Grosse Ile Island & Grande Entree Island Part 6

With a population of approximately 500 people, Grosse Ile is the largest English speaking community on the Magdalens. As you enter Grosse Ile there is a towering salt mine on the right. Owned by Seleine Mines it produces road salt for Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and eastern United States.

Salt Mine

Salt mine operation began in 1982 and extracts 1.5 million tons of salt per year and employees 200 people. Salt is extracted from below Grande-Entrée lagoon. The mine is 300 meters deep and encompasses 1.6 km.

Grande Entrée Lagoon with salt mine in background

In 1993 Grosse Ile created its own fisherman’s coop with the goal to create jobs and increase lobster prices.

Cape Dauphin harbor

Two very friendly fisherman

Looking out from the Cape Dauphin harbour you can’t help to notice the beautiful beach of Plage de la Pointe de l’Est.

Plage de la Pointe de l'Est

The National Wildlife Reserve of East Point further down the road is the sole ecosystem of its kind in Quebec. It encompasses an area of 684 hectares with 4.5 km of walking trail.

Stunted trees line the dunes

Sand, sand, and more sand dunes

Louise, Danielle, and myself walking through the reserve

After walking and sitting on the beach we decided to go for lunch. Again we all ordered seafood and again we were not disappointed.

Time to eat

We had delicious seafood chowder

Yes Fern those are mussels

Grande Entrée Island was the last island to be settled dating back to 1870’s. Today its Quebec’s lobster capital with over 100 lobster fishing boats in the harbour.

Some of the many lobster boats

Typical looking lobster boat

How better to celebrate the end of lobster season but with lobster fest in the lobster capital.

Lobster sold for $8.00 each at the lobster fest

Bringing their fishing boat to lobster fest

Its party time

During the last few days we were on the Magdalens, I wanted to go to Brion Island and Bird Rock. Unfortunately even though it was clear blue sky, the wind picked so they cancelled all trips. Safety first. However, not all a bust. I went on a zodiac trip to see some seals basking in the sun.

Seals on the beach basking in the sun

The large male seal in front is watching over his girls

Susan and I cannot say enough great things about these islands. We could have easily stayed for a month. Would we come back, absolutely? Did we want leave, no? All good things must come to an end. Good-bye Ile de la Madeleine hello Prince Edward Island. See ya then.