Albanel, a charming municipality in the Canadian province of Quebec, is nestled within the regional county municipality of Maria-Chapdelaine. As per the Canada 2016 Census, this quaint town is home to 2,262 residents.
The geographic township of Albanel was officially proclaimed in 1883. It was named in honor of the Jesuit missionary and explorer Charles Albanel (ca. 1616–1696). The land in Albanel was considered among the finest for farming in the Lac Saint-Jean region during that era.
Around 1891, a mission was established in the township, served by pastors from Saint-Méthode and Normandin. The following year, the Albanel post office opened its doors. By 1899, the township was incorporated as the Township Municipality of Albanel.
The village of Albanel experienced modest but significant economic growth due to the presence of adequate hydraulic power, particularly the Chute aux Français on the Mistassini River, and several dairies. In 1930, it separated from the township and formed the Village Municipality of Albanel. However, in April 1990, the township and village municipalities of Albanel were merged again to form the Municipality of Albanel.
The population of Albanel has seen slight fluctuations over the years. In 2011, the population was 2,293, marking a 1.4% decrease from 2006 when the population was 2,326. In 2001, the population was 2,455, which had decreased from 2,540 in 1996. The population in 1991 was 2,496.
The town consists of 950 total dwellings, with 900 occupied by usual residents. The linguistic composition of Albanel is predominantly French-speaking, with 98.9% of the population reporting French as their first language. English is the first language for 0.4% of the population, while 0.7% report other languages as their first language. No residents reported having both English and French as their first language.
The climate in Albanel, Quebec, is typical of the Canadian province, with distinct seasons offering a variety of experiences for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a fan of winter sports, enjoy the vibrant colors of fall, or prefer the warmth of summer, Albanel has something for everyone.
