La Visitation-de-l'Île-Dupas is a charming municipality nestled in the Lanaudière region of Quebec, Canada. This unique area is part of the D'Autray Regional County Municipality and is situated on several of the Sorel Islands in the Saint Lawrence River, where it merges into Lac Saint-Pierre. The largest of these islands is Dupas Island, known by various names throughout history, including Isle du Pads, Île d'Angoulème, and Île du Richelieu.
The region is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including geese, ducks, and muskrats, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Its fertile lands are perfect for farming, while the surrounding waters offer excellent opportunities for hunting and fishing.
The islands of La Visitation-de-l'Île-Dupas were recognized by indigenous people as prime fishing and hunting grounds. They also served as strategic locations to counter repeated French attacks. The first French settler on the largest island was Pierre Dupas, an officer in the Carignan Regiment who arrived in Canada in 1665. He settled on the island in 1669 with two servants, and in 1672, he became the first Lord of the l'Île-Dupas-et-du-Chicot Seignory.
In 1690, Louis Dandonneau, Sieur Du Sablé, and his brother-in-law, Jacques Brisset de Courchesne, purchased the seigneurie from Charles Aubert de La Chesnaye. The following decade saw the beginning of permanent settlement on the island. From 1712 to 1727, the island was home to explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye, and his five children.
The Parish of L'Isle-du-Pads was founded in 1834, followed by the civil parish in 1842. In 1845, the Municipality of L'Isle-du-Pads was established, but it was abolished in 1847 and became part of the Berthier County Municipality. In 1855, it was reestablished as a parish municipality with one of the longest place names in Quebec history: La Visitation-de-la-Sainte-Vierge-de-l'Isle-du-Pads.
In 1865, a devastating flood claimed 15 lives and destroyed 27 houses. By the end of the 19th century, the island's population had grown to over 1,000 residents. In the early 20th century, nearly the entire island was used for growing hay, which was exported to the United States in large quantities. In 1981, the parish municipality shortened its name and changed its status to become the Municipality of La Visitation-de-l'Île-Dupas.
The population of La Visitation-de-l'Île-Dupas has seen a steady increase over the years. In 2011, the population was 619, a 1.1% increase from 2006. The population in 2001 was 573, which had increased from 564 in 1996 and 521 in 1991. The municipality consists of 274 private dwellings occupied by usual residents out of a total of 303 dwellings.
The mother tongue of the residents is predominantly French, with 98.4% of the population speaking it as their first language. English is not a first language for any of the residents, while 1.6% of the population speaks a language other than English or French as their first language.
