Ready to hit the road in Berthier-sur-Mer, an RV-friendly destination!

We’re noticing a trend this summer as we travel the roads of Quebec. Many villages and municipalities have adapted to the new reality of growing numbers of nomadic RV travellers. Travellers who are self-sufficient and want secure access to parking to spend the night and take time to visit the local tourist attractions. Such is the case of Berthier-sur-Mer in the beautiful Chaudière-Appalaches region.

Trade in the RV for the boat

They’ve set up a huge parking lot right next to the magnificent Parc Fluvial on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. The cost to stay overnight without service is $25 per night, and you can pay at the Parc Fluvial souvenir store, at l’Amiral restaurant and to the attendant who passes by at sunset.

In addition to being a very RV-friendly village, Berthier-sur-Mer is also the gateway to Grosse-Île. We board Croisières Lachance ‘s Vent des Îles and set sail on the St. Lawrence for the island that served as a quarantine station for over 105 years.

Direction Grosse-Île with PRÊTS pour la route

Navigating 5 generations of history

Aboard the Croisière Lachance boat, our captain tells us the story of the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago. The Lachance family has lived on Île-au-Canot for over 5 generations. So they’ve got a ton of really interesting anecdotes to tell us as we make our way to Grosse-Île. Can you believe that back in the day, children living on the islands had to take the boat morning and night to get to school in Montmagny? And today, Isle-aux-Grues kids go to school by plane. Much cooler than the yellow bus! On top of that, you’re spoiled for choice by the sublime views, both of the rocky reef on the south side of the river and of the impressive Mont Saint-Anne on the north side.

Time travel

When you arrive on the island, you immediately feel like you’re back in 1913. On the dock, we’re greeted by Parks Canada guides and period characters who will follow us throughout our adventure on Grosse-Île. The actors will follow us at various stages of the tour, to put us in the mood and show us how people lived in those days.

For history buffs like us, the tour is fascinating. We enter the old buildings and gain a better understanding of the path taken by immigrants during this pivotal period in Canadian history.

The visit is as much about satisfying our appetite for history as it is about the beauty of the island’s landscapes. What’s more, we were treated to perfect weather during our visit.

The world's largest Celtic cross

The building that impressed me most was the disinfection station right next to the dock. While luggage was being disinfected, immigrants had to pass through the disinfectant showers. On the ground floor, you can see the huge coal-fired generator that supplied the island with electricity.

Our visit ended at the Irish Memorial, which pays tribute to the more than 7,500 dead, including over 5,000 in 1857. We then climbed the island’s highest peak in just a few minutes to reach the most beautiful viewpoint, where the world’s largest Celtic cross is enthroned!

Aerial view of the Grosse-Île Memorial located in the western sector of Grosse-Île in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago. — ©Aerial view of the Grosse Île Memorial located in the western sector of Grosse Île|Louis Chamberland

Aerial view of the Irish cemetery located in the western sector of Grosse-Île in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago. — ©Aerial view of the Irish cemetery located in the western sector of Grosse-Île|Louis Chamberland

Back to the continent

On the way back, we don’t need to move our RV from the parking lot, so we can head straight to Restaurant l’Amiral for dinner. The restaurant is located directly opposite the Croisières Lachance embarkation dock. So you can’t miss it! Their menu is sure to satisfy all seafood lovers. The Lobster Roll “Le vrai” from start to finish is just one example of the seafood dishes on offer! Meat lovers are not left out with their beef filet mignon.

We spent the rest of the evening having fun on the shore, admiring Mother Nature’s beautiful show. Then it was just a short walk to our vehicle, which was waiting for us at the Halte RV.

This little escapade reminded us that sometimes, there are little gems close to home. You don’t have to travel across America to enjoy great experiences. And with the price of gas right now, let’s just say that less than an hour from Quebec City, this really is an ideal RV destination.

Photos: PRÊTS pour la route, Stéphanie Allard and Louis Chamberland

Trade in the RV for the boat

Navigating 5 generations of history

Time travel

The visit is as much about satisfying our appetite for history as it is about the beauty of the island’s landscapes. What’s more, we were treated to perfect weather during our visit.

The world's largest Celtic cross

Back to the continent

Grosse Île and the Irish Memorialof Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial

Berthier-sur-Mer RV Park

Les Croisières Lachances

Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial
of Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial