St François Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Gulf of St Lawrence in Quebec, Canada. It is part of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and is administered by Parks Canada on behalf of both the Cree Nation and the Government of Quebec.
The island is notable for its natural resources (chiefly its mineral deposits) and as the site of a traditional Cree winter village.
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History
The history of St François Island goes back over two hundred years. The first inhabitants of the island were the Mi’kmaq, who hunted and fished there. The French explorer Jacques Cartier landed on the island in 1534 and named it after St.
Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. In 1604, Samuel de Champlain founded a small settlement on the island that would later develop into Quebec City. The British took possession of the island in 1763 during the French and Indian War, but they never developed it as a settlement because they feared it might become a military base.
In 1798, following the Treaty of Paris that ended the war, Britain ceded control of the island to France. The island remained under French rule until 1867 when it was annexed by Canada as part of the province of Quebec. Today, it is an uninhabited part of Quebec’s Eastern Townships region.
Geography
St François Island is 1.8 km long and 0.5 km wide, with a total land area of just over 2 square kilometres. It is surrounded by the Gulf of St Lawrence on three sides and the Tamworth Channel on the fourth. The nearest larger island is Île d’Orléans, which lies 4 kilometers to the northwest.
Ecosystem
The island is home to a diversity of plant and animal species, including birds (including the threatened northern harrier), deer, beavers, raccoons, bears, wolves and caribou. The island is also rich in mineral resources: gold and diamond are among the rarest minerals on earth found there.
Parks Canada manages St François Island as part of James Bay National Park Reserve. Activities that are permitted on the island include hiking,
Population
There is no census information available for the island, but it is estimated that there are no more than 50 people living on it.
Economy
The economy of St François Island is based mainly on subsistence farming and hunting.
Climate
The climate on the island is Arctic, with long cold winters and short warm summers.
Culture and Religion
The traditional culture of the island is centred around subsistence hunting and fishing. The main religion on the island is Inuit Christianity.
Languages
The primary language spoken on St François Island is Inuktitut.
Education
There are no schools on the island, and residents must travel to James Bay National Park Reserve to receive their education.
Politics
St François Island is a part of the Inuit Nunangat.
Government Services
The only government services available on the island are emergency health and safety response, air transport services and limited social services.
Tourism
Yes, tourism is definitely a big part of the economy on St François Island. In fact, it’s one of the main sources of income for the island. There are a number of ways to enjoy tourists on the island, including through day visits, overnight camping trips, fishing and boating tours, and much more.
If you’re interested in learning more about tourism on the island, we recommend visiting our website or contacting us at (514) 915-6000 to get started. We would be happy to share all the information we have about the industry with you and answer any questions you may have.
Hotels and Resorts List
There are no hotels or resorts located on the island.
Attractions
There are a lot of things to enjoy when you visit St François Island, the most important of which is its stunning natural beauty. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
There are also plenty of recreational opportunities available, such as hiking, fishing, and swimming. If you’re looking for something more adrenaline-pumping, there are several activities available that can take your breath away – such as zip-lining and rappelling. In short, there’s something for everyone on St François Island!
Activities
-Hiking
-Fishing
-Renting a boat or fishing gear
-Swimming
-Ziplining and rappelling
Transport
There is no regular public transportation on the island, however, private operators operate a number of different types of boats and vans that can be hired for day trips or longer stays.
Cuisine
There is no local cuisine on the island, however, there are a number of restaurants located in nearby towns that offer LOCAL cuisine.
Visitor Tips
-Take plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent with you, as both are essential when hiking in the sun.
-Don’t forget your camera! The views from the top of many hiking trails are simply stunning.
-Be aware that the island is prone to strong winds, so be prepared for gusts that can pick you up and carry you away.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our blog post! In conclusion, we believe that the best way to enjoy St Francois Island is to take things slow and soak up the natural beauty and tranquility the island has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a full-blown vacation, we highly recommend booking a stay on St François Island!
FAQs
When Is The Best Time To Go To St François Island?
There is no specific “best” time to visit the island, however, we advise scheduling your trip during calm weather periods when transportation and sightseeing options are easier.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit St François Island?
Visitor prices vary, but typically rates for day trips and longer stays range from $50-$200.
Can I Bring My Pet With Me To St Francois Island?
No, pets are not allowed on the island.
Can I Bring Alcohol Or Drugs Onto The Island?
Yes, but only if you are carrying them in a physical container that is not open to the elements. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on any of the island’s trails.
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