Saint-Jean-Port-Joli | Quebec - CREATIVE TOURISM NETWORK®

Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is a charming town in Quebec, on the banks of the majestic St. Lawrence River.

Nestled on the majestic shores of the Saint Lawrence River, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is a cultural gem of Québec. Renowned for its artistic vibrancy, this charming municipality was named Canada’s Cultural Capital in 2005 by Canadian Heritage.

Here, creativity is at the heart of daily life: wood sculptors, ceramists, glassmakers, musicians, dancers, and other artists share their expertise in a spirit of authenticity and friendliness.

A member of the Creative Tourism Network®, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli stands out with its Creative Village, an innovative concept that weaves connections between locals and visitors through participatory and immersive experiences. Through “Les Escapades,” you’ll enjoy unique encounters with local artisans and producers: tastings, workshops, and cultural and culinary discoveries await. This agritourism project was awarded in 2024 for Best Creative Tourism Development Strategy in a rural setting.

The village’s artisanal history has been proudly passed down since the 1930s, thanks to pioneers such as:

Médard Bourgault, master sculptor
Émélie Chamard, weaver
Eugène Leclerc, miniature boat maker

The artistic richness of these pioneers is expressed throughout the village, especially at Le Vivoir, a unique venue where arts and crafts come to life. A boutique-gallery, artist studios, and creative events converge to offer visitors a direct immersion into the creators’ world.

Several boutiques also showcase local creativity and creators. Pensons à l’Atelier M. Boutique (painting, jewelry, stained glass), Atelier Bâtard (screen printing), Conter Fleurette (floral design), Roy Famille d’artisans (knitting and weaving), and Le Fil d’Ariane boutique (weaving). Several luthiers are also based in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli.

Among the places that contribute to the artistic vibrancy of the village, the iconic church of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is a must-see, housing numerous heritage treasures.

Also noteworthy is the Chapelle des Processions, a heritage building revitalized in 2022. While preserving its original architecture, it has become a true cultural hub where exhibitions, creations, and encounters converge, embracing all forms of art.

In Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, several venues actively support artistic creation and host artists in residence:

Est-Nord-Est, a residency center for artists and curators, is a cornerstone of Quebec’s artistic scene. Internationally recognized, it fosters research, experimentation, and dialogue among creators from various disciplines.

Fleuve Espace Danse, a contemporary dance company with international reach, welcomes artists in residence to create and present works inspired by natural heritage and rooted in the local landscape.

Théâtre de la Roche à Veillon, a historic venue, presents an original play each summer season. Its restaurant also serves traditional Québécois dishes from the past.

The Creative HUB offers a collaborative workspace where artists can experiment, create, and exchange ideas in a stimulating and accessible environment.

La Curieuse Inn, a hybrid space combining lodging, culture, and lifestyle, regularly hosts artists in residence and offers a dynamic program at the intersection of disciplines.

To explore the village in a different way, hop on one of our Jolis Vélos créatifs—creative bikes available free of charge. It’s an original and peaceful way to discover Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, blending nature, culture, and eco-responsibility!

The Wood Sculpture Museum, which celebrates the craftsmanship that brought international fame to our destination through striking traditional and contemporary works, is a must-visit! Also not to be missed is the Living Memory Museum, a fascinating place where life stories become collective heritage.

Today, this community of 3,500 residents continues to keep its traditions alive year-round through many iconic events:

The Sculpture Biennial

The Sea Shanty Festival

Autumn Violins

Concerts at Chanoine-Fleury Park

Winter Festival

Finally, the village is also home to a vineyard (Le Vignoble du Faubourg) and a microbrewery (Ras L’Bock) that highlight the local terroir through their products, along with many eateries that creatively showcase local foods and producers.

Creative experiences