At the Musée maritime du Québec in L’Islet-sur-Mer, you can explore maritime history on two levels: the museum welcomes visitors year-round, while two of its three museum ships can be visited from May to October. They include the icebreaker Ernest Lapointe and the hydrofoil Bras d’Or—two different types of vessels that bring the museum’s maritime focus to life. Check the latest operating information and seasonal access to the ships before your trip.
You can reach the Musée maritime du Québec via the Autoroute Jean-Lesage (Autoroute 20) or the Route des Navigateurs (Route 132). This helps you plan your journey to visit the exhibition and the ships that are open seasonally, without assuming both are accessible during the same season.
Architecture, views, and trails
The Église Notre-Dame de Bonsecours in L’Islet also draws attention to the region’s history. The building is classified as a historic monument. Its architecture reflects the changing architectural trends in Québec from the late 18th to the late 19th century. A single building thus reveals a longer period of change, rather than focusing on just one particular architectural style.
The Rocher Panet, with its cross, offers a different scene and is clearly visible at sunset. Camping Rocher Panet at 10 Route du Quai and the wharf are close to the rock. There are other, distinct ways to enjoy the outdoors: Club Sportif Appalaches has 22 kilometres of marked snowshoeing trails. The hiking trails in Saint-Marcel pass through forests, follow streams, and offer viewpoints; they include a five-kilometre trail. The outdoor options differ in both activity and length: 22 kilometres of marked snowshoeing trails, compared with a five-kilometre hiking trail through forests, along streams, and to viewpoints.
Stories and wood art in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli
Different forms of remembering and creating come together in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. The Musée de la mémoire vivante conveys collective memory through stories, photographs, and everyday objects. Its well-kept gardens stretch down to the St. Lawrence River. The Musée de la sculpture, by contrast, focuses on wood carving: its exhibits include traditional and contemporary works that are part of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli’s cultural heritage. Those interested in the stories behind people and everyday life will find a different focus at the first museum than in the carved works at the second.
Parc des Trois-Bérets combines a maritime educational trail with unique wooden sculptures dedicated to the founding families and the Bourgault brothers. The sculptures at Domaine Médard Bourgault are inspired by biblical themes, scenes of rural life, and modern people. The Domaine house is open to the public, and its walls and furniture feature unique engravings. 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.
Local fare and kayaking on the river
Culinary discoveries offer a range of experiences, too. Vignoble du Faubourg offers tastings of local wines; visitors can also stroll between its sunlit rows of vines. Microbrasserie Ras L’Bock has thirteen beers on tap and snacks. Ferme Paysanne produces and processes goat milk products, including goat cheese and pasteurized goat milk. Farm visits are available by appointment; confirm that a time slot is available before you set out.
In Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, Club de plein air des Aulnaies offers guided or self-guided kayaking tours. The experience follows the Rivière ferrée through green surroundings. You can choose between a guided tour and a self-guided option. Les Escapades also offers agrotourism and cultural visits between the river and the mountains.
More ways to enjoy the outdoors
For ATV excursions, L’Islet offers five themed circuits. Quad trail No. 10 crosses the L’Islet area near Tourville from east to west. This adds another activity and a specific route to the snowshoeing and hiking trails. Together with the museums, architecture, woodwork, and wine, beer, and goat milk offerings, these experiences make L’Islet a destination whose attractions range from maritime history to outdoor activities.
Discover more destinations: L'Islet, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Saint-Roch-Des-Aulnaies, La Côte-De-Gaspé, Le Val-Saint-François, Le Haut-Richelieu, Rouyn-Noranda, Beauharnois-Salaberry.
For the main travel overview: Quebec.
