The Iles Chalands are a group of small, uninhabited islands located in the Saint Lawrence River, about 250 kilometers north of Quebec City. The island group is part of the Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, a national park that was established in 1983. The Iles Chalands are a popular destination for kayakers, and can be reached by kayak or ferry. Visitors can hike or cycle the trails, or take in the views from one of the observation towers.
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History
The Iles Chalands were first explored by Jacques Cartier in 1534. The islands are likely named after either Charles of Chaland, a governor of New France, or Jean de Chaland, the captain of Cartier’s ship La Coeur du Roi.
Today, the Iles Chalands are a popular destination for kayakers and hikers. There is also an observation tower on one of the islands that offers views of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding areas. That tower was built in the 1980s as a hiking shelter for Scouts Canada to make sure that adolescents were active during their camping trips, and can now be rented out for celebrations or other events.
Climate
The Iles Chalands have a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Summers are tepid and hot, with daily highs that typically range from 21.3 to 31 °C (69-88 °F), weather conditions that become less common the further north one goes in Canada during the winter. As such, summer is considered a transitory season for most of Quebec North America; spring and autumn can also be very unpredictable in terms of temperature and precipitation although some cities like Montreal tend to stay relatively warmer than others.
Culture
The culture of the Iles Chalands is similar to that of Quebec as a whole, with a strong French influence. There is also an Italian minority living on the islands, and some traces of Spanish and Aboriginal cultures can still be found there. As for the rest of Quebec, English culture has influenced many aspects of life in Canada’s most populous province.
Offerings at Easter may include stuffed eggs or ham such as bocadillo (an island specialty); gravy biscuits; and muffins shaped like little horses or rabbits.
Politics
QUEBEC – North America
Quebec is the second most populous province in Canada after Ontario. With nearly nine million people, it occupies over half of Quebec’s total land area and has a population density of 540 inhabitants per square kilometer, making Quebec one of the most densely populated provinces in North America.
The majority French-speaking population (more than two-thirds) lives predominantly in the southern third of the province while English speakers form a majority in the sparsely populated north. The predominant religion is Roman Catholic (more than 85% of Quebecers) and official use of both English and French has been recognized since 1867; it is one of only five Canadian provinces where there are provincial laws bearing on language issues.
Government services
Quebec has its own government, Legislature, and executive. It is divided into 11 administrative regions (regions administratives), each with a Regional Council that provides strategic leadership for regional development. The Lieutenant Governor of Quebec is the representative of the Queen in Quebec. In practice, this office is the equivalent of a governor and the deputy head of government.
Tourism
Quebec has a long history as a tourist destination. The well-preserved bastions of French civilization – from Montreal and Quebec City to the villages of rural Québécois – are major attractions for visitors from around the world. Other popular destinations include ski resorts such as Mont Tremblant,
Chamonix, and Les Deux Alpes; lakes such as Lac Saint-Jean and Lake Louise; outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, canoeing, fishing and bicycling; arts such as museums in Quebec City (the Musée National des beaux-arts du Québec); festivals including Les Francofolies de Montréal; sports like ice hockey at the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and soccer club Impact Montréal.
Transport
Quebec is linked to the rest of Canada by a highway and railway network. Air travel is available at several airports, including Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, Quebec City-Jean Lesage International Airport, Gander Bay – Bishop’s Town Airport and Moncton–Bathurst–Quebec City Regional Airport. Quebec also has a ferry link to Île-aux-Noix, in the Ungava Peninsula. Quebec is linked by highway and rail network with other major Canadian cities such as Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg.
Cuisine
Quebec cuisine is a mix of French and aboriginal influences. Dishes such as poutine, tourtière, galette des rois, bannock bread and beurre blanc are popular across the province. Quebec takes pride in its poultry, especially foie gras from the agriculture-based capitol region of Laval. (A century ago there was a ban on bovine liver; but today about 80% of Quebec’s foie gras comes from the province.) New creations such as poutine and Stroganoff have also emerged recently to appeal more widely across Canada.
Wildlife
Montreal is a good starting point to see the many parks and nature reserves in Quebec. The city has popular green spaces such as Parc Jean Drapeau, Parc La Fontaine and Jardin Botanique de Montréal. Other destinations include Baie-Saint-Paul National Park, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park.
La Ronde amusement park is especially popular, with a roller coaster that circles La Rutile Lake. Fishing is increasing in popularity. Some of the more popular places are Baie-Comeau and Saint-Paul Island, where tourists can fish salmon or char; as well as Kabook Bay in Notre Dame de Grace which allows anglers to hook up with local residents.
Conclusion
Iles Chalands is a small and beautiful island located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is located about 25 minutes from Dieppe, Quebec, and can be reached by car or by boat. Iles Chalands is a great destination for nature lovers, as it features a variety of ecosystems and natural features. The island is also known for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
FAQ
What Are The Iles Chalands?
The Iles Chalands are a group of small, uninhabited islands located in the Saint Lawrence River, about 250 kilometers north of Quebec City. The island group is part of the Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, a national park that was established in 1983.
How Do I Get To The Iles Chalands?
You can reach the island by car or by ferry. The Hérouxville dock is the most convenient access point for visitors and kayakers coming from Quebec City or Dieppe, as it is an hour’s drive via North Shore / Nicolet highway.
What Is The Climate Like On The Iles Chalands?
The island’s climate can be classified as a subarctic oceanic humid continental (OC) system. This means it has cold, dry winters and warm summers with bulk rain in both seasons.
What Attractions Does The Island Have?
These beaches are also fun for boaters who want somewhere quiet to pull up and jump into the water. There are areas that you should stay clear of as well, such as Cébouan beach where there is oil drums to avoid stepping on them
Can I Bring My Boat To These Islands?
The answer is almost always no – It would be a waste of fuel when it could go back home empty!
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