Just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Quebec City, Isle-aux-Coudres awaits you for a unique getaway in the heart of the St. Lawrence. This pearl of Charlevoix reveals spectacular landscapes between sea and mountains. Here, a rich maritime heritage is proudly perpetuated through historical mills, living traditions, and local flavors. The free ferry takes you there for an adventure where preserved nature and authenticity meet.

We share here all our tips and best addresses to help you organize your next trip to Isle-aux-Coudres during your next trip to Quebec.

Isle-aux-Coudres: the jewel of Charlevoix

Isle-aux-Coudres reveals a mosaic of landscapes between gusts of salty air and magnificent panoramas. Along the Chemin des Coudriers, the main road that circles the island, visitors discover a succession of remarkable viewpoints over the St. Lawrence River.

From pebble beaches to icy flats in winter, wild nature reigns supreme. The local flora, dotted with wildflowers and hazel trees, creates an environment conducive to picnics and contemplative hikes.

Passion for the sea still drives the daily lives of islanders. Stake fishing, an ancient technique using fixed nets between wooden poles, is still practiced from May to November along the flats.

Shipyards perpetuate maritime excellence by building innovative aluminum boats. The expertise of the builders is notably showcased through the "Famille Dufour I", the first aluminum ship built in eastern Canada.

Local artisans share their expertise by offering workshops in knotting and traditional navigation. On the docks, fishermen willingly share their crab and eel fishing techniques, perpetuating the island's characteristic spirit of sharing.

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How to access Isle-aux-Coudres?

The 3.7-kilometer crossing takes 15 minutes aboard the NM Joseph-Savard, a modern ship that can accommodate 367 passengers and 55 vehicles. Departures are scheduled from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, with a return 30 minutes later from Isle-aux-Coudres.

During the summer, crossing frequency increases with departures every 30 minutes during peak hours. For a smooth journey, arrive 15 minutes before boarding, especially on busy weekends.

The service is accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. For your safety, follow the staff's instructions during boarding: turn off your engine and engage your hand brake once parked on deck.

Where to park in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive

The main parking lot near the dock offers about sixty spaces on a large waiting area. During busy times, alternatives exist at the Jean XXIII building and the Ferme Éboulmontaise. Spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility are located facing the ship's elevator, with easy access to the ferry terminal.

Biking around Isle-aux-Coudres

Isle-aux-Coudres offers a unique cycle touring experience, both accessible and rich in bucolic panoramas. For outdoor enthusiasts and seasoned cyclists alike, here are four routes of varying lengths that will allow you to fully discover the island's charms.

If you don't have your own bikes, head to the Vélo-Coudres center, a rental point offering a wide range of equipment suitable for all levels. Families will particularly appreciate the tandems and quadricycles that allow them to pedal together.

Chemin des Coudriers - 23 km

This route covers the entire island, passing through picturesque villages, stunning viewpoints, and some of the region's best gourmet addresses. It is the ideal itinerary for a comprehensive Isle-aux-Coudres experience: you'll get a glimpse of local culture, natural wealth, and Charlevoix gastronomy all in one tour.

Plan a minimum of 3 hours to complete the 23 kilometers, including photo breaks and visits to local artisans.

Chemin des prairies - 7 km

Perfect for cyclists who prefer a shorter route. At only 7 km, you will cross agricultural spaces and fields typical of the region, often enhanced by unobstructed views of the St. Lawrence. It’s a circuit accessible to families or beginner cyclists.

Chemin de la Bourroche - 5 km

This 5 km route is a nice alternative for those who have little time to explore the island.

Route du Verger - 3 km

Perfect for a morning stroll or an express detour to enjoy local products, including artisanal ciders and jams. Combine this route with a visit to a cidery to taste local ciders and bring back some gourmet souvenirs.

What to see and do at Isle-aux-Coudres?

Visit the Cidrerie and Vergers Pedneault

The Cidrerie and Vergers Pedneault is an essential stop for lovers of local flavors and gourmet experiences. For several generations, this family business has passionately cultivated a wide variety of fruits, transformed into artisanal ciders, mistelles, and other delights of the terroir. 

In visiting the grounds, you will be able to

tasting several types of ciders, trying homemade jams, or even participating in apple picking depending on the season. Whether you are a fan of sweet, sparkling, or more robust ciders, you will undoubtedly find something to delight your taste buds. It is also the perfect opportunity to bring back a gourmet souvenir from your trip to Isle-aux-Coudres!

Stop at the most beautiful viewpoints

The parc de la Roche Caya reveals a spectacular panorama of the Charlevoix mountains and the Massif. This natural stop invites the contemplation of the river and steep cliffs.

Among the treasures of the southern part is the Havre Musical de l'Islet. This secret place jealously guards one of the most beautiful views of the Montmagny archipelago and the Charlevoix caps. An orientation table allows the identification of the surrounding peaks. Don't miss these two must-see viewpoints!

The mills of Isle-aux-Coudres

True gems of Quebec heritage, the Mills of Isle-aux-Coudres represent an incredible site featuring a water mill (1825) and a windmill (1836) perfectly restored. The miller perpetuates the ancestral tradition by grinding wheat, buckwheat, and rye on stone wheels. 

The shop offers freshly ground flour using traditional methods. Permanent exhibits tell the history of the island's customs through the folk art of artist Alfred Desgagnés. Visitors discover the ingenuity of period mechanisms thanks to daily milling demonstrations. An authentic experience to understand how these mills saved the island from famine in the 19th century.

Opening hours: Mid-May to mid-October - Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

The Saint-Louis Church

Built in 1885, the Saint-Louis Church stands out with its elegant twin towers and architecture inspired by the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré basilica. It houses a rich artistic heritage, including a statue of King Saint Louis by Louis Jobin (1886), a painting by Jean-Paul Lemieux, and a chalice from 1777. Its frescoes by Gaston Masselotte illustrate sacred history in fifteen panels. 

Symbolizing the faith of the first inhabitants of Isle-aux-Coudres, it remains a valuable witness to its spiritual and cultural heritage.

The famous kitesurfing spots

The southern part of the island, particularly la Halte des Piliers, is a popular kitesurfing spot for its stable winds and vast sand flats. At low tide, the beach unfolds, ideal for learning, while northeast conditions promote waves and southwest winds offer smoother sessions. A certified school offers training for all levels, making this one of the best sites in Quebec.

Hiking and walking trails

Tour of Isle-aux-Coudres (Chemin des Coudriers)

Obviously, the most comprehensive hike on Isle-aux-Coudres remains its complete tour. Hikers will discover along their route a unique flora, with species typical of the St. Lawrence, enhanced by the spring morning freshness or the incredible fall colors. Plan a day-long excursion for this course, considering photo stops, a good lunch, and a few visits!

• Distance: 23 km loop
• Difficulty: easy, some steep sections

Chemin du Bout-d'en-Bas

As its name indicates, this route focuses on the tip of the island, specifically its northeast end. It is an easy path, with low elevation, where the St. Lawrence occupies the horizon.

• Distance: 2,3 km loop
• Difficulty: easy

Boucle du Cap-aux-Pierres

Ideal in dry weather, this trail crosses the island from shore to shore in a forest landscape conducive to observing wildflowers and berries.

• Distance: 3,5 km loop
• Difficulty: easy

Where to eat on Isle-aux-Coudres?

• La Marée Haute, at the Hôtel Cap-aux-Pierres, delights guests with a breathtaking view of the Saint Lawrence. Its menu highlights seafood in a warm atmosphere typical of island establishments.
• For a relaxed experience, the cultural bistro La Fascine offers tasty grills and creative cuisine crafted from local terroir treasures. On summer Friday and Saturday nights, performances enliven this friendly place.
• The Le Corylus Resto-Bistro restaurant charms with its refined cuisine and signature dishes highlighting forest mushrooms from the region. Its panoramic terrace offers a magical setting to savor the chef's specialties at sunset.
• The Bouchard Bakery is a must on Isle-aux-Coudres, both for the quality of its bread and its homemade pastries.
• At épicerie Chez Paul, you can't eat on-site, but you can stock up on delicious little dishes perfect for a picnic or to take home.
• As for la Fabrique de L'Isle, this café is set in a charming little gem of authenticity, making it a great gourmet stop.

The Charlevoix Flavor Trail

This unique gastronomic adventure stretches from Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to La Malbaie, passing through Isle-aux-Coudres. The circuit brings together passionate artisans who share their expertise. Cheese lovers will enjoy the Maison d'affinage Maurice Dufour, while spirit enthusiasts will discover the Distillerie Menaud. Along the way, market gardeners offer their seasonal harvests in farm stalls. Isle-aux-Coudres marks a flavorful stop with its centenary orchards

where apples, plums, and pears transform into award-winning artisanal ciders. On-site tastings allow you to enjoy the richness of local flavors while admiring the view over the river.

Where to stay on Isle-aux-Coudres?

• The Auberge La Fascine charms with its eight unique rooms, tastefully decorated by local artisans. Its authentic furniture and eco-friendly textiles create a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for recharging.
• Couples will particularly appreciate the intimacy of the Hôtel-Motel les Voitures d'Eau, a small-scale establishment. The personalized welcome of the owners and their valuable exploration tips turn each stay into a memorable adventure.
• Chalet and Camping of the Red Creek are a good choice if you plan to stay several nights on Isle-aux-Coudres.
• The Hôtel du Capitaine, featuring an outdoor pool and spacious rooms, is an interesting option.
• The Gîte du Moulin, simple and welcoming, is located at the southern tip of the island.
• As for the renowned Hôtel Cap-aux-Pierres, it faces the Saint Lawrence on the southeast shore, steps from the Coudriers Path.

What souvenirs to bring back?

The Boulangerie Bouchard delights the taste buds with its traditional meat pies and buckwheat galettes, prepared according to ancestral recipes. These treats travel perfectly in your luggage.

The Moulins de l'Isle, mentioned earlier, offer their stone-ground artisanal flour, a unique ingredient for your future culinary creations. Don't forget to slip some jars of local wild honey, harvested in the island's flower-filled fields, into your basket.

The store of Vergers Pedneault is full of treasures: wild apple jellies, small fruit-flavored vinegars, and award-winning ice ciders make for unforgettable culinary souvenirs. Those with a sweet tooth will succumb to the saffron chocolates, a refined specialty of the island.

The interactive map of attractions

The digital map of Isle-aux-Coudres simplifies the planning of your stay. Accessible from your mobile or tablet, it precisely locates each point of interest with detailed descriptions and photos. A filter system allows you to display only the attractions that interest you: restaurants, accommodations, cultural or sports activities. The map is regularly updated with new seasonal events and schedule changes. A handy feature even signals low tides, ideal for shellfish gathering or walks on the flats.

Isle-aux-Coudres in Quebec at a glance

How long does it take to tour the island (23 km / 14 mi)?

• By bike, allow between 2h30 and 3h for a leisurely ride with photo breaks and discoveries. Experienced cyclists complete the circuit in 1h30.
• By car, the complete tour takes 45 minutes without stopping.
• Walkers can complete the loop in 5 hours at a regular pace.

 

What can you do on Isle-aux-Coudres, why visit this island?

• Discover maritime traditions.
• Be charmed by the preserved nature, observing wildlife.
• Marvel at the craftsmanship of local artisans.
• Enjoy the outdoors with a kayak tour, a hike, or kitesurfing.
• Savor the products of the Charlevoix terroir.

 

What is the price of the ferry? How to take it?

• The ferry service to Isle-aux-Coudres is completely free all year round.
• Departures are from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive and the island, with frequent departures.
• A practical tip: arrive 15 minutes before boarding during the high summer season.

 

When to visit Isle-aux-Coudres?

• The beautiful season extends from May to September, with mild temperatures perfect for exploring the island by bike and enjoying water activities. The sunny days of July-August allow you to fully enjoy the restaurant terraces and coastal walks.
• October reveals spectacular autumn colors, while the orchards are adorned with their finest fruits. This quieter period guarantees an authentic experience, away from the summer crowds.
• Adventurers will appreciate the unique winter atmosphere from December to March. The winter magic transforms the island into a playground for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and the legendary ice canoes. The frozen landscapes offer exceptional photo opportunities, especially at sunrise.

 

What services and shops are available on the island?

Isle-aux-Coudres has several local shops along the Coudriers Path. A pharmacy caters to health needs, while a grocery store offers local products. A 24/7 ATM is located near the post office. A rental shop allows sports enthusiasts to get bikes, and a garage with a gas station provides car maintenance. A hardware store supplies DIY and gardening materials, while a bookstore offers books on local history.

Now you have all the information necessary for your exploration of Isle-aux-Coudres during your stay in Charlevoix!

Plan your trip to Quebec now and let yourself be charmed by the authenticity of this picturesque and endearing island.

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