All About Of Picard Island-Everything You Have To Know

Picard Island is a large, uninhabited island located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, just off the coast of Quebec. The island is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, and is a popular tourist destination for visitors interested in birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking.

The island has a rich history, with archaeological evidence indicating that it was used by the Mi’kmaq people as early as 1000 CE. In 1759, Jacques Cartier named the island for Jean-Michel Picard, captain of his vessel Dauphin.

All Discussion Of Picard Island

History

Picard Island was first occupied by the Mi’kmaq people some 1000 years ago. The island was named for Jean-Michel Picard, captain of Jacques Cartier’s vessel the Dauphin. In 1759, Jacques Cartier named the island after Picard in honour of his navigational skills.

In 1892, a lighthouse and an observation post were built on the island to help ships navigating through the Gulf of St Lawrence; the light itself was a 10 m wooden tower located on the north shore which, when lit in April, could be seen for over 20 nautical miles. However after almost 100 years of service the St Lawrence Seaway rendered it obsolete and part of it were torn down two years later; its remains are now preserved as historical relics at the park entrance of Cap Sable Island National Park.

Climate

The climate of Picard Island is maritime, with a pronounced seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperature ranging from 24 to 30 °C during July and August. Winters can be cold but mostly mild, with temperatures averaging between 0 and 4 °C during January and February. Precipitation is mainly rain in the summer time but snow can fall on the island occasionally in winter; though this last event has been very rare since 1979- 1981.

Culture

 

Picard Island is home to a rich Mi’kmaq culture that has been preserved through archaeological evidence and oral traditions. The island is also the birthplace of Hector-Louis Langevin, one of Canada’s foremost political scientists and historians. The island is also popular for its Mi’kmaq folklore.

Picard Island’s history as a French outpost in the Gulf of St Lawrence has been documented by historian Jean-Charles Cuvillier and there are preserved historic buildings, including stone cottage ruins, archaeological remnants of lime kilns which functioned 850 years ago on what was once grassland dotted with lakes and streams and war relics from both wars between France (17th century) to today.

Politics

 

The island is part of the federal riding of Havre-Saint-Pierre and is represented in the Canadian parliament by National Assembly of Quebec member Yannick Girard. Considered a “backwards island” by most of the mainland population for its poor roads and high levels of poverty, Picard Island has been very slow to embrace modern times with less than nine percent ownership or use of a telephone. The only landline phone available is located at Emmanuel Point in Havre-Saint Pierre which provides residents from that community and neighbouring ones with dial tone.

Government services

The local government is the Parish Municipality of Havre-Saint-Pierre which has a population of around 1,600. The main services provided by the municipality are policing and fire protection. Health care is available on the island through private providers. The nearest hospital is in nearby Pointe-à-la-Croix, but only for medical emergencies.

The island’s 4 km of paved road are maintained by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans who conduct fisheries surveys to protect endangered fish species from overharvesting by commercial parties.

Tourism

Picard Island is a popular tourist destination for residents of Quebec and the rest of Canada. The main attractions are hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching and kayaking. There are also several bed-and-breakfasts on the island offering lodging in cottages or villas. In recent years, the island has started to become more readily used by tourists and visitors despite its isolation. The situation seems to be improving; Out of a population under 1,000 there are many businesses extending into tourism with several new hotels in full operation offering various levels of accommodations.

Transport

There is a small airport on the island which services limited flights to and from Quebec City. The only ferries providing regular service to and from the mainland are operated by Groupe Maritime Saint-Pierre. There is no bus service on the island, but bicycle rentals are available at most businesses. To reach Mac Iac à Aigle or beyond one accepts any mode of transportation available including taxi, car ferry and airplane.

Cuisine

Picard Island cuisine is similar to that of Quebec with some notable exceptions. The most popular dish on the island is poutine which is a Québécois fries dish made from French-fried potatoes, cheese curds and gravy. Other popular dishes include mussels cooked in white wine and garlic, salmon fillets baked with dill mayonnaise, doughnuts filled with apple or cherry compote and galettes (savory pastry pies) filled with meats, cheese and other foods such as wild mushrooms.

Wildlife

The island is home to a variety of wildlife including beavers, caribou, black bears and foxes. There are several hiking trails in the area offering opportunities for birdwatching as well. Squirrels, deer and wild turkeys are passive inhabitants of the island. Picard has been called “the last remaining French Canadian Island” and is one of the oldest offshore islands in North America.

It serves as a unique example of Quebecois culture, language and interests with its population being mainly exclusively Francophile Québécois (though there are several American-born residents). More than anything it’s a representation an outpost for cultural preservation, history and enjoyment.

Conclusion

Picard Island is a small and picturesque island located off the coast of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. The island is home to the Melbourne Zoo, which was relocated there from Moorabbin in 1935. The island is also popular for its beaches, which are well known for their stunning views of the Melbourne city skyline.

FAQ

1.What Is The Population Of Picard Island?

Ans: There is no formal census or estimated population for Picard Island. However, the Melbourne Zoo reported in 2001 that the island had a total resident population of about 7500 animals (4200 land and 3100 water). Given this information, it can be assumed that the island’s population size has since increased.

2.What Is The Size Of Picard Island?

Ans: The island measures about in width and spans across a length of over . It has an area within which covers to such an extent that it makes up 50% of the total land mass. However, due to its extensive bathtub-shaped coastline and water jet streams, official estimates are not reliable.

3.What Is The Climate Of Picard Island?

Ans: Picard Island has a temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average January temperature is around due to the Prevailing Westerly winds, while in July temperatures can exceed.

4.What Does The Native Vegetation Of Picard Island Look Like?

Ans: Picard Island is dominated by an abundance of grasses and shrubs.

5.How Many Types Of Bird Species Can Be Found On Picard Island?

Ans: Picard Island has over 100 different kinds of birds, including land and water fowls. All the native reptiles are extinct; however there is a small population of introduced pythons that inhabit several areas in the island.