L'ISLE-AUX-GRUES AND ITS ARCHIPELAGO
The ideal place to take the key to the fields! A visit to its nature reserve and its artisanal cheese dairy is a must.
Isle-aux-Grues is located near Montmagny, in an archipelago of some twenty islands and islets. It is the largest of the islands in terms of surface area: 10 km long and 4 km wide, including the tidal flats that link it to Ile-aux-Oies. Isle-aux-Grues is home to around 150 islanders, and is the only island to be inhabited year-round. Attractions include guided tours of the island, the Jean-Paul-Riopelle nature reserve, the Isle-aux-Grues museum and the observation platform. Pointe-aux-Pins, a protected ecological area, is ideal for hiking (guided tours also available). And don't forget to visit the Île-aux-Grues Cheese Factory, where you'll be sure to pick up some great finds. If you'd like to stay on site, Les Maisons du Grand Héron is the place to be. You can spend the night in a chalet, loft, yurt or tipi (or rent an electric bike to explore the island).
From Montmagny, on the south shore of the St. Lawrence, Isle-aux-Grues is accessible by ferry with Société des traversiers du Québec (April to end December) or by air with Air Montmagny (year-round). You can also take advantage of the excursions offered by Croisières Lachance, a member of the AML group, departing from Berthier-sur-Mer (offered from June to September aboard the ship Vent des Îles, duration approx. 2h30, box lunches available on site or by pre-order).