Saint-Calixte, a charming municipality in the Lanaudière region of Quebec, Canada, is a part of the Montcalm Regional County Municipality. Known for its natural beauty and proximity to Montreal, Saint-Calixte is a popular destination for camping and outdoor activities. The region is dotted with cottages and lakes, making it a perfect getaway. In 2013, the largest amusement and camping site in Quebec, Camping et parc d'amusement Atlantide, opened its doors in Saint-Calixte, marking a significant milestone in the municipality's development.
Saint-Calixte's history dates back to 1845 when it was first incorporated as the Municipality of Saint-Lin, separating from the Parish Municipality of Saint-Lin (now Saint-Lin-Laurentides). However, it was abolished two years later. In 1851, the Saint-Calixte Mission was formed, named after Pope Callixtus I.
In 1855, the municipality was reestablished as the Township Municipality of Kilkenny, taking the name of the geographic township in which it is located. The township was formed in 1832 and named after a city and county in Ireland. In 1856, the post office opened, bearing the name Saint-Calixte-de-Kilkenny since 1877. The municipality was renamed to its current name in 1954.
Adding to its historical significance, the Lac Dodon meteorite was found near the town in 1993.
In 2011, two investors from Terrebonne, Quebec, decided to invest 10 million dollars to build a theme park and camping site in the province of Quebec. After years of planning, they chose Saint-Calixte as the location of the park and purchased a 5 million square feet property in the municipality.
The first phase of the park opened in summer 2013, offering over 300 camping spaces, a water park, and playgrounds. Two other expansion phases were planned for 2014 and 2015, aiming to increase the park and camping ground's capacity to 2000 spaces. The expansions also included an artificial lake and beach, as well as a convenience store.
Saint-Calixte is home to a diverse population. The municipality has 3149 private dwellings occupied by usual residents out of a total of 3791 dwellings.
The linguistic breakdown is as follows:
Saint-Calixte, Quebec, with its rich history and outdoor attractions, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Canada.
