Since it's located at the bottom of the cliff and exposed to the sun, Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive has the advantage of offering unusual natural characteristics as well as a micro-climate favouring the growth of a varied and rich vegetation. That is why the area earned its nickname: "Petite Floride de Charlevoix"(Charlevoix's Mini-Florida).
| The coastal meadows On the west side of Cap Saint-Joseph, lie the coastal meadows, an area void of pebbles and rocks that stretches at the base of the mountain. That land was used for salt-water bay, an important source of fodder for the farmers of Les Éboulements whose rocky fields often yielded an insufficient harvest. |
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A bird-watcher's paradise Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive's geographical location enables it to profit from a slightly milder climate compared to the surrounding elevations. The yearly average is about five degrees warmer. This seems to explain the presence of numerous nesting or migrating birds; some of which are found at their northern limits. |
Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive :
A sea-coast
Two types of blond-coloured sand beaches are offerd the visitors: one near the pier and the other near the Maritime Museum of Charlevoix. One can daydream with the tides.The water-falls
Because of the marked unevenness of the land, there are two beautiful water-falls at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive. The falls of the Boudreault river produced the necessary hydraulic energy to the power station. The other falls, Cimon, are accessible by following the railroad tracks for 500 meters, past rue de l'Anse. Nearby can be seen marshlands with a rich and interesting wildlife and planlife.
