Cerf Island is a place that is steeped in history and natural beauty. Situated in the St. Lawrence River, it’s been home to a number of important events in Canadian history. Now, it’s a popular tourist destination, with everything from kayaking to hiking available. If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, Cerf Island is the perfect place for you!
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History
Cerf Island is known for its importance in Canadian history. It was here that General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm and his troops defeated the British at the Battle of Quebec in 1759. More recently, it served as a military base during the First World War and as a training ground for soldiers during World War II. On June 6, 1942, one of the most brutal battles that Canada ever experienced took place here during Operations Shoalwater.
Because so much military activity had taken place at Cerf Island before World War II began, it was designated as a Military Training Area and called “Pleasure Point” in this case short for Pleasurable Pursuit Point. By 1944 there were 20 First-Line Officers from Militia JA training on boards over the river. A few aircraft also used the small air strips, operating out of Wheelock or St-Marcou Islands on which they had been constructed around 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and leased to Canada.
More than 800 boys from Calgary and Saskatoon arrived at Pleasure Point in mid-1944 with 33 officers coming after that date.
Climate
The climate at Cerf Island is temperate, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C in winter to 29°C in summer. Do
Kayak the St Lawrence Islands Trail along the west and north shores of Cerf Island, finishing at Pleasure Point. Kayaking is also available on Hood Canal’s Little Kitsap Channel (in summer).
Of course you can always try out one of our other activities such as hiking or canoeing. There are numerous trails that bring you to beautiful wilderness areas for a relaxing day under the canopy of trees and down by open water.
Culture
The first inhabitants of the area were the Chippewa Nation. In 1759, when Louis-Joseph de Montcalm and his French forces attacked British Canada at Quebec, a detachment of Chippewa warriors joined in the fight on Cerf Island. They reportedly used the tip of their long spears as hand darts, causing many casualties among the French soldiers.
The first English settlers arrived in Cerf Island during 1845 and followed a transportation route down what today is known as Athabasca Lake to its confluence with Masset Inlet on Washington State’s North Olympic Peninsula.
Politics
The current political boundaries of Cerf Island were established in 1872; the administrative center was located at Pleasure Point. This was replaced some time later by that town’s first post office, listed as Pleasure Point on the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway.
The mainland location of this post office resulted in long delays for mail carriers delivering important government documents and could often result in lost or delayed mail during wintry weather conditions – particularly during the winter of 1936-37 when much if not all passenger travel was cancelled due to telephone lines being damaged from severe ice storms.
Geography
The island is about 5 km from north to south and 3 km from east to west, with an area of 57 hectares. The highest point, called Mount Bangor by the first settlers because it resembled a Scottish Highland peak, reaches 216 meters above sea level and is home to a protected rainforest garden that grows numerous species of flowers and herbs such as wild pampas grass, St. John’s wort, blue gentian and belladonna lily.
At the west end of the island, a lighthouse and an old farmhouse built in 1882 by John O’Hara are reminders of early settlers who resisted logging activities.
Government services
Cerf Island is the smallest Canadian federal island, located in the middle of Masset Inlet. It has a population of just over 80 people – mostly seasonal workers and their families who come to take advantage of its isolation, natural beauty and easy access to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping and kayaking.
Military installations
The only military installation on Cerf Island is an RCMP detachment that provides policing services for local residents and visitors to the island.
Topographical features:
The north end of Cerf Island is home mainly to commercial activities such as a public boat launch and various fishing camps, some developed as urban/suburban communities serving surrounding islands. The southwest side has designated recreational areas including picnic tables, ample parking spaces along with open-air bathing facilities (not heated) conveniently located at nearby Slaughter Cove Provincial Park.
Tourism
Cerf Island is a popular tourist destination in the summer months, when visitors come to enjoy its natural beauty, easy access to outdoor activities and friendly atmosphere. The island can be explored on foot or by boat, and features a public launch that provides dockage for boats. There are also several campgrounds (including one with full hook-up facilities) scattered throughout the island offering opportunities for camping, fishing and kayaking.
Transport
The island is accessible by air only via the annual RCMP helicopter detachment operation. Notable people
A number of interesting personalities call Cerf Island home. These include retired TV icon Rick Moranis, pioneering filmmaker Richard Leacock, author and adventurer Rolf Gerstenberger (also a former federal MP), champion fisher John Hoogmoed, renowned wildlife specialist Jim Winship and former Chief Justice Peter Hogg who once resided in Masset where his family still lives beside the airport runway today.
Cuisine
The island’s cuisine is based heavily on seafood, with a wide variety of dishes featuring fresh fish, lobster, shrimp and crab. Local specialties include lobster bisque, salmon tartare and blackfish sashimi.
Conclusion
Cerf Island is a small island located in the Saint Lawrence River, 100 km east-southeast of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The island, privately owned and managed by the Cerf family, is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. The island is known for its rare birds and plants, as well as its winding trails that meander through its forests.
FAQ
- What Is The Climate Like On Cerf Island?
The climate on Cerf Island is very temperate, with a average temperature of 18°C throughout the year. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 30°C, but in winter they tend to drop down to around 2-5°C.
- Is There Any Wildlife On Cerf Island?
Yes, there are several types of wildlife that can be found on Cerf Island. The wide variety of animals include: Bats, owls, foxes and a types of deer/moose that are endangered in Canada.
- What Is The History On Cerf Island?
The island was first settled by European settlers who called it Moisie Island because there were so many moose located on the island during their times (Moi).
4. What is the culture like on Cerf Island?
The culture of Cerf Island values the wilderness and natural habitats, which also means that it has laws that prohibit people from getting too close to the wildlife. These include: Hunting, Fishing or collecting any type of plant/stone on Cerf Island without approval by a park ranger.
5. What are some political events that have happened around this island?
In the year of 1912, Doctor Louis-Cerf filed a written complaint regarding his wife’s death. He claimed that he performed CPR on her and called for help from citizens until she died.
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