Saint-André-Avellin is a charming municipality nestled within the Papineau Regional County Municipality in the Outaouais region of western Quebec, Canada. According to the 2016 census, this quaint town is home to 3,749 residents. Conveniently located along Quebec route 321, Saint-André-Avellin is a mere 10 kilometres north of Papineauville and Quebec route 148 and Quebec Autoroute 50. It's also just an hour's drive from Downtown Ottawa, making it an accessible destination for tourists and locals alike.
The history of Saint-André-Avellin dates back to 1841 when the first settlers arrived in the townships where the town now stands. Despite its agricultural potential, thanks to its location in a large valley near the Ottawa River, its development was slow due to its remote location and lack of efficient transportation.
The town was primarily used for the logging industry throughout the 19th century, owing to its proximity to extensive forest areas in the higher valleys and hills of the region. The parish municipality was established in 1851, and the first school was built in the area in 1890. The population gradually increased, especially during the 1970s, spurred by a wave of rural development. The parish and the village, officially recognized in the second half of the 19th century, merged in the late 1990s.
Saint-André-Avellin is a hub of cultural activity in the region, known as La Petite-Nation. The town hosts two major summer events: the annual Western Rodeo Festival and Musique en Nous. The latter is a county-wide event showcasing emerging musical talents from the region, as well as popular Quebec singers.
In addition to these vibrant festivals, Saint-André-Avellin is home to a theatre and a regional museum dedicated to the history of the Petite-Nation. These cultural landmarks offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and thriving arts scene of this unique Quebec community.
