Eastern Quebec, one island at a time: Start the summer on Isle-aux-Grues

L’Est du Québec, une île à la fois is the project of Eve-Danielle Latulippe. In other words, she sets off on an adventure to most of the islands along the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Quebec, from Île d’Orléans to the Îles de la Madeleine, via Île d’Anticosti, Isle-Aux-Coudres and several other destinations. She began her journey at Isle-aux-Grues. Here, she tells us about her adventure.

First crossing of the summer to begin my island adventures. Personally, I felt like I was on vacation from the moment I arrived at the ferry dock in Montmagny. A beautiful sunny afternoon when just admiring the scenery became an activity in itself. At that point, I was truly under the spell… And I hadn’t seen anything yet!

When I first had the idea of visiting the islands east of Quebec City and setting off on a summer-long adventure, I didn’t realize what I was really getting myself into. As soon as I arrived at my destination, I realized what was in store for me over the next few months: breathtaking views, local food to discover, new territories to venture into, etc. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Isle-aux-Grues is majestic, mainly for its landscapes. And, in my opinion, for its cheeses, thanks to the Fromagerie de l’Isle. You can even rent a bike on site to visit it. Considering that the island isn’t very big, here are my favorite spots:

• The Jean-Paul-Riopelle Nature Reserve and the High Marsh: I recommend doing the Nature Reserve portion in the afternoon, with a break in the sun on the beach. As for the haut-marais, I personally loved walking around it after sunset, when only a few glimmers of light remained. It was a magnificent sight.
• The observation tower: a favorite at sunset.