Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

The Petit Bois – Located on the Université Sainte-Anne campus, the Petit Bois is a network of wooded trails, most of which lead to the coast. The Petit Bois, a fundamental facet of the University’s history, dates to the founding of the College and the arrival of the Eudists. For the Eudists, this network of paths, which they called “Le Bosquet”, was a place for reflection, entertainment and prayer. In addition to the hiking trails, there was a chapel, kiosks and flowers in abundance. Hunting parties, brass band concerts and plays were all organised in the Petit Bois.

The Petit Bois, ever present in the collective memory of Clare’s inhabitants, is currently the subject of renewed interest and activity. Today, it is used by community members, and university students alike, thanks to the efforts of a few key individuals, including Jean-Douglas Comeau, the now retired dean of the French Immersion Program who, since 1990, has been organizing workshops with immersion students to develop and maintain trails.

In recent years, new traditions have emerged: French Immersion students leave traces of their time spent here by placing painted rocks throughout the Petit Bois. During the Christmas and Easter seasons, the trails are beautifully decorated by locals.

In recent years, the Tourism Department, inspired by the history, natural beauty and accessibility of the Petit Bois, has organized guided hikes along the paths. Interpretive signs bearing QR codes also allow curious tourists to take a self-guided tour.

Topic: Sports and Leisure

Date: [ca. 1900]

Reference: Université Sainte-Anne Collection Centre Acadien Series B, photo 178

For more information, visit the Centre Acadien website.