Municipalité de Petite-Rivière-St-François Spring, Petite-Rivière-St-François, Quebec, Canada

## Overview Nestled in the charming village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in Quebec's Charlevoix region, this beloved public drinking spring has been a cornerstone of community life for generations. The water flows naturally from beneath the mountain that is home to Le Massif de Charlevoix, one of eastern Canada's premier ski resorts, emerging year-round with a steady, reliable flow — even in the depths of winter when temperatures plunge to minus 40 degrees. The spring holds deep significance for local families. As contributor Thomas Lavoie shares, this water has been a staple in his grandparents' family for over half their lives, and historical photos from a local school show children once drinking from this very source. The municipality of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François maintains the spring and reportedly sends an inspector regularly to test the water for contamination. According to long-time residents, the water has consistently been reported as clean. The spring is open to all residents and visitors around the clock, 365 days a year. ## Directions The spring is located at approximately **47.278889, -70.57** (47°16′44″N, 70°34′12″W), near 29 Rue Émile-Gagné in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, QC. Note that the GPS coordinates are approximate. 1. **Head toward the steep roadway** that descends toward the St. Lawrence River in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. 2. **Look for the spring between the steep road and a small wooden bridge**, on the **St. Lawrence River side** of the road — not the forested side. 3. The spring sits **approximately 3 meters below road level**. You will hear water flowing from a pipe if you walk along the side of the road. 4. **An orange flag** is sometimes tied to the bushes near the spring to help visitors spot the location. 5. **Park your vehicle safely on the side of the road.** Traffic on this stretch is generally light, with few drivers exceeding 50 km/h downhill, but exercise caution. ## What to Expect The spring flows continuously from a pipe set into the hillside, fed by the mountain aquifer beneath Le Massif. The water emerges at a strong, constant rate regardless of the season, making it a reliable source even in Quebec's harsh winters. The spring is situated about 3 meters below road level on the St. Lawrence River side, so reaching it requires a short but steep descent. If you plan to fill large containers — such as 18.9-litre (5-gallon) water jugs — it is highly recommended to bring a companion to help haul the heavy bottles back up to road level. The setting is scenic, with views toward the majestic St. Lawrence River and the rugged Charlevoix landscape. The village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François itself is a picturesque destination, known for its steep terrain, artistic community, and proximity to Le Massif de Charlevoix ski resort. Visiting the spring can easily be combined with a day of skiing, hiking, or exploring the Charlevoix region. The spring is open **24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round**. There are no fees or restrictions — it is a public resource maintained by the municipality for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.