Pointe-aux-Outardes is a charming village municipality nestled on the southern point of the Manicouagan Peninsula in Quebec, Canada. This picturesque locale is situated between the mouths of the Outardes and Manicouagan Rivers, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
The name Pointe-aux-Outardes is derived from a piece of land that extends into the Saint Lawrence River, partially enclosing the Outardes Bay. The term "Outardes" translates to "Canada goose" in English, but it can also mean "Point of Bustards". This name is fitting as Canada geese and snow geese use the nearby Manicouagan River as a corridor during their annual migration, often stopping over at the point. The Innu people originally called this area Piletipistu Neshkâu, which means "point of the Partridge River". However, the term Outardes was used on Guérard's map of 1631 and on Franquelin's map of 1685 to identify the river that flows past the point into the St. Lawrence.
Pointe-aux-Outardes is a haven for nature lovers, boasting an exceptional richness in flora and fauna. The village's salt marshes are home to more than 175 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Pointe-aux-Outardes had a population of 1,434 living in 641 of its 710 total private dwellings. This represented a 7.7% increase from its 2016 population of 1,332. With a land area of 75.19 km2 (29.03 sq mi), the village had a population density of 19.1/km2 (49.4/sq mi) in 2021.
The population trend over the years has been as follows:
In terms of language, French is the predominant mother tongue in Pointe-aux-Outardes, with 97.6% of the population speaking it as their first language. English is not a first language for any of the residents, while 2.4% of the population speaks another language as their first language.
