Discover L'islet: boating, wood art and trails
Accommodation in L'islet
Ship history, wood art and forest trails shape the discoveries around L'islet. The Musée maritime du Québec welcomes visitors year-round; from May to October, you can visit two of its three museum ships: the icebreaker Ernest Lapointe and the hydrofoil Bras d’Or. Each place has its own character, from maritime themes in L’Islet to sculpture and crafts in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli.
Ship history and distinctive landmarks
The Musée maritime du Québec is located in L’Islet-sur-Mer. To reach the museum, you can take Autoroute Jean-Lesage (Autoroute 20) or Route des Navigateurs (Route 132). The seasonal opportunity to see the two museum ships adds tangible examples of seafaring to a year-round museum visit: the icebreaker Ernest Lapointe and the hydrofoil Bras d’Or.
Another distinctive landmark in L’Islet is Rocher Panet and its cross, which is clearly visible at sunset. It is near Camping Rocher Panet at 10 Route du Quai and the wharf. Église Notre-Dame de Bonsecours also contributes to the historic character of the town: the building is classified as a historic monument. Its architecture reflects changing architectural trends in Québec from the late 18th to the late 19th century.
Wood art and living memory
In Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, the Musée de la mémoire vivante and the Musée de la sculpture offer different ways to explore local culture. The Musée de la mémoire vivante tells the story of collective memory through narratives, photographs and everyday objects. Its well-tended gardens stretch down to the St. Lawrence River. The Musée de la sculpture showcases traditional and contemporary woodcarving as part of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli’s cultural heritage.
The Parc des Trois-Bérets also combines wood art with time outdoors: it features a maritime interpretive trail and unique wooden sculptures dedicated to the founding families and the Bourgault brothers. At Domaine Médard Bourgault, the sculptures are inspired by biblical themes, scenes of rural life and modern people. The Domaine’s house is open to the public; unique engravings can be found on the walls and furniture. At Roy Famille d’Artisans, every piece is considered one of a kind rather than mass-produced. The offerings include weaving and knitting, sculptures, sewing and decorative items.
Trails, water and active outings
Those who enjoy walking will find hiking trails in Saint-Marcel that wind through forests, follow streams and lead to viewpoints. One of the trails is 5 km long. For snowshoeing enthusiasts, Club Sportif Appalaches in L’Islet has 22 km of marked snowshoe trails. The different trail lengths and landscapes offer practical guidance for deciding what kind of outdoor experience to include in your itinerary.
On the water, Club de plein air des Aulnaies in Saint-Roch-Des-Aulnaies offers guided or self-guided kayak tours. The kayaking experience follows the Rivière ferrée through a green landscape. For motorized outings, the ATV offering in L’Islet includes five themed loop routes. ATV Trail No. 10 crosses the L’Islet sector near Tourville from east to west.
Local treats and choosing the right place
Culinary and craft discoveries can also help you choose where to stay. Ferme Paysanne in L’Islet produces and processes goat milk products, including goat cheese and pasteurized goat milk; farm visits are available by appointment. In Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Vignoble du Faubourg offers tastings of local wines. Visitors can also stroll among the sunlit rows of vines. Microbrasserie Ras L'Bock has thirteen beers on tap and snacks.
Les Escapades offers agrotourism and cultural visits between the river and the mountains. When looking for a vacation rental, let your preferred focus guide your starting point: maritime history and seafaring in L'islet, museums and wood art in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, or kayaking in Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies. This way, you can choose a place that suits the interests you want to shape your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Quebec.
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