Heritage

The Pointe du Bout d'en bas

Property of several owners, the Pointe is the home of a Notre-Dame de l'Assomption statue, erected in 1960 by Mr. Horace Pedneault following a promise he made for his recovery.

Wind and water mills of Isle-aux-Coudres

The Isle-Aux-Coudres' mills are together a breathtaking site, declared historical since 1963. Its primary feature apart from its heritage significance is to join mutually a water, and a wind mill at the same location. Respectively constructed in 1825 and 1836, these are still used to grind wheat and buckwheat in addition to being available for visitors.

Saint-Louis' Church

The first register of this parish dates back to 1741. The actual church was build in 1885 and blessed less than a year after its operational startup, on the August Third of 1886. The hand-painted frescoes that decorate the inner walls are a work of art from Mr. Paul Gaston Masselotte. The Church is also an architectural masterpiece provided by Mr David Ouellet’s plans. A must-see.

"Fascines" fishing

(on the left picture)

It is a traditional technique for catching small fishes such as smelts, capelins or small soles using sections of fences ( fascines ) attached one to the other, maintained straight by heavy rocks beneath the water. The last ones are slightly curved in “C” shapes to prevent fishes to flee. At low tide, the fishermen are able to gather the fishes caught in the fence.

Beluga whale fishing (Marsouins)

Approximately 3500 harts (tree trunks without branches) lodged in the ground to form a “C” shape fence were needed to practice beluga fishing. About twenty men were working throughout five tides to plant each and every harts with bare hands. Following their prey, at low tide, the belugas stayed trapped within the fence allowing the fishermen to easily catch them. On May 28, 1923, eighty-seven belugas were captured during only one tide. The exceptional leather derived from their skin served the islanders well. They made boots, laces, and other robust items. The melted grease provides them oil employed for guns lubrication, lamps, and variety of engines or machinery. Commercial beluga fishing on Isle-aux-Coudres ended definitively in 1924.

Caya's rock

Caya was known as a disturbed man. His impressive stature and aggressive behavior inspired fear throughout the population. This legendary foolish man would have spent half of his life sitting on this rock. Another myth once told that newborn babies used to come from under that famous rock.

Bouchard's bakery

This shop is renowned to be the place where they bake one of the best bread in the region. Mr Pascal Bouchard, the founder, opened his bakery in the summer of 1945. Nowadays his son, faithful to the heritage, is still using the same method and recipe as his father did to offer the islanders outstanding local products.

The Cape's Cross

The crosses located on the island are the witnesses of the ancestor’s attachment to the Christian faith. These are places of devotion inviting the believers in personal meditation and praying. Most of them were erected in offering for favors obtained, or to commemorate locations where people died by accident. “La Croix du Cap” in Cap-à-la-branche was elevated in September 1957.

The lighthouse

Called “The Bloc” by the islanders, its dominant light over the sea guides the ships at night or by foggy weather conditions. The lighthouse is completely automatic and telesupervised from Cap-aux-Oies since 1971.

The Pillar (old indian)

Even by higher tides, the sea never covers this particular rock. Ancestors gave it the name of “The Old Indian” because its shape bears a resemblance to a human face profile. Chin towards the east and feather pointing west. It is dangerous and strongly imprudent to try to reach it by feet.

Island's wharf

Granted by the government, the quay was built at the beginning of 1900. The ferry service is operative all year long since 1958-1959. The dock is renowned for being the favorite meeting location for plenty islanders. More often frequented by men who share news, discussions, and practice fishing in the summer.