Ile Aux Lievres
Ile Aux Lievres
4.5
About
Île aux Lièvres, an incredible hiker’s paradise!Tapered at the ends, this island reminds some of a ship, while others consider it the world’s smallest continent! An impressive 13 kilometers in length, it cannot be fully explored in one day. Discover natural lookouts, explore deserted beaches edged in brier roses, find a seal dozing on the upper part of the beach… Both wild and inviting, Île aux Lièvres will enchant you.Ten kilometers across the water from Rivière du Loup, Île aux Lièvres is one of the best kept secrets of the estuary! Get there in just twenty minutes aboard a Duvetnor boat. The network of hiking trails is vast and diverse (45 km), with trails ranging in difficulty from novice to expert, the level of each clearly marked on the map you will receive upon landing. As a bonus, there are no dangerous animals, no stinging plants (no poison ivy, in particular), and far fewer mosquitoes than on the coast. Plus, refreshing ocean breezes, dwarf forests, escarpments, endless beaches, driftwood… And yes-scores of memories to be made (camera a must)!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
116 reviews
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Cl G
Levis, Canada1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Couples
We stayed at Ile aux Lièvres for 2 nights in Hostel. It gave us 3 days to explore the beautiful variety of the island’s trails, walk on its deserted beaches, see some hares, a groan, photograph wildflowers and beautiful views of the St. Lawrence, against the backdrop of birdsong. Calm is omnipresent, as very few people stay on the island. The quality of the facilities is worthy of note, as is the sophistication of the meals where regional and seasonal products are used beautifully, as well as the treasures of the Lower St. Lawrence, including sea parsley, sea spinach, salicorne and boreal aromatics (balsam fir, dune pepper, sweet cherry). It was beyond our expectations, and we imagine the logistics of the underlying supply on an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence! Also noteworthy is the friendly staff. They seem happy to live there and communicate it well to us. In short, we recommend this stay without hesitation.
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Written July 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John V
Toronto, Canada386 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
This is a spectacular location for observing nature. The island is operated by the Duvetnor Foundation who control access for various activities. Access is booked through the Foundation office at Riviera du Loup and you are taken there by a scheduled motor boat that is robust and powerful and driven by a competent captain. On our way out, the river was millpond calm, but the return was much more challenging with wind and a running sea. The boat handled the conditions well.
Upon arrival at the Island, there is a commentary as the boat passes slowly by the seabird colonies, where the crowds of birds raise a stink literally and metaphorically.
Once you are docked at the Isle, there is an assembly of the arrivals and they are checked in and assigned to the three different levels of accommodation - camping, by reserved site and chalet - again by reservation. These people bring in their own food supplies. Then there is the lodge - which is full board, again by reservation. All of the accommodation options seem to be very well set up, and with showers and toilets available for the campers.
There are many hiking options with well-marked trails extending to both ends of the island. The east end of the island is popular for spotting beluga whales, however the hike is 7 kms in each direction - so if you take this hike you will want to make a packed lunch. The hike to the west end of the island is about a 6km round trip, and there you can see seals basking on the rocks or swimming curiously around. You can take shorter walks and see the ubiquitous Eider Ducks with their broods, swimming in a paradise that is virtually free of predators. Other seabirds are also visible, but the sheer numbers of Eider ducks is a special treat.
if you take the full board option, the food is remarkably good and so much of it drawn from the region and freshly prepared in the kitchen by a talented chef. If you just eat and don't hike, you will put on pounds!
This is a charming location with much to offer, and an environmental demonstration project, generating its own electricity and attempting to be as green as possible in all endeavours. Well worth supporting, even though the cost of being there is quite expensive. A two-day stay is probably sufficient to appreciate what the Foundation has to offer and it doesn't bankrupt you, and the camping option is quite reasonable. The island operates in French, although accommodation is made for those that speak only English.
Upon arrival at the Island, there is a commentary as the boat passes slowly by the seabird colonies, where the crowds of birds raise a stink literally and metaphorically.
Once you are docked at the Isle, there is an assembly of the arrivals and they are checked in and assigned to the three different levels of accommodation - camping, by reserved site and chalet - again by reservation. These people bring in their own food supplies. Then there is the lodge - which is full board, again by reservation. All of the accommodation options seem to be very well set up, and with showers and toilets available for the campers.
There are many hiking options with well-marked trails extending to both ends of the island. The east end of the island is popular for spotting beluga whales, however the hike is 7 kms in each direction - so if you take this hike you will want to make a packed lunch. The hike to the west end of the island is about a 6km round trip, and there you can see seals basking on the rocks or swimming curiously around. You can take shorter walks and see the ubiquitous Eider Ducks with their broods, swimming in a paradise that is virtually free of predators. Other seabirds are also visible, but the sheer numbers of Eider ducks is a special treat.
if you take the full board option, the food is remarkably good and so much of it drawn from the region and freshly prepared in the kitchen by a talented chef. If you just eat and don't hike, you will put on pounds!
This is a charming location with much to offer, and an environmental demonstration project, generating its own electricity and attempting to be as green as possible in all endeavours. Well worth supporting, even though the cost of being there is quite expensive. A two-day stay is probably sufficient to appreciate what the Foundation has to offer and it doesn't bankrupt you, and the camping option is quite reasonable. The island operates in French, although accommodation is made for those that speak only English.
Written July 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susanne68
Ontario, Canada2 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
Ile au Lievres was a highlight of our trip from Toronto to Gaspe. We were 3 couples travelling together, enjoying a variety of accommodations from rustic camping to fine inns. At Ile aux Lievres we shared a perfectly appointed maisonnette for 2 nights. We were thrilled with the idyllic setting, looking out from a private deck at water's edge to the thousands of seabirds perching on the cliffs of les Iles du Pot a l'Eau-de-Vie; the variety of terrain traversed by hiking trails on the island; the sealife viewed up close from the ferry, from the trails and from our cottage deck; the welcoming and knowledgeable staff who offered excellent interpretation of the many natural features of this very unique and special place. A truly exceptional experience... don't miss it!
Written December 7, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philippe
Quebec City, Canada2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
I am charged a considerable sum, and then, to top it all off, I receive a generic, unsigned message asking me for photos for free, obviously in order to monetize them without any guarantee of copyright enforcement. Frankly, what a great demonstration of ethics! It's beyond comprehension. An excellent way to tarnish beautiful memories, adding a good dose of bitterness.
Rating: A rental obligation for three nights minimum, an extra $30 for the right of access to an individual toilet in the chalet and of course the basic bill was $1,600, without meals ...
Rating: A rental obligation for three nights minimum, an extra $30 for the right of access to an individual toilet in the chalet and of course the basic bill was $1,600, without meals ...
Automatically translated
Written September 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kokov25
Ottawa, Canada1 contribution
Aug 2018 • Friends
I took a friend there for the last week in august, and they only had their biggest, most expensive cabin free (which is 3 bedrooms) so I booked it because the girl on the phone said it was worth it and beautiful and very comfortable.
Upon arrival, we were brought to our cabin by a young girl, and she unlocked 1 room, saying that they wouldn't unlock the other 2 rooms because we shouldn't need them! Even when I mentioned that I had payed the FULL CABIN rental price, she still insisted that we were 2 so, 1 bedroom is enough.
My friend ended up sleeping on a tiny thin mattress, on the FLOOR, in the living room after paying 300$ a night!!!!
When we got back to the marina, i went to talk with the staff about this, and they told me they were sorry and that they would reimburse me a sum seeing as I DID NOT get the full cabin rental I payed for (FRAUD), but then the following Monday, I got an email saying I had to come back again (8hrs away) to get a rebate for the next time instead.
When I replied (very respectfully) that i would prefer the money back they had promised, they just never answered back!
Needless to say that, other than the fact that the island IS beautiful,YES, this vacation cost me over 700$ for 48hrs and it should not have....not for what we got. They have ONE-ROOM cabins for wayyyyyyyyyy less than 300$/night!!
They seem nice but are very dishonest and unwilling to do anything to help once they have your money! They even tell you NOT to bother them, if something happens while your there, because they don't want to have to deal with it. They have their ''employee cabin'' and they don't want to have to help the visitors out...
So for those reasons, i'm VERY disappointed and dissatisfied with the trip and WILL NOT give them any more money.
Upon arrival, we were brought to our cabin by a young girl, and she unlocked 1 room, saying that they wouldn't unlock the other 2 rooms because we shouldn't need them! Even when I mentioned that I had payed the FULL CABIN rental price, she still insisted that we were 2 so, 1 bedroom is enough.
My friend ended up sleeping on a tiny thin mattress, on the FLOOR, in the living room after paying 300$ a night!!!!
When we got back to the marina, i went to talk with the staff about this, and they told me they were sorry and that they would reimburse me a sum seeing as I DID NOT get the full cabin rental I payed for (FRAUD), but then the following Monday, I got an email saying I had to come back again (8hrs away) to get a rebate for the next time instead.
When I replied (very respectfully) that i would prefer the money back they had promised, they just never answered back!
Needless to say that, other than the fact that the island IS beautiful,YES, this vacation cost me over 700$ for 48hrs and it should not have....not for what we got. They have ONE-ROOM cabins for wayyyyyyyyyy less than 300$/night!!
They seem nice but are very dishonest and unwilling to do anything to help once they have your money! They even tell you NOT to bother them, if something happens while your there, because they don't want to have to deal with it. They have their ''employee cabin'' and they don't want to have to help the visitors out...
So for those reasons, i'm VERY disappointed and dissatisfied with the trip and WILL NOT give them any more money.
Written September 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Kokov25,
We are really sorry that you feel you've been fraud. As you wrote, when you reserved on june 26 the only cottage left was the brand new one of a little bit more of 1800 p.c. It is indeed our biggest and most luxuous one and thus cost 65$ per night more than the cheapest one. We made the mistake to think you and your friend were a couple and didn't unlock all the room. Beeing a conservation organism, we aim to reduce our energy and water consumption. We do so, amoungst other thing, by unlocking additional rooms and restrooms on demand. We generally don't have any problems with that procedure but we are sorry for the trouble it caused you. When you came to us after your stay, we were really surprised to ear that you're friend slept on the floor. It would have been so easy to call us during your stay. The employee can be reached from 7:30 am to 7 pm at the «employee cabin» and 24h/24 by phone for emergency and our office is open from 8 am to 5 pm during the high season. Considering you advised us only at the end of your stay and never let us the chance to correct the situation, we decided not to refound your whole stay but offered you a 295$ discount for any of our services and products for the next two years and you declined our offer.
We are sorry we could'nt satisfy you.
Best Regards.
Written September 18, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
food4thought
Bancroft, Canada59 contributions
Jun 2011 • Solo
I only had a day so walked the island and did not stay overnight. I'd definitely consider a couple of days camping next time I'm this way.
The staff were exceptionally helpful and provided maps and suggested routes - everything i needed to ensure I could enjoy the few hours I had for my hike. The boat ride over was informative. As a not-for-profit, the funds raised go to environmental stewardship work. The island trails are very well maintained and during my 3+ hour walk, I enjoyed the quiet and solitude and beautiful views.
I gather there are tent sites and cabins and even a restaurant for those who like less rustic camping experiences. Everyone else on the boat was staying overnight for a few nights. Something I will do next time. Pricing was very reasonable.
Thanks for a great day.
The staff were exceptionally helpful and provided maps and suggested routes - everything i needed to ensure I could enjoy the few hours I had for my hike. The boat ride over was informative. As a not-for-profit, the funds raised go to environmental stewardship work. The island trails are very well maintained and during my 3+ hour walk, I enjoyed the quiet and solitude and beautiful views.
I gather there are tent sites and cabins and even a restaurant for those who like less rustic camping experiences. Everyone else on the boat was staying overnight for a few nights. Something I will do next time. Pricing was very reasonable.
Thanks for a great day.
Written September 15, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
miss j
Montreal, Canada9 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Birds calling in the morning , eiders and babes, seals basking,and gorgeous spring flowers. Chalets clean and well appointed . Even tho there were 0ther peolpe on the island we rarely ran into them on our walks Great get away for peace and nature observation . It was fabulous weather when we were there It would have been a different review if it had been pouring rain the whole time
Written June 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie M
17 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
My boyfriend and I just did a day trip to the island. It would have been well worth it to stay the night camping but we were unprepared! A beautiful place to visit with short hikes or long hikes. We had beautiful weather. Saw 3 seals and birds. It's wonderful this island is run by an NGO and all profits go to ensuring this island remains a nature reserve. The boat ride is fun and if your lucky you will see sea life! The people working there were all very informative, helpful and nice. Not everyone speaks english but we didn't have any issues. Definitely worth a visit!
Written September 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexis B
4 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
I have been numerous times camping on Ile aux Lièvres. It's a peaceful, quiet and majestic place. You'll feel completely alone, except for sea-birds and the occasional lazy seal resting on a sunny beach. There are no cars, no bikes, no nothing, except nature and friendly staff.
I recommend going around june or july, you'll have the best occasion to observe sea-bird nesting on the cliffs of the Brandy Pot islands.
You just have to see it!
I recommend going around june or july, you'll have the best occasion to observe sea-bird nesting on the cliffs of the Brandy Pot islands.
You just have to see it!
Written March 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edithe P
Quebec, Canada35 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
A very nice place to observ seals and hear them singing..
We walked there, it was so fun..
We slept à l'auberge, but you can rent a cottage..
and the day after, a ship came to take us to l'île du Pot a l'eau de vie... we were there some years ago...
We walked there, it was so fun..
We slept à l'auberge, but you can rent a cottage..
and the day after, a ship came to take us to l'île du Pot a l'eau de vie... we were there some years ago...
Written January 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour,
Les départs se font à partir de la marina de Rivière-du-Loup, par nos propres bateaux. Les horaires varient en fonction des marées. Quand vous appelez pour faire une réservation, c'est à ce moment que nous vous donnons vos heures de traversées. Ce sont de petits bateaux de 12 passagers. Les voitures restent évidemment au quai. Il n'y a pas de vélo non plus sur les îles, la seule façon de se déplacer est à pied. Vous pouvez communiquer avec nous pour plus de détails 1 877 867 1660.
Written May 3, 2018
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