L’Isle-aux-Coudres is a municipality in Quebec that covers the island of the same name and it is located in the St. Lawrence River near Baie-Saint-Paul. It is also part of the regional county municipality of Charlevoix. There are three villages on the island: Saint-Bernard, Saint-Louis and La Baleine. To get there, you have to go to the quay of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive (Les Éboulements) to take the ferry. It is a place that receives a lot of tourism, ideal also for cycling enthusiasts who will be able to tour the island with its 23km and also will be able to benefit from an additional 17 km of secondary paths. There you will find campsites, motels, hotels and chalets for a good vacation. There are heritage sites and buildings to visit such as the mills, the St-Louis and St-Bernard churches and the Leclerc house among others. The island has a microclimate that makes winters milder and rains short.
Tips
There is one ferry per hour so it’s best to inquire about the times so you don’t have to stay in the queue for long.
If you want to have a beautiful view of the tides, visit or stay at the Cap-aux-Pierres hotel. It has a large belvedere from where you can observe the tides and the birds, surrounded by a very calm landscape of great beauty. The hotel has a restaurant and it is possible to make a reservation or if you prefer, pick up a meal for take out. Bike rental is also possible.
If you like fish and seafood, a meal at Corylus will satisfy you.
A tasting is possible at the Cidrerie Pedneault where you can buy their products.
If you are visiting the Moulins de l’Isle-aux-Coudres, it is worth taking the guided tour to learn a little more about the history of the mills. An on-site shop will offer you a variety of their flours as well as souvenirs.
Les Traverseux is a space where you can learn about the history of ice canoes; a very interesting visit to do. A beautiful souvenir shop awaits you.
