Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-BeaupréAbout Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a Roman Catholic national shrine and pilgrimage basilica on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada. The site has been a focus of devotion and pilgrimages centered on Saint Anne for several centuries.
The complex includes a large basilica building from the early 20th century featuring mosaics, stained glass and numerous ex-voto offerings left by pilgrims reporting healings. Pilgrims come for prayer, liturgies, and devotional rites, especially around the feast of Saint Anne.
The basilica is located in the municipality of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, approximately 30 to 35 km northeast of downtown Quebec City along the St. Lawrence River.
- Pilgrimage history: Pilgrimage to this site dates back to the 17th century and it remains a major Canadian Catholic shrine dedicated to Saint Anne.
- Building and art: The current basilica building dates to the early 20th century and is notable for its mosaics, stained glass, and ex-voto offerings from pilgrims.
Nearby Attractions to Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Best Time to Visit Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Summer months are busiest with pilgrims; late spring and early autumn are good for quieter visits and favourable weather.
Weather & Climate near Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -17°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1199 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -17° - -7° | -19° | 71 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -16° - -5° | -17° | 58 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -10° - 0° | -10° | 69 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -2° - 7° | -1° | 92 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 16° | 10° | 119 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 10° - 21° | 16° | 115 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 13° - 24° | 19° | 129 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 13° - 23° | 18° | 118 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 8° - 18° | 13° | 124 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 11° | 5° | 120 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 4° | -4° | 107 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -12° - -4° | -14° | 77 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is about a 40-minute drive northeast of Quebec City along Route 138. Regular buses and organised pilgrim coaches serve the shrine from Quebec City in high season.
Tips for Visiting Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
- Visit the grotto and the smaller chapels early in the morning to avoid coach groups that arrive mid-morning.
- Combine a visit with the nearby Sainte-Anne museum and the coastal road for dramatic sea views.
- Check mass and pilgrimage schedules-major feast days draw large crowds and alter access to parts of the complex.