Quebec Travel guide >> La Haute-Saint-Charles >> Québec (Wendake)
Québec (Wendake)
A Rich Cultural and Historical Site
Wendake has not always been the land of welcome for the Wendat living in the Quebec region. It’s only in 1697 that those who were called Hurons at the time finally established on the actual territory of the reservation. Before that, they inhabited the Île d’Orléans until 1656, then Sillery, the Upper-Town and finally l’Ancienne-Lorette. When they left in 1697, they created the Jeune-Lorette (also known under other names), which later became Loretteville. It’s only in 1986 that the reservation received the name of Wendake.
The name “Wendat” means “the inhabitants of the island or the peninsula”, from the land they used to live on before they settled in the Québec region. Wendake, with the addition of one syllable, means “at the Wendat’s” or “land of the Wendat”. It was the French who used the name Huron to designate this people because their hair looked like a boar’s head (hure in French).
Nowadays, you can visit this 950-inhabitant municipality that has kept its charm of yesteryear. The Old Wendake is probably the most impressive site to visit, with its chapel dating back to 1730. The aspect of the houses is also very interesting and unique. Take advantage of a guided tour at the Site Traditionnel Huron « Onhoüa Chetek8e » to learn more about the customs and history of the Wendat.
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