Small rest cabin on the shores of Lake Huron (near the mouth), with a large terrace, a barbecue, a pavilion, an outdoor fireplace, a pedal boat, kayaks, a rowboat and a dock. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Les chalets de la Batiscan. Four log cabins and squared off in the middle of nature, near the Batiscan river. Possibility of swimming in the Batiscan river and using the boats made available to you. Four-season type chalets for couples or families. Some chalets can accommodate up to 10 people. A chalet is specially adapted for people with reduced mobility. The site is suitable for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicles, all these activities are possible nearby. Rental chalets: Chalet des Oursons, chalet Le Sucrier, chalet l'Inspiration, chalet Le Bon Vingt and Holiday home La Belle Amour du Lac. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Motel Di-No, 578, rue Saint-Alphonse, ☏ +1 418-336-1498. 2 star motel with daily housekeeping. Reception service. Non-smoking establishment. Storage for bicycles, snowmobiles or skis. (updated Oct 2021)
• 🌍 Refuge de la Petite Rivière, 578, rue Saint-Alphonse (from the church in Lac-aux-Sables, take rue Principale (northbound); turn left at rue Cloutier.), ☏ +1 418-336-1498. The yurt has a wooden structure with a dome covered with canvas, a garden door and a window, at a peaceful place in nature. All inclusive concept. Each home is equipped with all amenities. (updated Oct 2021)