Its name has traditionally been recognized to come from the Innu-aimuniskomin, meaning "where there are many seeds" or "there are fruits or seeds", in turn from the roots isko or ishko ("as far as this/that") and min (red seeds, or wild berries in general). According to more recent theory, it could also be a variation of the Mi'kmaq term eskumunaak, meaning "lookout place". In addition, other sources say that the place is named Essipit in Innu-aimun, meaning "river of shells".[2]
Several spellings have been used over the centuries such as Uscamin, Les Escoumains, Essuie-Mains, L'Esquemin, Lesquemin, Leschemin (Champlain, 1629), L'Esquemain, and Lesquemain (1611 map of Champlain and other texts of 1626). The oldest reference to this name dates back to the map of Levasseur of 1601, that shows Escanimes; and to a contract of 1604 that included the rare spelling Esguenim.[2]
Early history
The Innu and Mi'kmaq frequented the area, particularly in the spring, to gather berries that covered the rocks and mossy plains.[2][5]
In 1863, the Municipality of Les Escoumains was formed, and in 1957, the spelling of the municipality's name was corrected to its current form.[2]
In the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, Les Escoumins had a population of 1,794 living in 856 of its 983 total private dwellings, a change of -5.1% from its 2016 population of 1,891. With a land area of 265.89 km2 (102.66 sq mi), it had a population density of 6.7/km2 (17.5/sq mi) in 2021.[4]
The median age of the population in 2021 was 54.8 and 92% of the people were over 15.[4] At the same census 14.86% reported being Indigenous, almost evenly divided between Métis and First Nations.[4]
Languages spoken at the 2021 census, as a mother tongue were French (99.71%), English (0.29%), and other languages (0.29%).[4]
Attractions
The Marine Environment Discovery Centre in Les Escoumins offers snorkelling and scuba diving, and observation areas for seals, seabirds, and whales, within the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.[11]
^ abcde"Les Escoumins". Quebec Gouvernement (in French). Commission de Toponymie Quebec. 6 November 1986. Retrieved 27 April 2024. The possibility of watching blue whales or fishing for cod attract many holidaymakers in search of sun and sea bathing.
^"Les Escoumins (95025)". Répertoire des municipalités (in French). Government of Quebec. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024. This gentilé is an official form, i.e. it has been the subject of a resolution of the municipal council.
^"Les Escoumins". Municipalité des Escoumins. 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024. Heir to the forest and the sea, the village of Les Escoumins invites you to the daily celebration of the marriage between the salt waters of the St. Lawrence River and the fresh waters of the forested hinterland
^"Marine Environment Discovery Centre". 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024. Discover the underwater world of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park from starfish to the largest marine mammals.
^"Whales of the St. Lawrence river". Whales Online. 2024. Retrieved 18 April 2024. The estuary is home to belugas all year round. In summer, the estuary also hosts rorquals and other species of toothed whales that benefit from the abundance of krill, capelin and other small fish.
^"Safety of Navigation on the St. Lawrence and Saguenay". Maritime Pilotage Services. Laurentian Pilotage Authority. Retrieved 26 April 2024. A federal Crown corporation responsible for administering and providing marine pilotage and related services in the waters of the Laurentian region