Known for its unspoiled beauty and natural splendour, Ile Esprit Island is a paradise for nature lovers. With its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush rainforest, it’s no wonder tourists love coming here. But what few know is that this island also has some hidden gems that are perfect for exploring.
From the idyllic villages to the captivating landscapes, there’s something for everyone on Ile Esprit Island. So if you’re looking for an escape from the city, why not take a trip to this paradisal island?
Contents
History
Ile Esprit Island was originally discovered by the French in 1693, and it wasn’t until 1837 that Spain claimed ownership of the island. The island remained under Spanish rule for over 200 years, until France regained control in 1898. However, it wasn’t until 1905 that the island finally became a part of Haiti. It wasn’t until 1947 that Ile Esprit Island officially became an autonomous territory within the country. Flora and Fauna
Ile Esprit is home to over 800 species of trees, that stretch across the island. There are two indigenous communities on the island – one in Torres-St. Pierre and another in Croix-des-Bouquets.
Climate
The average temperature on Ile Esprit is around 23 degrees Celsius, which makes it perfect for year-round activity. The island often experiences strong winds and heavy rains, so be prepared for the weather! Some of the most popular activities to do on Ile Esprit include fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking and biking. Cultural District
The cultural district in Ile Esprit was established by decree in 2008. The area is nestled between the town of Croix-des-Bouquets and famous village, Toraiba.
Culture
There are a number of traditional festivals and ceremonies that take place on Ile Esprit, including Carnival in February and the Virgin’s Birth in May. The district also houses several museums, including the Ethnographic Museum of Haïti (which is home to an impressive collection of ceremonial items), and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Cultural Attractions – Educational Centre of Haïti – Ile Esprit is home to the Ethnographic Museum of Haiti, which has a number of documents and artifacts that speak about life on the island prior to modern times. You’ll also find an assortment recipe books, archives and musical instruments from local communities on this island.
Politics
Ile Esprit is an autonomous territory within the country. As such, it has its own government and laws, which are different from those of the mainland. Ile Esprit currently has no representative in the National Assembly of Haiti, but political elections will take place this year on May 20 and 29. Food and Drink
Along with delicious cuisine, this island has a number of local restaurants that serve Caribbean specialties such as roti (flat bread), Indian curry chicken – or wait for it! haïtiienne- adapted to the country’s tropical climate.
Government services
By law, all services on Ile Esprit must be provided in Haitian Creole. Keep this in mind when booking them! Transportation
Since Ile Esprit is an autonomous territory, its residents are responsible for paying road tolls. At the end of 2009, an agreement was made with Haiti’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport to allow Ile Esprit residents a 50% discount when entering southern cities such as Port-au-Prince
City centres include Anse Noire – see photo above from this post – Chateauneuf (see large blue ship on ground) La Rosalie , St. Etienne Montverde , Mutuelle Charlotte Ar bour , Opais, Bebe Valette and Jérémy Batti some of the main spots to get food or drink on Ile Esprit
Trinidad in particular is a popular stop for travellers going into Haiti.
Tourism
This is an exciting time for tourism on the island as Ile Esprit begins to experience a resurgence in visitors. Read this article (in French) from iHaiti.fr to see what the island’s tourism potential is and learn on a map where the different attractions are located in Ile Esprit The island’s visitor centres have been equipped with log cabins and nature walks, combined with information on the countries experiences before 1804.
As tourism becomes more popular Ile Esprit plans to implement regulations in place of its many illegal bar owners that currently dominate then islands beaches. This will include an increase in police presence so they can manage safety while providing better service for tourists at a minimal cost.
Transport
There are a few ways to get around the island. The most common way is by taxi. Cabbies can be found in any of the major towns and they charge by the kilometer, so it’s important to negotiate a price before getting into one. There are also buses that run between different parts of Ile Esprit, but since there is little traffic on the island they can be quite slow and costs money each time you take one.
The easiest way to travel around the island, or even in and out of Haiti is by 4×4 taxi. The drivers are very friendly and cheap ($25) but prefer that you have a guide who is willing to show them where they should go.
Cuisine
Ile Esprit is known for its Jamaican food, but there are a lot of other types of cuisine on the island as well. The most popular dish in Ile Esprit is bacholi, which is a type of jerk chicken cooked with spices. There are also numerous seafood restaurants on the island where you can get dishes such as lobster, crab and shrimp.
If your time on the island isn’t spent drinking or eating, be sure to enjoy one of Ile Esprit’s various natural wonders. Not only are they beautiful landscapes but most sights offer unique wildlife and breathtaking views that you won’t find anywhere else in Haiti.
Wildlife
Ile Esprit is home to a lot of interesting wildlife, including pigs, goats, monkeys and many different types of birds. There are also several hikes that you can take to get up close and personal with these animals. Some of the hiking trails are along narrow paths and resemble ruins, but they are fairly easy to follow.
You can also do a nice 4×4 tour in Ile Esprit where it is recommended to take your guide with you as these drives involve winding roads that aren’t very well traveled.
Conclusion
Ile Esprit is a small, uninhabited island located in the Saint-Laurent River in Quebec, Canada. The island was first discovered in 1609 by Jacques Cartier and François Gravier. The island served as a refuge for the Mohawk people after they were driven from their homeland by the English in 1684.
FAQ
What Is The Currency In Ile Esprit?
The currency on Ile Esprit is Canadian dollars. Canadian dollars can typically be changed at major Canadian banks.
Is Smoking Allowed On Ile Esprit?
At this time, smoking is not permitted in any of the public spaces or hotels due to strict health and safety regulations that have been put in place throughout Canada.
Are Visas Necessary To Enter Canada From Ile Esprit?
All passengers entering Canada by air also require a Canadian entry permit in order to remain within the country after their arrival.
How Far Away Is Ile Esprit From Montreal?
From the town of Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec to Ile Esprit Island can be reached by car or bus within one hour. It takes closer to two hours fifteen minutes when travelling by boat.
What’s The Best Way To Get From Ile Esprit Island To Montreal?
Most visitors travel between Montreal and Ile Esprit by car or bus. The slowest means of transport is a public bus that takes two hours fifteen minutes, with many other buses on board taking only half as long overall (about fifty-five minutes).
Leave a Reply