Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs Spring, Ste-Anne-Des-Lacs, Quebec

## Overview Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs Spring is a public drinking spring located along Chemin Fournel in the small Laurentian community of Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs, Quebec. Nestled in the rolling, lake-dotted landscape north of Montreal, this roadside spring features a spout that pours directly into a nearby stream. The municipality of Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs sits within the Laurentian Highlands, a region shaped by the Canadian Shield — some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth — where groundwater is naturally filtered through ancient granite and gneiss before emerging at the surface. The spring is accessible 24 hours a day and has long been a stop for locals and travelers heading into cottage country. ## Directions 1. From Montreal, take **Route 15 (Autoroute des Laurentides) North** toward Sainte-Adèle / Mont-Tremblant. 2. Take **Exit 56** off Route 15. 3. Continue straight on the exit ramp for approximately **2.2 miles (3.5 km)**. 4. Turn **right** onto **Chemin Fournel** (also referred to as Fournel Street) — the turn comes up in less than 0.2 miles. 5. The spring is located a short distance along Chemin Fournel, near **184 Chemin Fournel**. Watch for the spout on the side of the road just before you see water rushing into the stream. **GPS Coordinates:** 45.848175, -74.124473 ## What to Expect This is a simple, roadside spring — expect a spout flowing into a stream rather than a developed park or facility. There is a small pullover area near the spring, making it easy to stop and fill containers. The water flows year-round, though flow rates may vary seasonally; spring snowmelt in the Laurentians can increase the volume significantly. The surrounding area is typical of the Laurentian landscape: mixed boreal forest of birch, maple, and conifers, with the gentle sound of running water from the stream. Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs is a quiet residential community known for its lakes and natural beauty, so the setting is peaceful and scenic. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source. As with any natural spring, water quality can change over time due to weather, runoff, and other environmental factors, so those collecting water should use their own discretion. The spring is accessible at all hours, making it a convenient stop whether you're heading up to the Laurentians for a weekend getaway or simply exploring the area. In winter, be prepared for icy road conditions along Chemin Fournel and dress warmly, as temperatures in this part of Quebec can drop well below freezing.