Maskoutain Tourism
Welcome to Tourisme Maskoutain, your guide to discovering the beauty and charm of Saint-Hyacinthe! We invite you to explore this unique city, where history, culture and nature meet in perfect harmony. Whether you are an agriculture enthusiast, an architecture enthusiast or a nature lover, our tailor-made tours will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Our tours will allow you to discover the emblematic sites of Saint-Hyacinthe, such as the majestic Sainte-Hyacinthe-le-Confesseur basilica, the Saint-Hyacinthe Market, known for its diversity of local products, and the magnificent green spaces of the city, perfect for outdoor walks. We also take you to discover the local agri-food industry, with visits to farms and innovative factories, such as the biomethanization plant.
Whether you are visiting for a day or longer, we adapt our services to offer you a complete immersion in Maskoutain culture. Tourisme Maskoutain is the ideal choice for discovering Saint-Hyacinthe in all its facets, with passionate guides and personalized itineraries for all tastes. Come experience the authenticity of our region with us!
Saint-Hyacinthe is a city located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Montreal. Founded in 1850, it is today one of the most dynamic cities in the region, with a population of around 55,000. Saint-Hyacinthe is particularly known for its key role in the agricultural sector, due to its proximity to fertile agricultural land and its status as a major agri-food center. The city is home to several companies specializing in the processing of food and agricultural products, and it is known for its public market, the Marché Saint-Hyacinthe, one of the largest in Quebec.
Saint-Hyacinthe also has a rich history and notable architectural heritage, with many historic buildings and monuments, such as the Sainte-Hyacinthe-le-Confesseur basilica. The city is a cultural and educational hub thanks to the presence of the University of Saint-Hyacinthe, an institution specializing in agricultural sciences and animal health.
In terms of leisure, Saint-Hyacinthe offers a variety of green spaces, parks and sporting activities. It also stands out for its commitment to sustainable development, particularly with innovative projects such as the biomethanization plant. This combination of economic dynamism, cultural heritage and quality of life makes it an attractive place for families and entrepreneurs.
Les Salines park of Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the heart of the city, is an exceptional natural space which extends over approximately 100 hectares. This protected site is made up of swamps, wet meadows and wooded areas, offering a great diversity of habitats for local wildlife. Several hiking trails allow visitors to discover this unique environment, including observing birds and aquatic plants. The park plays an important role in the conservation of biodiversity while offering residents a place for relaxation and leisure activities surrounded by nature, accessible to the whole family.
The Saint-Hyacinthe biomethanization plant, located in Quebec, is an organic materials processing facility aimed at reducing waste and producing green energy. Opened in 2016, it uses an anaerobic degradation process to transform food scraps, agricultural waste and other organic materials into biogas, mainly methane. This biogas is then converted into renewable energy, powering a power plant that generates electricity for the city. The plant also produces high-quality compost, used to enrich agricultural soils. This project is an example of sustainable waste management, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the energy transition. In addition to its environmental function, the factory represents a model of local economic development by creating jobs and supporting sustainable agriculture in the region.