Isle aux Grues

Isle aux Grues is an inhabited island in the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada, and the only island in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago with permanent year-round residents.

Isle aux Grues is an inhabited island in the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada, and the only island in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago with permanent year-round residents. It is part of the municipality of Saint-Antoine-de-l'Isle-aux-Grues in the Montmagny Regional County Municipality, in Chaudière-Appalaches. The island is known for its marshes, birdlife, agriculture, and seasonal access by ferry and aircraft.

Geography

Isle aux Grues is a river island in the Saint Lawrence, in Chaudière-Appalaches, Quebec. It is the largest and only permanently inhabited island in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago, which contains 21 islands and islets.

Population and settlement

The island has been inhabited since the 17th century and has a small permanent population of roughly 240 to 250 people. The municipality of Saint-Antoine-de-l'Isle-aux-Grues includes most of the archipelago, but the year-round community is on Isle aux Grues itself.

Access and transportation

The island is accessed by ferry in the warmer months and by aircraft, with winter access affected by ice conditions. Local travel is typically on foot or by bicycle.

Environment and wildlife

The island is known for wetlands, mudflats, and important bird habitat, especially for waterfowl and migratory birds. Its marshes are among the largest remaining insular high marshes along the Saint Lawrence River.

Economy and tourism

Agriculture is central to the island's land use, alongside a modest tourism sector. Visitors are drawn by scenery, birdwatching, local food products, and outdoor recreation.