Anticosti Island is a hidden gem located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with only around 180 inhabitants spread across its 3,000 square miles. In 2023, the island was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its remarkable fossil record documenting the first mass extinction of animal life that occurred 447 to 437 million years ago. Visitors can enjoy activities such as scuba diving to explore shipwrecks, wildlife spotting of whales and seals, and staying in charming inns on the island.
To get to Anticosti Island, visitors can either fly from Montréal or take a ferry from Rimouski or Havre-Saint-Pierre. The main hub of the island is the fishing village of Port-Menier, which was established in the late 19th century by French chocolatier Henri Menier. Options for accommodations on the island include bed and breakfasts like Gîte du Copaco or inns like Auberge Port-Menier or Auberge MacDonald Inn, which offer meals, transportation, and guided tours for guests.
Local guides on the island can take visitors on various activities, including picnics by the sea, spotting shipwrecks and seals, and exploring the island’s impressive fossils. A trip to Chute et canyon Vauréal, a 250-foot-high waterfall, is a must-do activity on the island. Visitors can also explore other attractions such as Trois-Plaines Cave, Chute Kalimazoo, Baie Sainte-Claire, and Bateau Calou on the beach.
The island’s owner introduced white-tailed deer to Anticosti Island in the late 1890s, and today the population has grown to around 115,000. Anticosti Island has become a popular destination for deer hunting, with hunters being able to get up close and personal with deer in just one trip to the island. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as pebble tossing on beaches, birdwatching, and experiencing the beauty and tranquility of the island.
Overall, Anticosti Island offers a unique and serene retreat for visitors looking to explore a lesser-known destination in Canada. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history, Anticosti Island provides a peaceful and enriching experience for those who venture to its shores. Whether exploring ancient fossils or relaxing on pristine beaches, a trip to Anticosti Island is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
