South Row Island is an uninhabited island located in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, between Montreal and Quebec City. The island is protected as a nature reserve and a migratory bird sanctuary.
It has been a popular destination for canoeists, kayakers, and rowers since the 1920s, when it became accessible by boat. The island is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, as it is home to more than 230 species of birds.
Contents
All About Of South Row Island
History
The island first appeared on maps in 1535 as “Royaume du Sueur”, and was later renamed North Row Island. It was rediscovered by Jacques Cartier in 1534 and named for his countryman, the Earl of Warwick.
The island remained uninhabited until the early 20th century, when it became a popular spot for canoeists, kayakers, and rowers. In 1930, the island was purchased and developed as a summer resort. It remains Canada’s oldest private recreational development after being owned by the Sobey family since 1935.
Climate
The island has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot, muggy summers. The average temperature ranges from −9 °C in winter to 24 °C in summer.
Annual precipitation is around 650 mm on average, with lower amounts in winter and relatively more rain during the spring months. St. Lawrence Seaway
It’s located in the middle of one of Canada’s largest rivers and shipping lanes, the St. Lawrence River, which takes about two hours to cross by boat (from Montreal, for example).
Culture
The island is also home to a small community of about 50 residents, who maintain a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. The reserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy Canada.
Visitors are welcome to stay on the island year-round, and there have been requests from other countries for permission to colonize it permanently.
In 2008 then New Democratic Party MPPat Martin proposed sending a team of Canadian Mounties there in winters icebreakers can’t reach .
Politics
North Row Island is a part of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Regional Municipality, which covers parts of central Quebec.
The island is located between the Richelieu River in Quebec and Wood Island in Longue-Pointe, New Brunswick Although all of the island is owned by a private company, and at least 90% of it has public roads on it, ownership remains with Canada under seigneurial tenure.
Government Services
Most island residents rely on icebreaking boats from Quebec to reach the island in the winter. There is no public phone or electricity, and residents must cart their own water and fuel supplies to the island.
The site’s utilities are maintained by the local municipality and national government seasonal workers, including 15 to 20 Mounties.
North Row Island has no airport or other public private ferry connections . Even residents drive their own vehicles from one neighboring community onto North Row Island for access in bad weather.
Tourism
There is tentative talk of privatizing the island and turning it into a tourist attraction operated by a private company.
Actually, no one wants to be the company’s “owner” because they want total control. The government of Canada has offered 100-meter leasewith out question.
The island’s special environment designation makes the offer illegal under federal law—unless it is extended to all residents and visitors, including tourists. However, no one wants that responsibility.
Transport
Bay Ferries provides service to North Row Island from Wood Islands in New Brunswick. The ferry is provided by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Regional Municipality, but Bay Ferries operates it.
From April 1970 until 1980, the ferry was called The H.C. Robinson and provided service only between North Row and Snow Lake on Great Bear Island in British Columbia’s Queen Charlotte Islands archipelago.
A stone footbridge provides pedestrian access to the island. It offers no safe objects, such as rocks or walls that could be used by children or animals who want to climb over a barrier.
As with Island Bight and Halifax’s nearby harbour islands, there is no community centre; “The Centre” remains open throughout the year due to most of its facilities being boarded up during winter months when visitors are absent from it.
Cuisine
Residents mainly eat canned goods, fresh or frozen fish, and eggs. There is a limited number of groceries that can be transported onto the island. As the source of all fresh and frozen foods, fish is a staple.
Residents also reported eating at least two small white goat herds that are in residence on the island year-round. Eels inhabit the lakes and no one seems to be worried about them.
As a source for fish, residents feasted on salmon that had been put in cans by the Department of Fisheries & Oceans and were supplied to them with every delivery.
Wildlife
The primary wildlife on the island are Canada geese. They congregate in large flocks and can become a nuisance, especially when they try to stop traffic on the narrow roads. Hawks can be seen circling overhead often looking for prey or moving off into the distance.
The only invasive species that has been identified is European green crab (Carcinus maenas). It is sighted on the western side of North Island, its previous habitat being in Belgium.
This species was not identified as a threat to the population until after “Gay’s Warbler” came into their territory and started preying on their eggs.
Conservationists worked with contractors who retrieved European green crabs from nests by hand at night when they had lost all aircrews; then released live specimens back into suitable habitats elsewhere (Public Safety Canada). It is unclear if the population has decreased.
Conclusion
South Row Island is a tiny, unincorporated island located in the middle of the Mississippi River. Home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the United States, South Row Island is a must-see destination for any traveler.
With an extensive forest that spans for miles, a small but lush coastline, and a vast interior that is home to a variety of wildlife, South Row Island is an ideal location for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
FAQs
1.What Are The Most Popular Activities On South Row Island?
Ans: The most popular activities on South Row Island include canoeing, kayaking, and rowing.
2.How Can I Purchase A House On South Row Island?
Ans: There are no houses available for sale to the general public. The island is owned by the federal government, and you will need permission from Canada’s Department of Natural Resources before purchasing property anywhere else in Canada.
3.What Currency Does South Row Island Use?
Ans: The sole legal tender on South Row Island is Canadian dollars (CAD). No US dollar or foreign currencies circulate at any rate .
4.What Is The Weather Like On South Row Island?
Ans: The average temperature and rainfall depend largely upon which of four climates one finds oneself, but all areas are often warm with sometimes sunny to rainy skies.
Geographically speaking, South Row Island can be found in both dry and wet regions of Canada’s Maritime provinces.
5.What Is The Public Transit Like On South Row Island?
Ans: Public transportation around South Row Island consists of an infrequent vagrant commuter ferry service, a paved road along the eastern edge of the island and several trails for hikers.
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