L'isle-Aux-Coudres

Ile aux Coudres is a small island in the St. Lawrence River in Charlevoix. Windmills and watermills, views of both shores, and a bike ride around the island give a stay its own rhythm: you can explore culture, get active, or enjoy the scenery along the river, then look for the right vacation rental on the island.

Riverbanks, viewpoints, and nature

In the La Baleine sector, a road runs along the St. Lawrence River to small beaches. You can stroll there or cool your feet in the cold river water. If you would rather head to a viewpoint, Pointe de l’Islet offers a view of both shores. These places offer different perspectives on the island’s position in the river.

At the eastern end lies La pointe du Bout d’en Bas, a municipal park. A walk there takes you along the middle of the St. Lawrence River, and the view extends to the mountains of Charlevoix. On Ile aux Coudres, various bird species visit the salt meadows and golden fields. Hikes in salty air are also among the island’s experiences. If you like to fill your vacation days with time outdoors, these landscapes may play a part in choosing where to stay.

Mills, crafts, and island culture

Les Moulins de l’Isle-aux-Coudres brings together a restored watermill and a restored windmill, standing side by side in one location. At the watermill, visitors can watch demonstrations of wheat and buckwheat being ground. The windmill, Moulin à vent de L'Isle-aux-Coudres, is also noteworthy: its original mechanism has been preserved and is still operational. Thus, two types of mills with different functions stand directly beside one another.

The mill site also includes the “Hommage à Pierre Perreault” exhibition, which highlights the work “Pour la suite du monde.” Another facet of local craftsmanship can be seen at Galerie de l’Artisan, with its unique knitting and handmade items inspired by the seashore. If you like to complement your stay with culture and design, you can include these places alongside your experiences of the landscape.

Getting around by bike

A two-day cycling tour covers 23 kilometers around the island. For equipment, Centre Vélo-Coudres rents city, hybrid, and electric bikes, as well as tandems. Four-wheelers are also available: they are designed for two, four, or six adults and up to two children. The selection of bike types and vehicle sizes can help you plan activities to suit your travel group; however, the stated route length alone does not indicate a specific daily distance.

Local products and special insights

Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault is an Économusée of cider-making. Its orchards include more than 6,000 apple trees with 35 apple varieties, as well as another 3,000 fruit trees. Le Rucher de l’Isle produces unpasteurized honey harvested and prepared on Ile aux Coudres. L’Étale brews blonde, white, and red beers on site. These diverse products offer a glimpse of island-made goods without requiring you to focus your stay on a single theme.

Further insights can be found at Le 1603, where sustainably harvested river algae, wild plants, wildflowers, and hazelnuts from the island’s hazel trees are used for body-care products, bouquets, and natural soaps, and at Le monde de Sarah: on Saturdays, visitors are invited to take part in making macarons. La Fabrique de l’Isle offers a catering service that highlights local products. Winter festivities at Carnaval!AC include a duchesses’ parade and the crowning of the queen.

Ile aux Coudres can be reached from the west and east via Route 138. A free ferry takes visitors to the island in a 15-minute crossing. More destinations: Saint-Hilarion, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Clermont, Baie-Saint-Paul, Notre-Dame-Des-Monts.

For the main travel overview: Charlevoix.