Aerial view of Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site at Isle-aux-GruesAerial view of Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site at Isle-aux-Grues
©Aerial view of Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of Canada |Louis Chamberland

A must Grosse-Île

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  4. Cruise and visit to Grosse-Île

Just 35 minutes from Quebec City, Grosse-Île plunges you into a moving page in our history. A former quarantine station, it tells the story of thousands of immigrants. With the help of Parks Canada guides, you’ll meet some of the characters from this period and enjoy an experience as moving as it is unforgettable. A landmark… and one of Quebec’s best-kept secrets.

 A memorable human experience!

As you travel around the island, you feel the full force of the stories, the weight of the passage, the memory of the thousands of immigrants who came in search of a better life. An unexpected and unforgettable favorite.

At the Grosse-île wharf, characters welcome cruise passengers to Grosse-île.At the Grosse-île wharf, characters welcome cruise passengers to Grosse-île.
©At the Grosse-île quay, characters welcome cruise passengers|Parcs Canada

    The Grosse-Île experience

    01 

    Take a cruise

    To get to the island, climb aboard and let Captain Lachance guide you.

    Captain greeting visitors on the Croisières Lachance boat in Berthier-sur-MerCaptain greeting visitors on the Croisières Lachance boat in Berthier-sur-Mer
    ©Captain greeting visitors on the Croisières Lachance boat |Stéphanie Allard
      First-class hotel character meets visitors on tour of Grosse-ÎleFirst-class hotel character meets visitors on tour of Grosse-Île
      ©First-class hotel character meets visitors on tour of Grosse-Île|Stéphanie Allard

        02 

        Meet the locals

        Discover the island as costumed characters reveal all the secrets of this mythical place.

        03 

        Relive 100 years of immigration

        An unforgettable guided tour with Parks Canada guides.

        Presentation of a guide to Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site at Isle-aux-GruesPresentation of a guide to Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site at Isle-aux-Grues
        ©Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site guide presentation|Stéphanie Allard
          Medical examination during a visit to Grosse-Île in the Chaudière-Appalaches regionMedical examination during a visit to Grosse Île in Chaudière-Appalaches
          ©Medical examination during the visit to Grosse-Île|Stéphanie Allard

            04 

            10 highlights

            Explore Grosse-Île through the landmarks and stories that have shaped this unique site steeped in memory.

            3 different ways to visit Grosse-Île

            Aerial view of the western sector of Grosse-Île in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelagoAerial view of the western sector of Grosse-Île in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago
            ©Aerial view of the western sector of Grosse-Île|PRÊTS pour la route
            Package #1 Cruise and visit to Grosse-Île starting at $89.99
            VIP excursion to Grosse-île with Croisières Lachance from the Berthier-sur-Mer marinaVIP excursion to Grosse-île with Croisières Lachance from the Berthier-sur-Mer marina
            ©VIP excursion to Grosse-île with Croisières Lachance from the Berthier-sur-Mer marina|Jeff Frenette Photography
            Package #2 Grosse-Île in first class starting at $129.99
            Visit Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago by bicycleVisit Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago by bicycle
            ©Visit, by bike, Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of the Isle-aux-Grue Archipelago|Stéphanie Allard
            Package #3 Grosse-Île by bike or on foot starting at $89.99
            Practical information
            Map showing departure and arrival points for the Grosse-Île and the Irish Memorial CruiseMap showing departure and arrival points for the Grosse-Île and the Irish Memorial Cruise
            ©Map showing departure and arrival points for the Grosse-Île cruise
            ONLY 35 MINUTES FROM QUÉBEC CITY

            Located in the heart of the St. Lawrence River, the island is accessible by boat from Berthier-sur-Mer. Free parking at the marina.

            You’re visiting Quebec City and would like to see Grosse-île, but don’t have the means of transportation? Don’t worry, we’ve got the solution!

            La Grosse-Île...lived for real.

            VIP excursion with Croisières Lachance from the Berthier-sur-Mer marinaVIP excursion with Croisières Lachance from the Berthier-sur-Mer marina
            ©VIP excursion with Croisières Lachance| Ange Hébert-Corriveau
            Ange and her family live on Grosse-Île in First Class
            Family posing in front of the St. Lawrence River during a visit to Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago.Family posing in front of the St. Lawrence River during a visit to Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago.
            ©Family posing in front of the St. Lawrence River during a visit to Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site.|Sarah Moore
            Memories of a wonderful day on Grosse-Ile with young children
            Aerial view of the central sector of Grosse-Île in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelagoAerial view of the central sector of Grosse-Île in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago
            ©Aerial view of the central Grosse-Île sector|PRÊTS pour la route
            Ready to hit the road in Berthier-sur-Mer, an RV-friendly destination!
            Child on Berthier-sur-Mer beach at sunsetChild on Berthier-sur-Mer beach at sunset
            ©Child on Berthier-sur-Mer beach at sunset|Lydiane autour du monde
            Lydiane autour du monde tells us about her family weekend

            Grosse-Île in pictures

            Visit Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago by bicycleVisit Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago by bicycle
            ©Visit Grosse Île and the Isle-aux-Grues Archipelago Irish Memorial National Historic Site by bike|Stéphanie Allard
            First-class hotel character meets visitors on tour of Grosse-ÎleFirst-class hotel character meets visitors on tour of Grosse-Île
            ©First-class hotel character meets visitors on tour of Grosse-Île|Stéphanie Allard
            Children on the Croisières Lachance cruise ship to visit Grosse Île and the Isle-aux-Grues Irish Memorial National Historic Site.Child on Croisières Lachance cruise ship visiting Grosse Île and the Isle-aux-Grues Irish Memorial National Historic Site of Canada
            ©Children on the Croisières Lachance cruise ship visiting Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of Canada|Stéphanie Allard
            A Parks Canada guide and a visitor in front of the Grosse-Île Irish cemetery in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago.A Parks Canada guide and a visitor in front of the Grosse-Île Irish cemetery in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago.
            ©A Park Canada guide and a visitor in front of the Grosse-Île Irish cemetery|Stéphanie Allard
            Grosse-Île National Historic Site in Chaudière-AppalachesGrosse-Île National Historic Site in Chaudière-Appalaches
            ©Grosse Île National Historic Site|Stephanie Allard
            School character on visit to Grosse-îleSchool character on visit to Grosse-île
            ©School character on visit to Grosse-île
            Nurse in the red room of the Lazaret during the visit of Grosse-Île in Chaudière-Appalaches.Nurse in the red room of the Lazaret during the visit of Grosse-Île in Chaudière-Appalaches.
            ©Nurse in the red room of the Lazaret during the visit to Grosse-Île|Jeff Frenette Photography
            Aerial view of the Celtic Cross at Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site, Isle-aux-Grues ArchipelagoAerial view of the Celtic Cross at Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site, Isle-aux-Grues Archipelago
            ©Aerial view of the Celtic Cross at Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of Canada|Louis Chamberland
            Aerial view of the western sector of Grosse-Île in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelagoAerial view of the western sector of Grosse-Île in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago
            ©Aerial view of the western sector of Grosse-Île|PRÊTS pour la route
            Aerial view of the central sector of Grosse-Île in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelagoAerial view of the central sector of Grosse-Île in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago
            ©Aerial view of the central Grosse-Île sector|PRÊTS pour la route
            Medical examination during a visit to Grosse-Île in the Chaudière-Appalaches regionMedical examination during a visit to Grosse Île in Chaudière-Appalaches
            ©Medical examination during the visit to Grosse-Île|Stéphanie Allard
            Medical inspection at Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelagoMedical inspection at Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago
            ©Medical inspection at Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site 6|Stéphanie Allard
            Children on the Croisières Lachance cruise ship to visit Grosse Île and the Isle-aux-Grues Irish Memorial National Historic Site.Children on the Croisières Lachance cruise ship to visit Grosse Île and the Isle-aux-Grues Irish Memorial National Historic Site.
            ©Children on the Croisières Lachance cruise ship visiting Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of Canada|Stéphanie Allard, TCA

              Our other must-haves

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              ©Children in awe at Miller Zoo |Stéphanie Allard
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              ©Hiking with friends in Parc du Massif du Sud|Paul Dusseault
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              Aerial view of the village of Saint-Jean-Port-JoliAerial view of the village of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli
              ©Aerial view of the village of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli|Louis Chamberland
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              ©Aerial view of the Chaudière Falls Park suspension bridge |Jeff Frenette
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              ©The fountains of Quai Paquet |Stéphanie Allard
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              The Pointe-Platon House at Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière in Sainte-CroixThe Pointe-Platon House at Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière in Sainte-Croix
              ©The Pointe-Platon House at Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière|Nancy Guignard
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              Summit of Mont Sugar Loaf in the Appalachian Park at Sainte-Lucie-de-BeauregardSummit of Mont Sugar Loaf in the Appalachian Park at Sainte-Lucie-de-Beauregard
              ©Summit of Mount Sugar Loaf in Appalachian Park|G&R Filmmaker
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              ©Couple cycling the Parcours des Anses with a view of the Château Frontenac |Stéphanie Allard
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              Little girl observing a dinosaur from Flight 315 | The dinosaur era at Scott's WoodooliparcLittle girl observing a dinosaur from Flight 315 | The dinosaur era at Scott's Woodooliparc
              ©Little girl observing a dinosaur from Flight 315 | The dinosaur era at Woodooliparc |Stéphanie Allard
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              ©Paddleboarding on Lac St-François|Hellolaroux
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              ©Backyard at Bleuets du Vire-Crêpes|Stéphanie Allard
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              ©Aerial view of the Musée Maritime du Québec |Jeff Frenette
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              ©Auberge des Glacis seen from the outside in autumn |Stéphanie Allard
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              View of the church from the observation tower at Saint-Antoine-de-l'Isle-aux-GruesView of the church from the observation tower at Saint-Antoine-de-l'Isle-aux-Grues
              ©View of the church and river from the observation tower|Eve-Danielle Latulippe
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