Population: 155
Located only a few kilometres from Natasquan, Kegaska is the western port of entrance to the Lower North Shore. As the story goes for many of the communities on the Lower North Shore, Kegaska or quegaska has a long and rich historical background. Montagnais amerindian artifacts found in the area confirms a long existence wit this native population. In fact, the name itself describes the setting when the tide level is at it’s highest, allowing easy passage between the island and mainland portions of the community. European establishment to the area began with an Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in 1831.
In the 1850's, Acadian families the Boudreaus, the Harveys, the Bourgeois, the Giassons, the Poiriers, the Gallants and the Deraps (or Bertrands) became the first permanent residents of Kegaska. By the 1870's, isolation, dwindelling natural resources and a probable diphtheria epidemic forced the Acadian population to relocate further westward in larger communities.
The site was resettled by immigrants from Newfoundland. Although the catch has changed from Cod to Crab over the years, descendants of the Foremans, Courts, Kippens, Osbornes, and Stubberts can still be found maintaining a livelihood from the fishing industry.
Kegaska is a village member of the Municipality of the Lower North Shore of the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence.
Landmarks and historical sites
Saint-Phillip's Anglican church will be converted shortly into an interpretation center
In the fall of 1976, a freighter from Cap-aux-Meules in the Magdalen Islands, the Brion, met it’s end and ran aground along the rocky coast a short distance from town. There you can follow the Brion trail , stop for a snack at several picnic areas and view a large section of the shipwrecks bow that is still in relatively fair condition.
Attractions
Kegaska has some of the most beautiful and accessible beaches along the Lower North Shore.
Local roads are actually made out of crushed seashells.
Foreman’s Saw Mill in the centre of town provided all of the lumber used in the construction of most of the buildings that you will see in Kegaska and quite a few others along the Coast as well. A testament to the ingenuity of the people who live there.
Community Events
Spring: Hockey tournament, winter Carnival, Church sales and darts tournaments
Fall: Crab Festival and Church sales
Only a couple of communities operate a seasonal tourist bureau. But several have a local tourism association to assist visitors.
