This town of 11,000 was one of the first settlements on the south shore, and was wheat capital of Quebec in the 18th century. Today, known as the White Geese capital, Montmagny is the ferry access point for Île aux Grues and the Grosse Île National Historic Site.
The city also has a remarkable architectural heritage, showcased on the streets beside Rivière du Sud in Montmagny’s city center, and along Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Saint-Thomas streets, where outdoor cafés, restaurants, inns, boutiques and other businesses have taken up shop in stately old homes, creating an inviting atmosphere for strolling and relaxing.
Ville de Montmagny
Attractions
Manoir Couillard-Dupuis & Economusee Mondial Accordions
301, boulevard Taché Est, Montmagny, Québec, G5V 1C5
418-248-7927
Illustrates the manufacture of and functioning of accordians, a popular Quebec instrument. See photo exhibits for the various models produced by the Carrfours Mondial Accordions. Open year-round Mon-Fri 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm. Admission $3.
Maison historique Sir Etienne-Pascal-Tache
37 Avenue Ste Marie, Montmagny, QC G5V 2R6
(418) 248-0993
This 1759 house was the home of Etienne-Pascal-Tache (1795-1865) who was prime minister of a United Canada for a few years, prior to Confederation. Open mid-June – Sept: Mon-Fri 10 am to 5 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am to 4 pm, Sept- late Oct: Sat-Sun 10 am to 4 pm. Admission $3.
Grosse Île And The Irish Memorial National Historic Site Of Canada
Grosse Île, Saint-Antoine-de-l’Isle-aux-Grues, Quebec G0R 1P0
(Offshore from Montmagny, 48 km from Québec via “Autoroute” 20 East. )
(418) 234-8841 Toll-free: 1-888-773-8888Fax: (418) 241-5530 (in season)
Grosse Île, in the middle of the St. Lawrence, dominates the Isle aux Grues archipelago. It served as quarantine station for the port of Québec, the principal point of entry for immigrants to Canada until the World War I. Grosse Île has more than 7,000 people are buried here, most as victims of the 1847 typhus epidemic. Many survived quarantine and successfully emigrated to Canada, due in large part to the dedication of those who provided care and comfort for them.
Like the early immigrants you begin your tour by entering the disinfection building. Then, visit the multimedia exhibit that narrates the history of the site. Set out on one of the managed trails to see the Celtic cross, the western cemetery, and the Memorial. Take the trolley to the centre of the island, where the station’s employees once lived. The tour continues on to the eastern end of the site, in what is known as the hospital sector. The Lazaretto, the oldest building on Grosse Île, is located in this area, and bears witness to the epidemic of 1847.
Open May 17 to October 17, Daily. Admission fees are included in the boat charges to the island, and can vary between $35 and $60, plus tax, depending on your point of boarding, with special fees for groups.