Major city · Canada
Saint-Élie-de-Caxton
Go for one night if you want a quiet lake-and-village stop in the Mauricie; skip it if you have no car or expect a full day of sights.
Saint-Élie-de-Caxton is a small parish municipality in the Maskinongé region of Quebec, about 1 h 40 min by car from Montreal. It is a resort village around a handful of lakes, with a church, a calvary hill, a botanical garden and a cultural venue tied to storyteller Fred Pellerin. There is no train and no useful bus, so a car is the whole trip. One night covers the village; two nights if you want lake time.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for lakes and trails; Feb–Mar for snowmobile season
- avoid Nov (grey, wet, between seasons), Apr (mud and closed trails)
- Airports
- YUL · YQB
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Saint-Élie-de-Caxton911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)811
- Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)310-4141
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Saint-Élie-de-Caxton, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are driving, winter ice and cold water on the lakes.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h) · 310-4141 Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 1 h 50 min by car via Autoroute 40 and Route 153; no direct public transport to the village.).
- Getting aroundCar only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastryC$4–8 (≈ US$3–6)
- Budget bedCampsite, tent or ready-to-camp, a night, per personC$20 (≈ US$15)
- Mid-range bedGîte or inn room, a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedGîte or inn room, a night, per roomC$240 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 1 h 50 min by car via Autoroute 40 and Route 153; no direct public transport to the village.) · YQB Québec City Jean Lesage (About 2 h 15 min by car via Autoroute 40 and Autoroute 55.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Feb
Best
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Mar
Best
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Apr
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
not flagged
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Feb–Mar, Jun–Sep. Avoid: Apr, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C) low), wettest Nov (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Saint-Élie-de-Caxton: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
12 rd
Feb
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
10 rd
Mar
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
11 rd
Apr
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
11 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
12 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
12 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
13 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car only. The village is small enough to walk, but the lakes, campgrounds and trails are 5–15 km out on country roads with no sidewalk and no bus. Snowmobiles and ATVs are allowed on the trail network in season. There is an electric-vehicle charging point on chemin des Loisirs.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min
Route 351 east, then Autoroute 55
Closest real town: supermarket, gas, pharmacy and a full restaurant choice.
Door to door: About 1 h
Route 351 south to Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, then into the park
Canoeing, beaches and hiking; entry is a paid Parks Canada permit, buy it online.
Door to door: About 45 min
Route 153 south to Yamachiche, then Route 138 east
Fine for a riverside walk and lunch; not worth a whole day on its own.
Trois-Rivières
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Route 351 to Autoroute 55 south
Old town, museums and the river; a half-day if the weather turns.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Village centre (avenue Principale)
Walk to the church, the botanical garden and the Garage de la Culture; a gîte and a chalet or two, very few beds.
Lac Bell / Floribell area
Resort and campground with beach and boat rental, about 5 km (3.1 mi) northeast of the village; car needed.Resort and campground with beach and boat rental, about 3.1 mi (5 km) northeast of the village; car needed.
Lac à l'Eau Claire and the other lakes
Private chalets and camping around Lac Plaisant, Grand lac Long and Lac à l'Eau Claire; book weeks ahead in July–August.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Gîte or inn room1 × 1 night × C$160 | C$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Rental car, one day, compact1 × C$80 | C$80 |
| Fuel, about 300 km of local driving1 × C$35 | C$35 |
| Parks Canada day permit, La Mauricie2 × C$11 | C$22 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$15 | C$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$65 |
| Trip total≈ C$356 per person per day, bed included | C$712≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car rental, fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry | C$4–8 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Grocery run for two, one day | C$40–70 (≈ US$30–55) |
| Casual restaurant mainTax added at the till; tip 15–20%. | C$18–30 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Campsite, one night, two people | C$35–60 (≈ US$30–45) |
| Bike rental, half day | C$25–45 (≈ US$19–35) |
| Fuel, 100 km | C$10–14 (≈ US$8–11) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train and no scheduled bus to the village: without a car you cannot get here.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the back roads around the lakes.
- Moose and deer on Route 351 and the rang roads at dawn and dusk.
- Most kitchens close early and several places shut mid-week out of season: eat before 20:00 or cook.Most kitchens close early and several places shut mid-week out of season: eat before 8:00 PM or cook.
- Winter roads are icy and some chalet driveways are not plowed for a normal car.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
- Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)
- 310-4141
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Saint-Élie-de-CaxtonSaint-Élie-de-Caxton
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé (24 h health advice)811
- Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)310-4141
Embassy
No consulate in the village. US consulate general in Montréal; most other countries keep embassies in Ottawa or consulates in Montréal.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Montréal → Saint-Élie-de-Caxton by car: about 149 km (93 mi), 1 h 40 min, fuel about C$15–20 (≈ US$11–15)about 93 mi (149 km), 1 h 40 min, fuel about C$15–20 (≈ US$11–15)
- Québec City → Saint-Élie-de-Caxton by car: about 172 km (107 mi), 1 h 52 minabout 107 mi (172 km), 1 h 52 min
- Rental car, one day: C$55–130 (≈ US$40–95) plus fuel
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Parlez-vous anglais ? — Do you speak English? (par-lay VOO ahn-GLEH)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-BYEN)
- Une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît — I would like a table for two (ewn TAH-bluh poor DUH, seel voo PLEH)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twah-LET)
Print this card before you drive: coverage drops on the rang roads.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Saint-Élie-de-Caxton. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for lakes and trails; Feb–Mar for snowmobile season · avoid Nov (grey, wet, between seasons), Apr (mud and closed trails) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YUL and YQB: last rental-car desk hours, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: avenue Principale, the church and calvary site, the botanical garden and Garage de la Culture.
- Place pages with verified hours (Garage de la Culture, botanical garden, calvary site) and eat pages with last orders.
- Lake and campground fixtures for July–August so the beds table can go green.