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Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial

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Historical site
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Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial (Canada)

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Grosse Île, situated in the Saint Lawrence River near Quebec City, served as the primary quarantine station for the Port of Quebec from 1832 to 1937. It is most poignantly remembered as the site of a humanitarian tragedy during the Great Irish Famine of 1847, when thousands of Irish immigrants arrived on "coffin ships" suffering from typhus and cholera. It is estimated that over 5,000 Irish people died on the island or in the waters surrounding it, making it the largest Irish burial ground outside of Ireland. The station was established by the British colonial government to prevent the spread of infectious diseases brought by incoming European settlers. Today, Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site stands as a powerful monument to the immigrant experience and the hardships faced by those seeking a new life in North America. Visitors can tour the original quarantine hospital, the disinfecting buildings, and the various cemeteries that mark the site. The memorial cross, erected by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, serves as a focal point for remembrance, honoring the resilience of the Irish people and their significant contribution to the development of modern Canada.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-12-11-63101619181470-8
Rain mm605967858610410999951088087

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Grosse Île is a historic quarantine station on an island in the St. Lawrence River, reachable by ferry. The Irish Memorial and buildings are open to visitors, guided tours are available.
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Typical hours
The island is usually open to visitors from mid-May to early October. Ferries run several times daily, last departure is typically in the afternoon.
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Photography
Photography is allowed all over the island; the Irish Memorial is a poignant subject. Use the soft morning light for atmospheric shots of the historic buildings.
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Time needed
Plan half a day for travel, crossing, and the tour. The ferry takes about 30 minutes; time on the island should be at least 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with Quebec City or Montmorency Falls. A boat tour on the St. Lawrence River is also an option.
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Getting there
Ferries depart from Berthier-sur-Mer or Quebec City depending on the season. Parking is available at the departure points; reservation is recommended.
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Insider tip
Book the ferry in advance, especially in midsummer. Bring insect repellent as mosquitoes are common on the island.

Geography

Coordinates
47.02700, -70.48400

Facts

  • Operated as a medical quarantine facility for 105 years between 1832 and 1937.
  • More than 5,000 victims of the 1847 typhus outbreak are interred on the island.
  • Recognized as the largest Irish mass burial site located outside of Ireland.
  • The 1847 lazaretto is the oldest remaining quarantine structure in North America.
  • Became a National Historic Site managed by Parks Canada in 1984.
  • The iconic Celtic Cross monument stands 14 meters tall overlooking the river.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MontmagnyMontmagny8 km · SExplore →
Petite-Rivière-Saint-FrançoisPetite-Rivière-Saint-François14 km · SEExplore →
Baie-Saint-PaulBaie-Saint-Paul16 km · EExplore →
La MalbaieLa Malbaie44 km · NEExplore →
Mont-Sainte-Anne (Beaupré)Mont-Sainte-Anne (Beaupré)46 km · SExplore →
Saint-FulgenceSaint-Fulgence70 km · SEExplore →
Quebec Aluminum SmelterQuebec Aluminum Smelter76 km · SEExplore →
LévisLévis79 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial (7)

Battures de Montmagny🎡 recreation

Recreational tidal flats along the Montmagny shore.

Cabaret Cogeco🎭 culture

A cabaret and music venue on Île Irish Memorial.

Domaine RITT Cidrerie & Vergers📍 landmark

A cider house and apple orchards on the island.

Le Por des Vaches🎡 recreation

A recreational area known as Le Por des Vaches.

Parc Marcel-Desjardins🌳 park

A green space dedicated to Marcel Desjardins on the island.

Parc municipal Optimiste🌳 park

A municipal park with a name reflecting community optimism.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do I reach Grosse Île?
The island is only accessible by ferry from Berthier-sur-Mer; the trip takes about 45 minutes.
What is the historical significance of the site?
It served as a quarantine station for over four million immigrants, especially during the Irish Potato Famine.
When is the best time to visit?
The season runs from May to October. Summer has the most stable weather for the boat trip.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, Parks Canada provides guided tours, which are typically included in the ferry ticket price.
Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Partially. A tourist train assists with transport on the island, but some historic buildings have steps.
Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial: where is it located?
Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial is located in Canada.
Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial: what is there to see?
Highlights include Battures de Montmagny, Cabaret Cogeco, Domaine RITT Cidrerie & Vergers.
Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial: why is it worth visiting?
Grosse Île, situated in the Saint Lawrence River near Quebec City, served as the primary quarantine station for the Port of Quebec from 1832 to 1937.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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History & landmarks

Baie-Saint-Paul — Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial (Canada)
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Baie-Saint-Paul serves as the cultural center of the Charlevoix region.