Birdwatching, cultural heritage and island trails give Montmagny several different ways to explore. One particularly distinctive thread is La route des plumes: this birdwatching tour route includes 15 sites in the MRC de Montmagny. There are also seven other ecologically interesting sites with high biodiversity. Those interested in birds and varied natural settings will find more than a single observation point to shape their trip around.
Birding Routes and Island Trails
L’Isle-aux-Grues also brings together several nature experiences. The island is promoted as a destination for cyclists. In the Réserve naturelle Jean-Paul-Riopelle, a 3-kilometer hiking trail runs through the protected area. The estimated walking time is about 60 minutes, and the trail is rated easy. There is also a staircase along the way. Together, the length, estimated time, difficulty rating and staircase offer specific guidance for planning, without requiring you to turn it into a longer hike.
The birdwatching route and the island trail offer different perspectives: one focuses on designated ornithological and ecologically interesting sites, while the other is a specific hiking trail in a protected area. L’Isle-aux-Grues also has a cheese factory.
Heritage and Accordion Music
In Montmagny, the Maison sir Étienne-Paschal-Taché was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1996. The Site patrimonial de Saint-François-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud offers another historical perspective. This ensemble includes a rectory, a calvary, the Church of Saint-François-de-Sales, a former convent and a former rectory. The buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries. This makes it easy to see the difference between a single designated historic site and an ensemble featuring several types of buildings.
The Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon offers a different kind of cultural discovery. Held annually in Montmagny, the festival lasts three days and features more than 20 concerts. The program also includes exhibitions, musical performances in restaurants, talks and master classes. So it’s not just about attending concerts: exhibitions and talks also offer different ways to experience accordion music. If you’d like to include the festival in your trip, check the event dates for your planned visit.
Ferry, Plane and a Self-Guided Excursion
When visiting the islands, it’s worth keeping their respective connections in mind. Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site is accessible only by boat from the Berthier-sur-Mer marina or by plane from Montmagny Airport. L’Isle-aux-Grues has its own connection: the free Grues-des-Îles ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis, can run only at high tide, and is suspended in winter. During the winter suspension, Air Montmagny is the island’s only connection. Check the ferry schedule before your trip so you can factor the tide requirement and seasonal suspension into your plans.
Cap-Saint-Ignace offers another rural discovery with La pomme de Cap-Saint-Ignace, an orchard tour route. The route is 3 kilometers long; the nearby orchards along Chemin de Bellevue can be explored on foot or by bicycle. This is a different way to experience the region from the trail in the protected area: here, instead of a stated walking time, the focus is on the route and the option to travel between the orchards on foot or by bike. Together, the birding sites, historic places, festival offerings and trails provide a variety of reasons to explore Montmagny according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: St-Pierre-De-La-Riviere-Du-Sud, Saint-Paul-De-Montminy, Cap-Saint-Ignace, Berthier-Sur-Mer, L'isle-Aux-Grues, Saint-Just-de-Bretenières, La Haute-Yamaska, Rouville.
For the broader travel overview: Quebec.
