Bois-des-Filion, Quebec, is a charming off-island suburb of Montreal, nestled to the north of the city. This quaint town is known for its rich cultural history and the magnificent maple forests that once drew hundreds of families annually. Today, while tourism plays a minor role in the city's economy, the beauty and history of Bois-des-Filion continue to captivate visitors and residents alike.
The name Bois-des-Filion has a unique origin story. It is derived from the surname of Antoine Feuillon, a local carpenter who was illiterate and thus unable to correct the spelling of his name in official records. Antoine was the son of Michel Feuillon, a captain of the Musketeers of the Guards during the reign of Louis XIV of France, also known as the "Sun King", before immigrating to New France.
The town was named Bois des Filion, with 'le bois' being French for "the woods", due to the beautiful maple woods that border it. In the early days, one had to traverse a path through these woods and cross a small river to enter the city.
Bois-des-Filion, Quebec, boasts a rich cultural history rooted in the legend of the lords, Céloron de Blainville and Lepage of Holy-Claire. Here are some key dates in the town's history:
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Bois-des-Filion had a population of 10,159 living in 4,258 of its 4,370 total private dwellings. This represented a 5.4% increase from its 2016 population of 9,636. With a land area of 4.36 km2 (1.68 sq mi), the town had a population density of 2,330.0/km2 (6,034.8/sq mi) in 2021.
The primary language spoken by its citizens is French, and the primary source of employment is general manufacturing. Despite the changes over the years, Bois-des-Filion, Quebec, remains a town steeped in history and natural beauty, offering a unique blend of past and present.
