Complete Travel Guide to Beaconsfield, Canada

Beaconsfield Beaconsfield is a suburb on the Island of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, part of the Greater Montreal region locally referred to as the West Island. It is a residential community located on the north shore of Lac Saint-Louis, bordered on the west by Baie-D'Urfé, north by Kirkland and east by Pointe-Claire. Positioned at coordinates 45.43341°N, -73.86586°E, Beaconsfield occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Beaconsfield place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. Home to 19277 residents, Beaconsfield maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Beaconsfield represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Beaconsfield reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Canada, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Quebec province, Beaconsfield contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Canada's regional character. The role of Beaconsfield in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Beaconsfield discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Canada while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Beaconsfield

History _Maison Beaurepaire_ , house built circa 1765 on the location of the first concession of Jean Guenet In 1678, the Sulpician Order, who owned the Island of Montreal at the time, granted the first concession in this area to Jean Guenet, one of the main merchants of Ville-Marie and tax collector for the island's Seigneurs.

Guenet named his concession, located at Pointe Beaurepaire or Thompson Point but now known as Pointe à Quenet, "Beau Repaire" Following the Great Peace of Montreal Treaty in 1701, permanent settlement began that led to farming communities along Lake Saint-Louis.

In 1713, the Parish of St-Joachim de la Pointe Claire was created, which included the present territory of the cities of Beaconsfield, Kirkland and Pointe-Claire In 1855, the Grand Trunk Railway was built through the area, and the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s.

These brought summer residents from Montreal and the pioneer farming settlement began to transform to a summer cottage resort The name Beaconsfield is first attributed to John Henry Menzies who in 1870 bought a country estate then known as "Le Bocage" (originally built by Paul Urgèle Gabriel Valois in 1810).

He renamed it in 1877 after Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, who was his friend In time, this name was also used for its train station (which opened in 1879), golf club (opened in 1902), and the Post Office (opened in 1904) The City (_Ville_) of Beaconsfield was formed on June 30, 1910, when it split off from the Parish of Saint-Joachim de la Pointe-Claire.

In the census of 1911, it had 375 persons, 60 families living in 60 houses It grew slowly to 990 inhabitants by 1951 During the 1950s and 1960s, Beaconsfield rapidly developed as a residential suburb By 1966, the last original farm concession began to be developed for residences.

On March 19, 1966, Beaconsfield changed statutes from _Ville_ to _Cité_ ("city"), but on September 18, 1982, this was reverted As part of the 2002–2006 municipal reorganization of Montreal Beaconsfield and neighbouring Baie-D'Urfé became the borough of Beaconsfield–Baie-D'Urfé and were merged into the city of Montreal.

After a change of government, and the 2004 referendum, both Baie-D'Urfé and Beaconsfield voted to de-merge from Montreal On January 1, 2006, they were reconstituted as independent municipalities They still remain part of the urban agglomeration of Montreal.

Maison de Beaurepaire _Canadian Register of Historic Places_ ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ "History of Beaconsfield" Société historique Beaurepaire-Beaconsfield-J3 Retrieved 19 May 2022 "_Banque de noms de lieux du Québec_ : Reference number 51743" Commission de toponymie du Québec.

^ _**a**_ _**b**_ _**c**_ _**d**_ "Portrait and History" Retrieved 19 May 2022 ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ _**c**_ _**d**_ "Important Dates".

The historical trajectory of Beaconsfield demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Beaconsfield reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Beaconsfield remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

The topographic characteristics of Beaconsfield result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Beaconsfield region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Beaconsfield area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Beaconsfield has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Beaconsfield demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Beaconsfield create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

The climatic regime of Beaconsfield reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Beaconsfield create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Beaconsfield determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Beaconsfield create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Beaconsfield demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Beaconsfield include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Historical populationsYearPop. The demographic composition of Beaconsfield reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ±% 196615,702— 197119,389+23. 2% Source: Statistics Canada According to the Office québécois de la langue française, Beaconsfield has been officially recognized as a bilingual municipality since 2005-11-02. In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Beaconsfield had a population of 19,277 living in 6,753 of its 6,915 total private dwellings, a change of −0. The demographic composition of Beaconsfield reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 2% from its 2016 population of 19,324. The demographic composition of Beaconsfield reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. With a land area of 11. 26 sq mi), it had a population density of 1,747. The demographic composition of Beaconsfield reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 5/sq mi) in 2021. Canada census – Beaconsfield community profile 202120162011 Population19,277 (-0. The demographic composition of Beaconsfield reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 2% from 2016)19,324 (-0. 9% from 2011)19,505 (+1. 6% from 2006) Land area11. 25 sq mi) Population density1,747. The demographic composition of Beaconsfield reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 5/km2 (4,526/sq mi)1,752. 6/km2 (4,539/sq mi)1,771. 6/km2 (4,588/sq mi) Median age44. 8) Private dwellings6,915 (total) 6,753 (occupied)6,828 (total) 6,811 (total) Median household income$138,000$123,392$111,762 References: 2021 2016 2011 Home language (2016) Language Population Percentage (%) English 13,035 71% French 3,585 20% Other 1,600 9% Mother tongue (2016) Language Population Percentage (%) English 10,150 55% French 4,445 24% Other 3,790 21% Visible minorities (2016) Ethnicity Population Percentage (%) Not a visible minority 16,570 87. The demographic composition of Beaconsfield reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 1% Visible minorities 2,455 12. “Draft Bill 96 - Beaconsfield reaffirms its bilingual status”. Retrieved 2023-04-20. “Organismes reconnus offrant des services dans une langue autre que le français”. Retrieved 2023-04-20. “Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), Quebec”. The demographic composition of Beaconsfield reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2022. “2021 Community Profiles”. 2021 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. February 4, 2022. Retrieved 2023-10-19. “2016 Community Profiles”. 2016 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. Retrieved 2022-05-19. “2011 Community Profiles”. 2011 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. Retrieved 2022-05-19. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference cp16 was invoked but never defined (see the help page). ]: Population *[±%]: Percent change. The demographic composition of Beaconsfield reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life.

The cultural landscape of Beaconsfield represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Beaconsfield reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Beaconsfield continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Beaconsfield provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Beaconsfield demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Beaconsfield provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Local businesses: * Centre commercial Beaconsfield * Plaza Beaconsfield * Beaurepaire Village * Plaza Elm 1. "Plaza Beaconsfield – First Capital". "Village de Beaurepaire". "Directions - Elm Plaza - Beaconsfield - Beaconsfield, QC - QC".

The economic structure of Beaconsfield reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Beaconsfield often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Beaconsfield serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Beaconsfield demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Beaconsfield has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Beaconsfield focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation Boulevard Saint-Charles Beaconsfield is served by the Réseau de transport métropolitain (RTM) train system, with two stations, Beaconsfield and Beaurepaire, on the Vaudreuil- Hudson line which ends in downtown Montreal. The city is also served by Société de transport de Montréal (STM) bus lines 200, 201, 211, 217, 221, 354, 361, 382, 401, 405, 411, and 425. Beaconsfield is also served directly by one major highway, Highway 20 (Autoroute 20) with two exits in Beaconsfield, exit 45 at Avenue Woodland, and exit 48 at Boulevard St-Charles. Access to Beaconsfield is also possible from the Highway 40 (Autoroute 40), exit Boulevard St-Charles - south (Sud).

Transportation infrastructure serving Beaconsfield reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Canada. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Beaconsfield.

Regional connectivity from Beaconsfield provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education Education in Beaconsfield, as common in the Montreal area, is operated by school boards divided linguistically. There is separate boards for instruction in English (Anglophone) and French (Francophone). #Francophone The Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys operates Francophone public schools, but were previously operated by the Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys until June 15, 2020. The change was a result of a law passed by the Quebec government that changed the school board system from denominational to linguistic. Francophone primary schools: * École primaire Beaconsfield * École primaire Saint-Rémi Francophone special purpose school: * École primaire et secondaire John F. Kennedy #Anglophone The Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) operates Anglophone public schools in Beaconsfield. Anglophone vocational Education: * Gordon Robertson Centre Anglophone adult Education: * Place Cartier Adult Centre Anglophone secondary schools: * Beaconsfield High School Anglophone primary schools: * Beacon Hill Elementary School * Christmas Park Elementary School * St. Edmund Elementary School * Sherbrooke Academy Junior & Senior Schools * Clearpoint Elementary School in Pointe-Claire serves some portions 1. “ÉCOLES ET CENTRES.” Commission Scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys. Retrieved on December 7, 2014. 2. “LBPSB - Lester B. Pearson School Board”. lbpsb.qc.ca. Retrieved 2017-10-08. 3. “School Board Map Archived 2017-09-21 at the Wayback Machine.” Lester B. Pearson School Board. Retrieved on September 28, 2017.

Educational institutions in Beaconsfield serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Beaconsfield

Successful visits to Beaconsfield require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Beaconsfield often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Beaconsfield include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Beaconsfield extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.