Because of its advantageous route, the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River was widely used by loggers at the turn of the century. During a camping trip to the area in the summer of 1965, a former logger explained to Jean-Marie Mc Nicoll how to reach the Sainte-Anne River falls. As there was no road to the river, Jean-Marie had to make his way through the woods but was rewarded with an awesome discovery! He retuned with his brother Laurent telling him he had discovered a unique place.

Two years later, they leased the immediate shores of the river from Hydro-Québec and purchased the wooded lots between Route 138 and the leased riverbanks. Slowly but surely, work began to clear a road. All was in place to welcome the first visitors on July 14, 1973.

That first year, tourists could reach the river on a 1.5 kilometre road through the woods. Since then, the walkways have been extended, while other lookouts and three bridges were built. Today, more than 100,000 people from around the world visit Canyon Sainte-Anne each year.