10 highlights | Chaudière-Appalaches près de Québec

1. Experience a cruise on the St. Lawrence River

Do as the immigrants did and arrive on Grosse-Île by boat. Renowned for their extraordinary storytelling skills, the captains of Croisières Lachance will passionately share stories and facts about the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago and maritime life.

Couple on a cruise to visit Grosse-île in the Chaudière-Appalaches region — ©Couple on a cruise to visit Grosse-île |Stéphanie Allard

First glimpse of the Grosse-Île National Historic Site from the Croisières Lachance boat at Saint-Antoine-de-l'Isle-aux-Grues — ©First glimpse of Grosse Île National Historic Site from the Croisières Lachance boat | Ange Hébert-Corriveau

2. Pass medical inspection

In the company of Nurse Sarah Wade, you’ll first pass the mandatory medical inspection for all new arrivals to the island. Then you’ll have the chance to visit the disinfection building and learn about the progress of science in the late 19th century.

3. Take a train ride through the village

Aboard the touring train, discover period buildings and artifacts, such as the Catholic chapel and the horse-drawn ambulance, all set in a mosaic of inspiring landscapes.

4. Immerse yourself in village life

Meet witnesses from the past and experience the daily lives of the resort’s inhabitants and staff, while listening to interesting and sometimes humorous anecdotes.

5. Exploring the Lazaret and the mysterious Red Room

Walk in the footsteps of the Irish in one of the island’s oldest buildings, now a hospital, and learn about the care they gave the sick. You’ll also notice the presence of the Irish on the island.

6. Search for ancestors' names on the Memorial

Do you have ancestors who passed through Grosse-Île? If so, look for their name on the memorial and you’ll immediately feel connected to its moving history. Between 1832 and 1937, many thousands of Irish lost their lives in the typhus epidemic.

7. Admire the Celtic cross and the panoramic view of the river

Discover the landscapes of the St. Lawrence Estuary in the shadow of the majestic monument dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Irish tragedy of 1847.

8. Disinfection building

Strolling down the shower corridor is always a highlight of the on-site experience.

9. Discover Grosse-île by bike or on foot

Travel at your own pace, cycling from station to station to discover Grosse-Île’s must-sees, its history and its natural environment. Along the way, you’ll also meet Parks Canada characters and guides.

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Visit Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site of the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago by bicycle — ©Take a cycling tour of Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago|Stéphanie Allard

10. Experience Grosse-Île first-hand

Live an exclusive experience, as if you were in first class… Enjoy a personalized crossing, welcome and guided tour.

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