Contrecoeur, Québec, municipality, pop 5222 (2001c), 5331 (1996c), 5501 (1991c), pop 5553 (1986c), area 61.19 km2, is part of the Montérègie region famous for its sugaring-off time and its apple orchards. More specifically, it is part of the MRC de Lajemmerais, which also includes the municipalities of Boucherville, Varennes and Sainte-Julie. Contrecoeur is 45 km from Montréal and spans 24 km along the banks of the St Lawrence River. A migratory bird sanctuary is located on the islands visible from Contrecoeur.