This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Félix Leclerc sang it, Gatien Lapointe wrote it and Riopelle painted it. The St. Lawrence River, a true symbol of Quebec culture, unfolds majestically, bordered by towns and villages that bear witness to the province’s historical heritage. 45 minutes from the bridges of Quebec, a region is distinguished by a tourist offer rich in activities that highlight its maritime heritage. A destination that is often forgotten, but which certainly deserves a place of choice in the summer agenda.
Discovering the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago
To take full advantage of the wonders of the river and appreciate its biodiversity, a boat trip is a must. “Cruising is an opportunity for relaxation and contemplation. It allows you to enjoy a unique view of the coasts and the islands and to discover species of birds and marine mammals that you would not see otherwise”, explains with enthusiasm Jean-François Lachance, captain of the Island Wind, a ship that can accommodate 170 passengers and is part of the Croisières Lachance fleet. A getaway on the waters of the St. Lawrence allows you to observe countless species of birds, such as the Alca Torda, small penguins from the extreme east of the St. Lawrence, which gather by the thousands on the islets of the archipelago to reproduce there.
In addition to its cruise called “The 1000 little penguins”, the Island Wind offers a unique opportunity to visit the Grosse-Île-et-le-Mémorial-des-Irlandais National Historic Site. Former gateway to immigration to Canada, Grosse-Île was a quarantine station for the Port of Quebec responsible for preventing the risk of epidemics. Between 1832 and 1937, the island served as a place of transit for tens of thousands of immigrants: “During the typhus epidemic in 1847, more than 200 boats could wait their turn to dock there. That year, 5,424 people lost their lives on the island, and almost as many during the crossing,” says Jocelyn Landry, director of the Montmagny library and nature-culture guide.
New this year, cruise passengers are invited to bring their bikes to visit this place steeped in history and emotions at their own pace.
Cruise and visit of Grosse-Île with Parks Canada
A summer signed Riopelle
It is impossible to evoke the archipelago in the heart of the St. Lawrence without mentioning the name of Jean Paul Riopelle, famous occupant of the territory since the 1970s. The master made Île-aux-Oies his hunting spot and his creative studio, and made L’Isle-aux-Grues his place of residence from 1995 until his death in 2002. “The rich and wild nature of the islands was a great inspiration for him, writes Huguette Vachon , his companion of the last 16 years. Through the large paintings he created, including his testamentary work Tribute to Rosa Luxemburg, Jean Paul left us his vision of Île aux Oies, the river and nature. »
This is why the Montmagny library invites the public free of charge, from June 16 to September 17, to attend a unique reunion through the exhibition. My dear John Paulwhich marks the 100e birthday of the artist. Mme Vachon, who is also curator of the exhibition, has brought together around twenty works belonging to major collectors and close friends of the painter. “This exhibition is a declaration of love for Jean Paul,” she explains. Something both intimate and precious. ” Effectively, My dear John Paul — a nod to Gilles Vigneault’s famous song — highlights the traces of friendship that marked the artist’s life. “We have the privilege of working with the artist’s spouse. Naturally, for his birthday, we wanted to gather his friends,” adds Jocelyn Landry.
This exhibition presents a collection of varied works created between 1958 and 1990: oils, acrylics, mixed works of art, pastels, an etching, a bronze as well as photos of Jean Paul at work or in company. by Mme Vachon. Moreover, as the exhibition is intended as a tribute to the one she loved so much, she signs a new work, Flowers for Jean Paula bouquet created with pastels, acrylics and spray paint — “in the manner of Jean Paul,” she will say — made on the floor of the MacPherson mansion in L’Isle-aux-Grues.
Exhibition My dear Jean Paul — Library of Montmagny
Immersion in Quebec’s maritime heritage
“I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve taken Route 132 on vacation, and this is the first time I’ve stopped here,” says Micheline Maillé, whom I met at the museum and was visibly amazed by her visit to the icebreaker Ernest Lapointe. Since 1980, the museum ship, the pride of the Musée maritime du Québec, has been delighting young and old alike. With the backdrop of the St. Lawrence River, the colossus stands in the river park alongside the Bras d’or, an experimental Royal Canadian Navy hydrofoil designed in the 1960s and capable of detecting enemy submarines. “The park was recently redesigned to provide an enchanting setting and showcase our artifacts,” notes Marie-Claude Gamache, the museum’s general manager. This is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic. »
If the two museum ships remain very popular attractions, the rest is no less attractive. “It’s no exaggeration to plan a full day here,” she says. With three permanent exhibitions, the boathouse and the possibility of accessing the reserve of models, the choices of activities are numerous. “I am very proud to say that all of our facilities are stroller and wheelchair accessible. It really is an inclusive place,” adds the museum director. Note that access to the two museum ships remains more limited, given the nature of the site.
Maritime Museum of Quebec – Captain I Bernier
In the wake of Riopelle
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