The Baie des Ha! Ha! is a particularly developed cove over a length of eleven kilometres on the Saguenay River in the region of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean in Quebec, Canada. At the end of this natural corridor, which was originally called in French the “Grande Anse”, then the “Grande Baie”, there are the Ha! Ha! River and Rivière à Mars.

The Bay of Ha! Ha! is one of the most fascinating destinations in Quebec, but its enigmatic name often raises questions. Where does this unique name come from and what does it really mean? In this article, we will delve into the history of Baie des Ha! Ha! to discover the origins of this enigmatic name.

First of all, it is important to note that the name of the bay has had several spellings over time, such as “Baie des Ha!” Ha! », “Ha Ha Bay”, “Ha Ha Bay”, “Baie des Hahas”, or even “Baie des Ha! Ha!. » This variety of spellings has fueled much speculation about the origin of the name.

In 1947, the abbot and historian Victor Tremblay examined this subject in his study entitled “The question of the Baie des Ha! Ha! “. He identified two main theories regarding the origin of the name.

The first theory suggests that the name comes from a cry of surprise (“Ha! Ha!”) uttered by the French who, thinking they were sailing on the Saguenay River, were surprised to find themselves in a large bay. Although this explanation comes from Joseph Bouchette, its origin remains mysterious. However, it has been adopted by many people over time. This theory recalls what Jules Verne wrote in his novel “Famille Sans-Nom” in 1888: “This marvelous bay of Ha-Ha! – onomatopoeic name awarded to it by the admiration of tourists. »

The second theory focuses on the meaning of the word “Ha Ha”. According to various old dictionaries, a “haha” designates an opening made in a wall to widen the field of vision or a ditch, or even a sudden obstacle on a path. For sailors, this means that the Baie des Ha! Ha! is a dead end, a dead end. This theory is supported by the fact that the explorer Edward Harrison, in 1786, is said to have used the expression “at the turne of the Ha, Ha.” »

Victor Tremblay concludes that the spelling (Ha! Ha! or Ha Ha) depends on the interpretation one wishes to give to the name. According to him, the geographical meaning of the word “Ha Ha” is the most relevant, due to the configuration of the bay.

To get a more complete perspective on the issue, it is essential to also examine the perspectives of First Nations. Although the term “Ha Ha” is not part of the Huron language, the Innu (sometimes called Montagnais) used the terms “Heskauauashau” or “Ueskauauashau” to describe a bay, with “ua” or “ah” repeating in word. Our ancestors may have simplified this term to “Ha!” Ha! “. Finally, it is interesting to note that the name “Baie des Ha!” Ha! » was officially adopted on December 5, 1968 by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, ending decades of debate over its spelling. In short, the Bay of Ha! Ha! is a fascinating place with an equally intriguing name. Whether you prefer the theory of the cry of surprise of the first explorers or that of the geographical impasse, one thing is certain: this unique name arouses curiosity and makes this destination even more memorable. So why not plan a visit to Baie des Ha! Ha! to discover all the mysteries for yourself?