Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré stands in a rolling agricultural country, with the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains in the background.

The first church was built by sailors, seeking protection against shipwrecks off Ile-Oeuf on their way upriver to Quebec City.

[4] Population trend:[5] Mother tongue: The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a major Roman Catholic place of pilgrimage.

Many subsequent visitors who have prayed at the church have left their canes, crutches and walking aids behind as testament to their healing.

In addition to the basilica, the town contains numerous religious edifices, the chief being the Scala Santa, built in imitation of the Holy Stairs in Rome.