Saint-Félix-d’Otis

The founding and growth of Saint-Félix d’Otis were the result of a series of hardships, including a natural disaster—a fire that ravaged the Saguenay region – Lac-Saint-Jean in 1870, forcing families to settle at Lac à Cailles—which became Lac Otis—as early as 1874. The economic crisis of 1929 brought more than 850 new residents who came to find work in the forests and contribute to the settlement efforts of that era.

The opening of a road, along with the construction and blessing of a chapel, provided the impetus for the creation of the municipality of Saint-Félix-d’Otis in 1923. This led to the establishment of various institutions: a parish, schools, a credit union, a postal service, local businesses, and a fire department.

Thanks to the many lakes and rivers that surround it, as well as its access to the Saguenay Fjord, Saint-Félix-d’Otis has become a popular destination for vacationers, providing them with services—primarily seasonal ones. Tourism also plays an important role, particularly thanks to the popular Site de la Nouvelle-France; however, it is the logging industry that ensures the livelihood and economic stability of the local population. The “Corporation for the Development of the Saint-Félix-d’Otis Forest Territory,” established in 1995, underscores the sector’s importance.

The church that welcomes pilgrims and hikers today dates back to 1953; the 75th anniversary of its construction will be celebrated in 2028.