Île aux Coudres

Île aux Coudres holds a prominent place in the history of French exploration of North America, having been named and explored by Jacques Cartier himself in 1535 during his second voyage. According to historical accounts, he celebrated the first Catholic mass on the territory that would become Canada here, inspired by the abundance of wild hazelnut trees—the coudres—that once covered the island's shores. Today, easily accessible by free ferry from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, the island has developed a strong maritime identity over the centuries. Its inhabitants long practiced the construction of wooden schooners destined for commercial coastal trade on the river, a tradition now celebrated at the Maritime Museum of Isle-aux-Coudres and the Félix-Antoine-Savard Space, dedicated to the writer who devoted several of his works to the insular and river life of this community. A tour around the island, easily completed by bike or car over approximately 23 kilometers, reveals an agricultural and maritime landscape typical of the Charlevoix islands, dotted with historic mills, small chapels, and panoramic views of the river where you may occasionally spot beluga whales in season. The island's proximity to the north shore of the river, combined with the picturesque ferry crossing itself, makes it a favorite getaway for visitors exploring the Charlevoix region beyond its better-known mainland attractions.