Eco Tourism on the St. Lawrence in Quebec
... to aid the Eider Duck
In Quebec, Canada, in the flow of the St. Lawrence River lies a string of islands known for their conservation of numerous birds, seals, beluga's, minke whales, ducks and other assorted animals. The Société Duvetnor, in their quest to protect these animals, purchased the islands and now manage camping, cottages and an historic 1850's restored lighthouse as a bed and breakfast to encourage controlled eco-tourism to the area.
These pristine shores are truly a diverse biological showcase, isolated with protection and responsible, sustainable enjoyment in mind.
Animal Species
Eiderdown DuckBird species are plentiful and breeding grounds of a wide array of these protected animals dot the island. Protected birds such as the Eiderdown Duck, Guillemots, Auks, Scoters, Great Blue Herons, Cormorants, Kittywakes and hundreds of other types can be found throughout the islands. The endangered Beluga whale is common to the area and sometimes Minke whales can be spotted with the seals near the shoreline. With the assistance of Ducks Unlimited, many types of ducks native to the area are protected in designated areas.
Historic Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast
The main islands in the Société Duvetnor string are Île aux Lievres (Rabbit Island), Les Pelerins Archipelago (Pilgrim Islands) and Ile du Pot A L'Eau-De-Vie (Brandypot Island).
Brandy Pot LighthouseThe historic Brandy Pot Island Lighthouse - a restored 1851 lighthouse-keepers home - has been converted to a Bed and Breakfast with three attractive rooms (meals included). The lighthouse tower emerges from the center of the Victorian-style house, with fireplaces and rocking chairs complementing the rooms. Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea, guests are served a gourmet meal on the outside deck (weather permitting) with its 180' view of the St. Lawrence.
These islands are miles long with more than 45 km of hiking trails. Wilderness campsites are interspersed throughout the islands, while secluded cottages dot the shoreline. Aa six-room Inn on Ile Aux Lievres is the perfect place to park yourself for the night so you can continue your ecological explorations better during the day.
Brandy Pot IslandThe protection of the bird species and their nesting habitat is the Société's main priority, so access to these islands is limited to June through September after the nesting season has ended.
The Société Duvetnor
The Société Duvetnor was initially created with the intention of protection for the Eiderdown Duck. Prior to that, eco-systems were being destroyed by squatters and trespassers poaching eggs and disrupting nesting grounds. Now 25 years later, the Société has been able to purchase and establish eco-tourism on these lands with assistance of the Canadian Wildlife Protection Agency and others like-minded associations.
Access these islands through the city of Riviere-Du-Loup, Quebec via a 30 minute ride on ocean-safe speedboats into the archipelago of islands. If an eco-tourism trip is in your future with a stay at an historic lighthouse B&B after hiking the breath-taking islands.
And make sure you seek out Jean Bedard, Société Duvetnor founder and Laval University Biologist, who still ferries passengers regularly to the islands on his powerboat, Le Petit Lievre. I'm sure he has some historic perspectives to add.
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