The history of Riviere-la-Madeleine evolves around the Grand Sault paper mill at the start of the century. The mill was built in 1917 right in the forest and allowed the development of the village including the building of a dam, a power plant, a railroad and a wharf. Riviere-la-Madeleine was the first village to receive electricity with the exploitation of the power plant. This gigantic project did not resist the 1929 crisis.
While in Riviere-la-Madeleine, a visit to the Grand Sault salmon migratory pass is a must. Some parts of the old mill are still visible but the great beauty of this impressive natural decor is the main attraction. To get there, simply take the 11-km long forest road, beginning east of the intersection in the center of the village. Be careful, there are some very profound ravines along the way.
This is a perfect location for fishing: salmon on the La-Madeleine River and trout in nearby lakes. Along the coast, fishing on the wharf at Cap-à-l'Ours will provide many friendly encounters with the local people.
