L'Islet: Maritime Museums, Wood Art and Nature

Maritime history, wood art and outdoor experiences give a stay in L'Islet a range of different focuses. The Musée maritime du Québec, historic architecture and art venues in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli offer cultural highlights; trails and kayaking tours appeal to other interests. You can plan your trip around the themes you most want to experience.

Maritime History and Architecture

The Musée maritime du Québec is located in L’Islet-sur-Mer and welcomes visitors year-round. You can reach the museum via the Jean-Lesage Autoroute (Autoroute 20) or the Route des Navigateurs (Route 132). From May to October, visitors can tour two of the three museum ships: the icebreaker Ernest Lapointe and the hydrofoil Bras d’Or. Check the latest operating information and seasonal options for visiting the ships before your trip.

The Église Notre-Dame de Bonsecours is also a notable cultural landmark in L’Islet: the building is classified as a historic monument. Its architecture reflects the changing architectural styles in Quebec from the late 18th to the late 19th century. This brings two distinct ways of exploring maritime history and built heritage together: the museum’s collection and ships, and the architectural evolution reflected in the church.

Stories and Woodcarving in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli

The Musée de la mémoire vivante conveys collective memory through stories, photographs and everyday objects. Its well-kept gardens extend down to the St. Lawrence River. The Musée de la sculpture focuses on traditional and contemporary woodcarving as part of the heritage of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. In Parc des Trois-Bérets, a maritime educational trail adds to the outdoor experience; the park also features unique wooden sculptures dedicated to the founding families and the Bourgault brothers.

The Domaine Médard Bourgault offers further insight into sculpture. Its sculptures are inspired by biblical themes, scenes of rural life and modern people. The Domaine’s house is open to the public and contains unique engravings on its walls and furnishings. Roy Famille d’Artisans offers weaving, knitting, sculpture, sewing and decorative items. Each piece is considered one of a kind rather than mass-produced.

Trails, Scenery and Activities

Rocher Panet and its cross are clearly visible at sunset in L’Islet. It is located near Camping Rocher Panet at 10 Route du Quai and the wharf. For snow activities, Club Sportif Appalaches in L’Islet has 22 kilometres of designated snowshoe trails. The hiking trails in Saint-Marcel pass through forests, follow streams and offer viewpoints; one of the trails is five kilometres long.

Near Tourville, quad trail No. 10 crosses the L’Islet sector from east to west. Quad riding in L’Islet includes five themed circuits. The kayaking tours offered by Club de plein air des Aulnaies in Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies provide another way to spend time outdoors. They follow the Rivière ferrée through a green landscape and can be taken with a guide or independently. The options range from designated snowshoe trails and hiking paths to trips on the water.

Local Products and Tastings

In L’Islet, Ferme Paysanne produces and processes goat milk products, including goat cheese and pasteurized goat milk. Farm visits are available by appointment; check availability before your trip. At Vignoble du Faubourg in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, you can sample local wines and stroll between sunlit rows of vines. Les Escapades also offers agritourism and cultural visits between the river and the mountains.

For a snack break, Microbrasserie Ras L'Bock in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli has thirteen beers on tap. Together with the wine tastings and farm visit, this offers another focus for your trip alongside museums, wood art and outdoor activities. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first decide which of these interests you want your trip to centre on.

Discover more destinations: L'Islet, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Saint-Roch-Des-Aulnaies, Desjardins, Bellechasse, Asbestos, Le Haut-Saint-François Regional County Municipality, Manicouagan

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