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More about Îles du Pot-à-l'Eau-de-Vie |
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Just before reaching the gulf, the St. Lawrence estuary is dotted with islands with rather evocative names: Île aux Lièvres (Hare Island), Les Pèlerins (Pilgrim Islands), and Îles du Pot à l'Eau-de-Vie (Brandy Pot Islands). Except for lighthouse keepers and a few hardy settlers, these islands have remained uninhabited. Left to birds and seals, they have retained their wild and fascinating character.
From the mainland, it is difficult to imagine that this desolate land supports such a great abundance and diversity of bird life. Yet, the archipelago is home to the largest colony of razorbilled auks in the entire St. Lawrence estuary and gulf! Whether shrouded in thick fog or basking in the light of a full summer sun, Îles du Pot à l'Eau-de-Vie have unmistakable charm! The three islands harbour large colonies of marine birds. On one of them, Pot du Phare, stands a historic lighthouse built on a small headland.
Explore the trails with our guide, wonder at the luxuriance of the vegetation, discover secluded coves steeped in history. Storms, shipwrecks, booze smuggling... it's a perfect place for dreaming!
Many of the St. Lawrence lighthouses are more imposing, but few have more charm. Abandoned in 1964, 102 years after it was first commissioned, the Pot à l'Eau-de-vie lighthouse was restored in 1989, turning it into a cozy inn with attractive rooms furnished in the spirit of the 19th century. It is a classified federal heritage building. Come stand watch at the gateway to the continent like the last lighthouse keepers.
Source: Société Duvetnor
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