Located on the north shore of Saint Lawrence River, about fifty miles northwest of Quebec City, the territory of the township is irregularly shaped.
This township is crossed by the Neilson River (Portneuf) and several small streams.
For his work in public life, he contributed greatly to the development of the region since the early nineteenth century.
In 1816 Neilson helped recruit European settlers, mostly Irish, and encouraged them to settle in neighboring lordships and township in an area which later became Valcartier.
John Neilson was elected several times as member of Comté de Québec (Quebec County).