Shawville: History, Culture and the PPJ Cycloparc

Shawville combines its historical heritage with culture and activities throughout the year. The fieldstone Anglican church, the Victorian homes in the downtown area and the memory of a major celebration marking the railway’s arrival provide tangible connections to the town’s history. Other highlights include a country jamboree in late July, local art presentations and the PPJ Cycloparc, which offers different seasonal uses. This makes it easy to plan a trip around your interests and the time of year.

Church, Cemetery and Local History

Shawville’s current Anglican church was built of fieldstone in the old Norman style in the 1870s. Its tower stands at the front, while the main entrance is on the long side. This arrangement gives the building two distinct points of orientation: the tower at the front and the entrance along the side. Visitors interested in architecture can appreciate the building’s layout as well as its materials and architectural style.

The Anglican church cemetery contains some of the region’s earliest settlers, as well as many notable figures who helped build Shawville. The town’s history therefore extends beyond the church building. Downtown also offers its own glimpse of historic architecture, with impressive Victorian homes lining its streets. Together with the church, these buildings offer several ways to discover Shawville’s history.

The Pontiac Pacific Junction Railway is also part of the town’s history. Its arrival in Shawville sparked one of the largest celebrations in the town’s history in the winter of 1886. Unlike the buildings that remain visible today, this date marks a single historic moment: Shawville’s history can be explored through both its architecture and a significant event.

Cultural Events and Seasonal Activities

The Shawville Lions Country Jamboree takes place every year in late July and features local and international country musicians. Art Pontiac offers a different cultural focus: the organization often presents local artists at Café 349 in Shawville; the program may vary. If music is important to your travel plans, the jamboree offers a clear date to plan around. For art presentations, it’s worth checking the latest schedule.

Year-Round Activities and Trip Planning

The PPJ Cycloparc is designed for summer cycling and hiking. In winter, it is also designated for snowmobiling. Among other places, the route connects Bristol, Isle-aux-Allumettes, Campbell's Bay, Shawville and Fort-Coulonge. The season changes the type of activity: in summer, the focus is on getting around by bike or on foot, while in winter, it’s snowmobiling. When planning, consider which activity and travel dates best suit your preferences.

The Musée du Pontiac is a local history museum in Shawville. If you’re planning a visit, check the current opening days in advance. Mill Dam Park is one of Shawville’s three parks. When looking for a vacation rental, you can start by considering whether local history, cultural events or the seasonal opportunities at the PPJ Cycloparc will shape your trip. Late July is the relevant period for the jamboree; for the museum and Art Pontiac presentations, it’s best to check the latest schedules.

Discover more destinations: Fort-Coulonge, Bristol, Bryson, Otter Lake.

For the broader travel overview: Pontiac.