Isle-aux-Coudres sits in the St. Lawrence just off the Charlevoix shore, and the trip is half the fun. Tourisme Charlevoix says the ferry from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive is free, and in spring and winter the crossings run roughly every hour, though the page advises checking the schedule before you go. On the island a loop of about 24 kilometres follows a 23 kilometre bike path, so cycling is the classic way to see it, and Tourisme Charlevoix's spring and winter day plan is about 41 kilometres by car with stops along the way. The stops it names as open in the cooler months include Boulangerie Bouchard, the Le Phare general store, the Microbrasserie L'Étale with a river view and bowling, Aux Fruits du Biscuitier, the Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault cider economuseum, the Charlotte! boutique, Auberge La Fascine bistro and the Pointe du Bout d'en Bas municipal park at the eastern tip. The page warns that shop and lodging hours change, so check before you go.
What to do
Take the car or bicycles on the ferry and loop the island, stopping for bread at Boulangerie Bouchard, cider tastings at the Pedneault cidery, lunch at the brewery with its river view and a short walk and river views at the Pointe du Bout d'en Bas park. The ferry company's cycling page describes a 24 kilometre loop on a 23 kilometre bike path, with a day trip of 52 kilometres including the ferry crossing, and mentions local seafood and a paddleboarding and kitesurfing spot.
Seasons and planning
The island is busiest from late spring to early autumn, when more shops, cideries and hotels are open. Outside that season, the spring and winter plan shows a smaller set of stops, and the ferry runs about hourly, so you cannot count on a quick crossing. Hotel Cap-aux-Pierres on the island is listed as open seasonally with 97 rooms, so a winter overnight stay may mean staying on the mainland. In November, treat this as a short afternoon outing and check each stop's hours first.
Fitting it in
The ferry leaves from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, so the island suits a half-day break on the way along the coast. Pair it with Baie-Saint-Paul, the coast road and a night in La Malbaie.
What to expect
The experience
A free ferry crossing from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive and a self-guided loop of the island by car or bike, with food and cider stops.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn for the most open shops and the most frequent ferry; spring and winter days are quieter with fewer stops.
How long
A half day by car and a full day by bicycle, with the ferry crossing included.
Tips
Check the ferry timetable and each shop's hours before you cross, and carry a layer for the wind on the water.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Cyclists, food lovers and anyone who wants an easy river island day.
- Families
- The free ferry is a treat for children and the bike path is flat, but check ferry times so you are not stranded.
- Couples
- A slow loop with cider tasting, lunch with a river view and a walk at the Pointe du Bout d'en Bas.
- Pair with
- Baie-Saint-Paul, the coast road to La Malbaie and a night at Le Germain Charlevoix.
- Time needed
- Half a day by car or a full day by bike.
Good questions
Is the Isle-aux-Coudres ferry free?+
Yes, Tourisme Charlevoix says the crossing from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive is free. In spring and winter it runs about every hour, so check the schedule.
How big is the island?+
The cycling loop is about 24 kilometres on a 23 kilometre bike path, and the spring and winter day plan is about 41 kilometres by car with stops. A day trip by bike including the ferry is about 52 kilometres.
What is open outside summer?+
Tourisme Charlevoix names a bakery, a general store, a brewery, a biscuit shop, a cider economuseum, a boutique and a bistro among the places open in spring and winter. Hours change, so check each stop first.
Can I stay on the island?+
Yes, but some places are seasonal. Hotel Cap-aux-Pierres is described as open seasonally, so confirm dates for a winter stay.
Is it worth going in November?+
It works as a short afternoon outing if you check hours first, but many visitors prefer late spring to early autumn when more places are open. Keep a flexible plan and an eye on the ferry timetable.
