Métis-sur-Mer is a charming city nestled in the La Mitis Regional County Municipality within the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec, Canada. This quaint city, with a population of 587 according to the Canada 2016 Census, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
The name "Métis" is believed to originate from a Mi'kmaq word meaning "meeting place". The suffix "sur-mer" is a nod to its picturesque location on the Saint Lawrence River. This combination of indigenous heritage and geographical beauty perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Métis-sur-Mer.
The history of Métis-sur-Mer dates back to 1818 when John MacNider, the Scottish Seigneur of Métis, began settling the area with Scottish immigrants. The city now boasts a borough named MacNider, in honor of the MacNider family. This borough corresponds to the former village municipality of Métis-sur-Mer, also known as Metis Beach.
In the late 19th century, Métis-sur-Mer became a popular summer retreat for affluent anglophone Montrealers seeking refuge from cholera outbreaks. This trend continued into the early 20th century as the Spanish flu swept across the globe. On July 4, 2002, the village of Métis-sur-Mer and the municipality of Les Boules merged to form the city we know today.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Métis-sur-Mer had a population of 594 living in 310 of its 505 total private dwellings. This represents a 3.8% increase from its 2016 population of 572. With a land area of 48.22 km2 (18.62 sq mi), the city had a population density of 12.3/km2 (31.9/sq mi) in 2021.
The population trend in Métis-sur-Mer, Quebec, has been steadily increasing, reflecting the city's growing appeal as a place to live and visit. This trend is expected to continue as more people discover the unique charm and rich history of Métis-sur-Mer.
