Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site

Located in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, Grosse Île was Canada's main immigration gateway and served as a quarantine station for the Port of Quebec from 1832 to 1937. Follow the footsteps of tens of thousands of immigrants who landed on the island and see the beauty of this special place.

 A family listens to a Parks Canada guide in the western cemetery.

Grosse Île visit

Visit historic buildings and meet witnesses of the past, then see icons of Grosse Île, the Celtic Cross and the Irish Cemetery.

 A young woman in a teacher's costume walks with her back to the camera on a concrete sidewalk towards a yellow building.

Not to be missed

Three essential elements to see and live during your visit to Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site.

 A Parks Canada guide gives a tour to a group of students in front of the Western Cemetery.

School programs

Accompanied by guides and characters, students explore the quarantine station and the history of immigration to Canada.

 Three visitors ride bicycles in front of the Anglican chapel on the central path of Grosse Île.

Self-guided tour

Explore the island at your own pace! On foot or by bike, discover the history and must-see attractions of the quarantine station.

View of a boat leaving the wharf of Grosse Île and the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago.

Getting Here

To reach Grosse île, take either the Croisières Lachance boat from Berthier-sur-Mer, or the plane from Montmagny (Air Montmagny).

Shows virtual Parks Canada workshops with the networked school.

Free online workshops for teachers

Parks Canada in partnership with École en Réseau present free online workshops.

Visiting Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site

Activities and experiences

Things to do, quarantine station tour, costume animation, cruise, historic buildings, school programs and more.

Plan your visit

Maps and directions, how to get here, hours of operations. 

Fees

Daily visitor fees, program fees, and more. Free admission for youth.

Safety and guidelines

Visitors guidelines. 

About Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site

Culture and history

History, list of names on the Memorial, photos and videos.

Stewardship and management

Film and photography, management plan and management plan consultations report.

Nature and science

Conservation, flora and unique wildlife.

How to get here

Contact us

Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site

General information :
1 888 773-8888 (toll free)

quebec.ev-ve@pc.gc.ca

For emergencies within the historic site:
418-234-8841

Hours of operation

Season 2024 : May 9 to October 13

Complete schedule

Social

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