The Shoreline of Sainte-Rose Ouest

In the late 19th century, swimming was not fashionable. Holidaymakers chose the banks of Île Jésus to enjoy the shade of the trees. The fresh air from the river was also less polluted than the air in the city. Cottages were built long before public beaches. Wealthy city dwellers built cottages on waterfront property. Those who could not afford to buy would rent cottages, houses or even rooms from local residents.