Hymn to slowness: Isle-aux-Grues

In this series on slow tourism, we present the first of our slow-tourism locations: Isle-aux-Grues! The perfect place to take your time.

Slow tourism or ralentourism is characterized by reduced mobility and by taking the time to explore local history and culture, while respecting the environment.

The traveler’s main objectives are relaxation, self-reflection, escape, novelty-seeking, engagement and discovery.

Free translation from Journal of Travel Research

Where to start?

We all know that living on or visiting an island imposes its own rhythm, one that immediately eulogizes slowness. What better way to begin this series than on the marvellous island of Isle-aux-Grues.

Moving at an island pace

Slow tourism also refers to sustainable development. So what better way to visit the island than by bike. In summer, the best way to get there is by ferry, which is also free.

If you’re planning to visit the island for a day, the best thing to do is simply hop on the ferry with your bikes.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to spend one (or more) night(s) on the island, you can bring them with you when you cross by car, or simply rent them on site. Electric bikes are also available for hire at a number of locations on the island.

Taking the time to rest

Among the concepts that also refer to slow tourism, smaller and/or off-grid accommodations are often mentioned. Without being completely off-grid, the experience of sleeping in a yurt or in the eco-chic teepee chalet at Les Maisons du Grand Héron is quite unique and can be very close to this way of life.

Tipi in the forest at Les Maisons du Grand Héron in L'Isle-aux-Grues — ©Tipi in the forest at Les Maisons du Grand Héron|Eve-Danielle Latulippe

Taste local produce

Producing and eating locally. There’s no better example of this than the Fromagerie de l’Isle.

Fromagerie de l’Isle is based on a unique model: cooperation. All the milk produced on the island is essentially dedicated to the cheese dairy. This is at the heart of the success of their products, their company and their brand. It guarantees their quality, freshness and consistency, while revealing the uniqueness and vibrancy of our agriculture.

In fact, it’s a group of dairy producers who share the same confined territory, the same micro-climate, the same passion for refinement and solidarity.

Over the years, their fine cheeses have won prestigious awards. You can fill up on these tasty cheeses directly at Fromagerie de l’Isle, or enjoy them in a fondue at Chez Vézina’s.

Take a deep breath of air

Isle-aux-Grues is the perfect place to get away from it all and connect with nature. In fact, all over the island, you’ll be amazed by so much beauty, but the Réserve naturelle Jean-Paul-Riopelle and the haut-marais stand out in particular.

Réserve naturelle Jean-Paul-Riopelle is a 48-hectare ecological zone located west of L’Isle-aux-Grues. Also known as Pointe aux Pins, it is home to an exceptional assemblage of flora, including a three-hundred-year-old maple grove. The 3 km of trails lead to rest areas and lookouts offering magnificent views.

Feeling alone in the world

At the other end of the island is the largest high marsh in northeastern North America. The vast tidal flats between L’Isle-aux-Grues and L’Isle-aux-Oies are home to an impressive diversity of birds. More than 200 species have been recorded here, some of them rare.

Photos: Stéphanie Allard, Stéphane Bourque, Eve-Danielle Latulippe and DanielTphoto