Categories: Lifestyle

The only town in the world with two exclamation marks in its name is in Canada!!

There are all kinds of eccentric town names out there, and then there’s Saint Louis du Ha! Ha!. Yes, you read it right – a town with not one, but two exclamation marks in its name!

The good folks in this Quebec community have successfully made the rest of the towns in Canada (and the world) seem distinctly under-enthusiastic in comparison.

This town has landed in the Guinness World Records as the only place on Earth rocking two exclamation marks in its name.

Now, you might wonder, as many have before, “Where on Earth did this name come from?”

Well, according to the town’s website, there are a few theories out there.

Legend has it that early explorers, perched high above the picturesque Lake Témiscouata, couldn’t contain their excitement and cried out, “Ah! Ah! Here is the lake!” (Pardon their lack of originality, it was a different era.)

Another theory suggests that weary travelers, having endured a grueling 35-mile hike through a treacherous forest trail known as the “Portage Trail,” exclaimed “Ha! Ha!” in sheer relief at the sight of Lake Témiscouata.

Clearly, they felt the exclamation marks were necessary to capture the vibe.

But, the Quebec Toponymy Commission has a different explanation altogether.

Recent Posts
Canada’s most southern town is in Ontario & it boasts warmer weather
‘Extended periods of mild weather’ Canada’s fall forecast just dropped & here’s what to expect

Photo via Panoramio upload bot / Wikimedia Commons

“Le haha” is an old French term for a dead end or an abrupt obstacle, according to the commission.

Just 8 kilometers east of town, Lake Témiscouata takes a dramatic curve to the northeast, forming a delightful little bay.

Back in the day, this was an 80-kilometer portage – a true cul-de-sac – that prevented canoe travel.

To overcome this, they had to establish the territory of Saint Louis du Ha! Ha!, quite literally the town at the end of the road.

So, the next time you’re looking for a unique place to visit, remember Saint Louis du Ha! Ha! – where excitement is always two exclamation marks away!

Recent Posts

10 exciting things to do this week in and around Edmonton (Oct. 26-30)

With all the best events leading up to Halloween!

2 hours ago

10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Oct. 26-30)

It's officially peak spooky season, folks, and we're ready to fully embrace it no matter…

7 hours ago

10 things to do in Toronto this week (Oct. 26-30)

Cheers to another week, Toronto! Like always, we’re in for a thrilling few days in…

8 hours ago

Edmonton is getting a huge art show where every piece is under $100

With over 100 artists being featured over the weekend!

1 day ago

Your next page-turner might be among Indigo’s best books of 2026

There are still a few months left in the year, but Canada’s largest bookstore chain,…

1 day ago

10 Calgary concerts to check out before the year ends

Still hoping to catch a concert before 2026 wraps up? You're in luck. Calgary has…

1 day ago