Nestled within the Laurentian mountains, approximately 45 km north of Montreal, lies the charming municipality of Saint-Hippolyte, Quebec. This picturesque town, part of the La Rivière-du-Nord Regional County Municipality in the Laurentides region of Quebec, Canada, is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The municipality of Saint-Hippolyte was originally known as Abercrombie, a name chosen to honor James Abercrombie, the British commander-in-chief of forces in North America during the French and Indian War. Despite the British losses in the 1758 Battle of Carillon, Abercrombie's influence was significant enough to warrant this honor.
In 1951, the municipality changed its name to Saint-Hippolyte, in honor of Hippolyte Moreau, titular canon of the Cathedral of Montreal (1854-1880) and vicar general (1873-1880). Moreau was responsible for choosing the location of the church in the name of Monsignor Ignace Bourget in 1864. The name also references Hippolytus of Rome, a prominent second-third century Christian theologian.
Saint-Hippolyte is located in the Laurentian mountains, a region known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is served by the Régie intermunicipale de police de la Rivière-du-Nord, which also provides services to Piedmont, Prévost, and other communities in the Laurentians.
Saint-Hippolyte experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfb), characterized by long, very cold winters and short, mild summers. The town sees an average of 95.7 days per year with temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) and an average of 3.3 days per year with maximum temperatures over 30 °C (86 °F). Precipitation is heavy throughout the year, with heavy snow in the winter and heavy rain in the summer.
As of 2021, Saint-Hippolyte has a population of 10,669, marking a 17.1% increase from 2016. The town has seen steady population growth since its inception, with the number of residents increasing from 1,099 in 1861 to 10,669 in 2021. The majority of residents speak French as their first language (92.5%), followed by English (3.6%), and a combination of English and French (1.3%). Other languages make up 2.4% of the first languages spoken.
Saint-Hippolyte, Quebec, is a town rich in history and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Saint-Hippolyte offers something for everyone.
