L'Isle-aux-Coudres

The main villages and hamlets of Isle-aux-Coudres are Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer (main village, located opposite the passage of Île aux Coudres), Cap aux Pierres, La Baleine (south-east side, comprising Cap à la Baleine), Isle-aux-Coudres (southwest side, with two bays) and Cap-à-la-Branche (west end of the island).

The topography of the island results from the rise of the terrain immediately following the impact of an asteroid with an estimated diameter of up to 2 km (1.2 mi) nearly 400 million years ago . The point of impact is estimated to be the summit of Mont Les Éboulements. The distance between the summit of Mont Les Éboulements and the centre of Île aux-Coudres is 11.2 km (7.0 mi). This impact created a vast crater whose residue today stretches over 54 km in diameter. The island is found in the southern part of this crater.

Île aux Coudres, like the part of the south shore of the St. Lawrence facing Charlevoix, is part of the Appalachian geological province. The current territory of the island is the residue of the first parts of the "Charlevoisinnes" Appalachians.

The island has a length of 11.2 km by 4.3 km (2.7 mi) (maximum width) at high tide; at low tide, the island is 15.0 km (9.3 mi) by 6.3 km (3.9 mi) with a large expanse of sandstone on its periphery, except in the ferry dock area. At low tide, the sandstone stretches up to 4.9 km (3.0 mi) to the southwest, from Pointe à Simon (southwest of the island). The Battures de la Baleine (on the southeast coast) clear up to 1.2 km (0.75 mi) at low tide. While the Grande Batture stretches over 1.2 km to the northwest of the island (between Cap Labranche and Pointe de la Prairie).

The maximum altitude is 101 m (331 ft) to the northwest; the territory of the island is generally flat. The most important watercourse on the island is the rivière Rouge which begins in the centre of the island and flows south-west to at Church Bay. The watermills were erected there near its mouth. The main coves are (clockwise from the ferry dock):

• north shore: Anse à Mailloux, Buttemont, Ruisseau Rouge, Trois Épinettes;
• south-east shore: Anse à Léon, waiting, boats, Grandes Mares;
• west shore: Anse de l'Eglise, Le Havre, Petite Anse de l'Îlet;
• northwest shore: La Prairie anchorage.

Cartier Beach is located at La Prairie anchorage (northwest of the island), opposite Jacques Cartier Park, between Pointe de la Prairie and Pointe des Roches.

• From Tadoussac (115 km (71 mi), 2 hr 30 min), take the Tadoussac-Baie Sainte-Catherine ferry (free); take route 138 (westbound), to the village of La Malbaie; after the bridge over the Malbaie River, take Route 362 along the river to the village of Les Éboulements; take rue Du Pont (south), cross the village of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive to the ferry wharf; take the Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive-Isle-aux-Coudres ferry.
• From Quebec City (121 km (75 mi), 2 hr 01 min), take Route 138 eastbound to the village of Baie-Saint-Paul; take Route 362 along the St. Lawrence River to the village of Les Éboulements; take rue Du Pont (south), cross the village of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive to the ferry wharf; take the Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive-Isle-aux-Coudres ferry.

A ferry (free service) connects Île aux Coudres to Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive. The distance between the shores of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive and Île aux Coudres is 2.9 km (1.8 mi); however, because of the location of the Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer wharf (île aux Coudres), the ferry travels 3.9 km (2.4 mi). The river crossing offers a magnificent panorama of the Charlevoix and Coudrilois coastline. The two river ferry stations are located at:

• 🌍 Gare fluviale de Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive (Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive river station), 750, chemin du Quai, Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, toll-free: +1-877-787-7483. The distance between the shores of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive and Île aux Coudres is 2.9 km (1.8 mi); however, because of the location of the Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer wharf (Île aux Coudres), the ferry makes a trip of 3.9 km (2.4 mi). The Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive ferry dock is located at the end of a peninsula. (updated Dec 2021)
• 🌍 Gare fluviale de L'Isle-aux-Coudres (Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive river station), 1, chemin de la Traverse, Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer, toll-free: +1-877-787-7483. The L'Isle-aux-Coudres ferry dock is located on the north side of the island, in the village of Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer. (updated Dec 2021)

• 🌍 Aéroport de l'Île aux Coudres (Ïle aux Coudres Airport) (in the southwestern part of the island), ☏ +1 418-452-3417. Altitude: 34 m. Operated by Wyman Aviation Services. (updated Dec 2021)

• 🌍 Les Moulins de l'Isle-Aux-Coudres, 36, chemin du Moulin, ☏ +1 418-760-1065, info@lesmoulinsdelisleauxcoudres.com. Visit of the mills (powered by water and wind) which are located close to each other, have more than 200 years of history. In 1815, the Séminaire de Québec, Lord of the Island, gave its approval to the construction of a watermill. The windmill was built in 1836. Their exploitation ceased in 1948. These mills are classified according to the Law on cultural goods at the beginning of the sixties; the second life began in 1982. The two mills are functional again. Economuseum of milling. Shop. Educational workshops (group of 20 children or more). (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Halte des Piliers. Stopover located in the southwest of the island, with a magnificent view of the river. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Parc Jacques Cartier (Park facing Passage de l'Île aux Coudres, and located near the ferry dock). The lighthouse is on the edge of the sandstone, facing Pointe de la Prairie. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Parc Île aux Coudres, 30-42 chemin de l'Islet (Park located at the end of the peninsula in the western part of the island.). Bird watching site. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Parc Roche à Caya (in the southwest of the island, with a magnificent view of the river). Park at the end of Le Havre bay bounded to the west by a peninsula jutting into the river. The pedestrian paths allow the observation of the winged fauna; more than 80 species of birds frequent this park, including the Barrow's goldeneye and the loggerhead shrike, two species at risk in Quebec. (updated Jan 2022)

• La route des saveurs (The route of flavors). Thanks to the presentation on the Tourisme-Charlevoix website, epicureans can treat themselves to a gastronomic adventure on the Route des Saveurs, from Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to La Malbaie via the backcountry. This tour of flavors among producers generates a diversity of taste experiences of local products: ciders, craft beers, cheeses and fine chocolates, organic meats, ducks and market garden products. This agritourism among producers allows you to taste, taste or dine. (updated Dec 2021)
• Circuit agroartistique PAYS'ART 2021 (Circuit agroartistique PAYS'ART 2021), Poste 6013, ☏ +1 418 435-2639, availlancourt@mrccharlevoix.ca. Since 2015, Pays’Art has been an agro-artistic circuit throughout Charlevoix aimed at discovering the region's agricultural landscapes and the businesses that exploit them. Each site visited includes ephemeral and distinctive art installations. La Ferme Nor-Dic (66 rang Sainte-Marie, Les Éboulements) was ranked among the 10 companies in 2021 in the MRC that host an artistic work. (updated Dec 2021)
• Circuit des sept lieux (Seven places circuit). Seven exceptional cultural sites in Charlevoix have been selected to bring the Regional Culture Experience to life: Espace muséal des Petites Franciscaines de Marie, Musée d'art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul, Les Moulins de l'Isle-aux-Coudres, Musée maritime de Charlevoix, Papeterie Saint-Gilles, Musée de Charlevoix, Forge-menuiserie Cauchon. These museums, economuseums and interpretation sites are seen as ingenious, lively, fun and fabulous. In this cultural circuit, visitors will be able to see artisans at work, admire artistic works in various forms. Thus, this circuit allows you to discover the history and traditions of the region, in particular the Charlevoix Museum and the Cauchon Forge-Menuiserie in La Malbaie. Just connect to: @ circuit7lieux. (updated Dec 2021)
• La route des métiers d'art (The arts and crafts route). Thanks to the BaladoDécouverte application, this road circuit between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, shows the creations and know-how of artists and artisans of the Charlevoix region. Beginning in Baie-Saint-Paul, this circuit passes through La Malbaie, and goes to Port-au-Persil. This podcast guides visitors through the shops and places of creation of the members of the Corporation des Métiers d'Art en Charlevoix. (updated Dec 2021)
• Circuit du patrimoine religieux (Religious heritage circuit). The Christianity movement until the second half of the 20th century left an indelible religious heritage of inestimable value in Charlevoix. This circuit takes visitors to tour seven religious buildings: the Chapel of Grand-Fonds, the Church of Pointe-au-Pic, the Church of Sainte-Agnès, the Church of Saint-Étienne de La Malbaie, the Monastery of the Glorious Cross, Murray Bay Protestant Church, St-Peter-on-the-Rock and the Site of the Cross cemetery. (updated Dec 2021)
• La route du fleuve de Charlevoix (The river route of Charlevoix). The Route du Fleuve (route 362) is a panoramic circuit over 58 kilometers from Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie, passing through the picturesque towns of Les Éboulements and Saint-Irénée, along overhanging the northern coast. The bucolic views over the river show the maritime animation (passage of a boat, fog, cloud, storm, play of the sun) and panoramas that can change from hour to hour. The points of interest on this tour reflect the great history of this region where forestry, recreational tourism, marine activity and the mountains have shaped the way of life. This intoxicating panoramic circuit is one of the most picturesque in Quebec. (updated Dec 2021)

• 🌍 Marché Traditions - Alimentation W. Boudreault inc, 3337, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-438-2366. General grocery store. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Épicerie Chez Paul, 3269, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-438-2366. Bakery for pastries. (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Boulangerie Bouchard, 1648, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-438-2454. Bakery in operation since 1945. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 La Chocolaterie, 2291, chemin des Coudriers, Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer, ☏ +1 418-635-1651. Shop offering a wide range of chocolate products. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 La Grimoire Isle-aux-Coudres, 1253, chemin des Coudriers, Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer, ☏ +1 418-617-4292. Herbalism. (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Cidrerie Verges Pedneault, 3384, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-438-2365, commande@vergerspedneault.com. Boutique offering approximately 350 products from 25 producers. This century-old family business is the main fruit farm in the region. The orchards cover 22 hectares where more than 6,000 apple trees (35 varieties of apples) and 3,000 fruit trees (pear, plum, cherry, serviceberry) are grown there. The Isle's microclimate favors this type of cultivation. (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Charlotte! Atelier-Boutique, 1292, chemin des Coudriers, Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer, ☏ +1 418-438-2321, info@ateliercharlotte.com. This boutique workshop offers handmade objects; it is also a line of clothing for young and old, jewellery and home accessories, designed in the playful imagination of island designer Pascale Perron. While the Petite place d'art offers the works of talented artists including Jimmy Perron (painter), Carococo (illustrator), Martin Brisson (sculptor). (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Atelier Zig Zag, 3155, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-434-2600. Dressmaker. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Boutique galerie de l'artisanat, 2922, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2941. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 La Timonerie Boutique, 3017, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-1359. Souvenir gift shop inspired by the sea and also offering handicrafts. Picnic area with large parking lot. Riverside shop built in the shape of a ship's wheelhouse. It is an old converted museum. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Le 1603 - Boutique de cadeaux souvenirs, 1603, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-240-6181. Vast range of products: soap, candy and vegetal odds and ends. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Safran Charlevoix, 1168, chemin des Coudriers, Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer, ☏ +1 418-822-9616, safrancharlevoix@gmail.com. Souvenir gift shop, annexed to the main house. Wide choice of products processed on site. Passion for saffron. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Vélo-Coudres, 2926, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2118. Bicycle rental service. (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Aux Fruits du Biscuitier, 3387, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-600-8123. Wi-Fi. Desserts personalized to the customer's taste. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Restaurant Chez Stan, 31, chemin de la Traverse, Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer (Situé au coeur du village de Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer, sur le chemin menant au traversier.), ☏ +1 418-438-2333, restochezstan@hotmail.com. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 La Fabrique de l'Isle, 3415, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-660-8415, info@lafabriquedelisle.com. Meals on site. Take-out orders. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Le Corylus Resto-Bistro, 3094, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-600-8013. Restaurant with terrace facing the river. The cuisine includes food from artisan producers in Charlevoix. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Resto de l'Auberge La Fascine, 1064, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-438-1010. Grill restaurant and refined dishes prepared with regional produce. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Salle à manger de l'hôtel La Roche Pleureuse, 2901, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine, info@hotelrochepleureuse.com. Inn located along the river, on the eastern tip of Isle-aux-Coudres. (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Casse-croûte du Camping Motel Leclerc, 275, chemin de la Baleine, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2217. Snack type menu. (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Auberge La Coudrière (Cool Hotel), 2891, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2838, info@cool-hotel.com. Wi-Fi. Hotel with 49 rooms and chalets overlooking the river. Restaurant with panoramic view. Bar. Outdoor pool. Theatre play taking place directly on the site in the summer season. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Auberge La Fascine, 1064, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-438-1010. Restaurant, bar, shows, accommodation and "Belle et Rebelle" clothing and accessories boutique. This mythical place on the island, in operation since 2013, has a capacity of 14 people. Offer of seven rooms for rent, ecologically decorated artistically and dressed by artisans from the region. The establishment has a performance hall where emerging or recognized artists perform. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Auberge Les Églantiers, 82, chemin de la Baleine, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2500. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Havre Musical de l'Islet, 71, chemin de l'Islet, ☏ +1 418-438-2423, havremusicaldelislet@gmail.com. Picturesque motel, friendly rooms, located on a legendary peninsula in the western part of Isle aux Coudres. Hotel, concerts, seminars. Moon concerts are held on Fridays at 20:00. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Hôtel-Motel Les Voitures d'eau, 1933, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 800-463-2118, voituresdeau@isleauxcoudres.com. Wi-Fi. Hotel-Motel offering 24 rooms with refrigerator and 5 studio rooms with kitchen. Heated outdoor swimming pool. Leisure equipment. Lounge bar. Arranged along the river. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Motel La Baleine, 274, chemin de la Baleine, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2453, info@motellabaleine.com. Motels with kitchenettes and chalets. With a view of the river. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Motel Leclerc, 333, chemin de la Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2217. Wi-Fi in the motels at the reception and on part of the site. Campsite with 130 pitches (40 by 50 feet), 36 of which have water, electricity and sewer connections for trailers; 30 with water and electricity outlets; 60 with water intakes only. Superb view of the sandstone along the river and the south shore of the river in the distance. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Hôtel Cap-aux-Pierres, 444, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2711, +1 888-554-6003, reservation@hotelcapauxpierres.com. Wi-Fi. Hotel offering 45 air-conditioned rooms on 2 floors (with elevator and stairs) in the main building, and 52 motel rooms. The site offers a splendid view of the river or the estate. An indoor pool and another outside. Restaurant, terrace and gardens. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Hôtel La Roche Pleureuse, 2901, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine (inn located along the river, on the eastern tip of Isle-aux-Coudres), ☏ +1 418-438-2734, info@hotelrochepleureuse.com. Wi-Fi. Inn whose operation began in 1930. Main activities and infrastructure: tennis court, shuffleboard, petanque, mini-putt, games for children, a salt water swimming pool, another freshwater swimming pool, a romper (spa-like) for children and a pedal boat rental service. Dining room, with terrace facing the St. Lawrence River. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Motel Chalet A Dufour Enr, 414, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2314. Motels and cabins for rent. Each cabin has a full kitchen. Pedestrian paths in the surroundings. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Vacances Iles Coudres, 2901, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2217. Hotel. (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Chalets et Camping du Ruisseau Rouge, 3025, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2128, info@chaletscampoingruisseaurouge.ca. Campground with 60 campsites and seven well-equipped cabins, with a view of the river and the mountains. Main infrastructures and activities: community room with books and board games, above-ground pool 27 feet in diameter, swings and sandbox for children, horseshoe pits, washer and dryer, direct access to the river and the banks of Anse du Ruisseau Rouge. Opportunity to walk for miles on the beach and enjoy the magnificent views of the "Bout d'en bas" located on the eastern tip of Isle-aux-Coudres. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Dazama, 1851, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-635-1153. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Coudrier-1181, 1181, chemin des Coudriers, Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer, ☏ +1 844-624-2538. Gîte. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Gîte du Moulin, 15, chemin du Moulin, ☏ +1 418-809-0362. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 La Maison Chez Ghislaine, 1121, chemin des Coudriers, Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer, ☏ +1 418-635-1153. Wi-Fi. Gîte. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 La Maison Chez Mariette, 2023, chemin des Coudriers, ☏ +1 418-635-1153. Wi-Fi. Gîte. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Les Chalets du Bout d'en Bas, 2962, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine (on the Est de l'Isle point ("Le Bout d'en Bas")), ☏ +1 418-438-2366, +1 418-435-8897, info@chaletsduboutdenbas.com. Wi-Fi. Magnificent houses near the river. Panoramic view of the river and the mountains of Charlevoix. Capacity of each house: six people. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Mademoiselle Églantine, 52, chemin du Mouillage, Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer, ☏ +1 418-635-1153. Wi-Fi. Gîte. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Maison La Grand'Visit, 1064, chemin des Coudriers (a few steps from the Auberge la Fascine), ☏ +1 418-438-1010. Wi-Fi. Large rental house with five closed bedrooms and many amenities. Forest trails and exceptional views of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding mountains. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Petit Coin-Paradis, 1064, chemin des Coudriers (a few steps from the Auberge la Fascine), ☏ +1 418-438-2979. Wi-Fi. Up to 8 people. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms. (updated Jan 2022)

• 🌍 Camping Motel Leclerc, 333, chemin de la Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2217. In operation, from May 15, to October 15. Wi-Fi in the motels at the reception and on part of the site. Campsite with 130 pitches (40 by 50 feet), 36 of which have water, electricity and sewer connections for trailers; 30 with water and electricity outlets; 60 with water intakes only. Superb view of the sandstone along the river and the south shore of the river in the distance. Variety of activities: horseshoes, petanque, badminton, sandbox, swings, slides, volleyball, various games, activity centre, and climbing frame. Convenience store and a snack bar. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Camping Sylvie, 1275, chemin des Coudriers, Saint-Bernard-sur-Mer, ☏ +1 418-438-2420, +1 418-635-2437 (off season). Campsite with 42 pitches for camping and trailers, with an artificial lake and access to the beach. (updated Jan 2022)
• 🌍 Chalets et Camping du Ruisseau Rouge, 3025, chemin des Coudriers, La Baleine, ☏ +1 418-438-2128, info@chaletscampoingruisseaurouge.ca. Campground with 60 campsites and seven well-equipped cabins, with a view of the river and the mountains. Main infrastructures and activities: community room with books and board games, above-ground pool 27 feet in diameter, swings and sandbox for children, horseshoe pits, washer and dryer, direct access to the river and the banks of Anse du Ruisseau Rouge. Opportunity to walk for miles on the beach and enjoy the magnificent views of the "Bout d'en bas" located on the eastern tip of Isle-aux-Coudres. (updated Jan 2022)