Plessisville, Quebec, a charming city nestled in the heart of Canada, is renowned as the "World's Maple Capital". This county seat of L'Érable Regional County Municipality is conveniently located on Routes 116 and 165, making it easily accessible for travelers. Just 185 km from Montreal and 95 km from Quebec City, Plessisville is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique Canadian experience.
The history of Plessisville, Quebec, dates back to 1835 when Jean-Baptiste Lafond became the first person to permanently settle in the area. Initially incorporated as the village of Somerset, it was officially renamed Plessisville in 1855 in honor of Monseigneur Octave Plessis, the bishop of Quebec at the time.
Plessisville's claim to fame is its title as the "World's Maple Capital". The city has been hosting an annual Maple festival since 1958, attracting visitors from all over the world. The Institut québécois de l'érable (Quebec Maple Institute) is also headquartered in Plessisville, further cementing the city's status as a global hub for maple production. The production of maple syrup and maple products is a major industry in the entire area, even giving the regional county municipality its name (érable is French for "maple").
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Plessisville had a population of 6,414 living in 3,158 of its 3,456 total private dwellings. This represented a slight decrease of -2.1% from its 2016 population of 6,551. With a land area of 4.92 km2 (1.90 sq mi), Plessisville had a population density of 1,303.7/km2 (3,376.5/sq mi) in 2021. Despite its small size, Plessisville, Quebec, boasts a vibrant community and a rich cultural heritage that continues to attract visitors from around the globe.
