The Sorel Islands, the Quebec Everglades
Better known as the Sorel Islands, the Lake Saint-Pierre archipelago comprises 103 islands, including those of Sorel and Berthier. It's a fascinating labyrinth of channels and marshes to explore.
• Also read: Le Baluchon, an exceptional holiday village
There are several ways to discover this territory reminiscent of the Florida Everglades, starting with a guided tour.
In a small boatAfter a visit to the Biophare, a museum in Sorel-Tracy illustrating the Lake Saint-Pierre World Biosphere Reserve, we board the Randonnée Nature boat taking 12 passengers.
While the route hasn't changed since my last trip, the journey passes through the legendary Chenal du Moine. On Moine Island, communal pastures and marshes stretch out. Then we skirt Ghost Island, where several chalets have been converted into permanent residences.
The Raisin Channel leads us to the St. Lawrence, which we cross. Here and there stand several cottages on stilts. The aquatic vegetation is dense, bordered by willows and silver maples.
The wild nature of the islands is astonishing. The Grande-Île wildlife refuge is home to one of the largest colonies of great blue herons in North America, with approximately 600 nests.
By kayak
photo provided by Tourisme Montérégie
Exploring the area can also be done independently, with your kayak or by renting one from the Maison du Marais, managed by the Société d'aménagement de la baie Lavallière (SABL).
You're free to explore the channels, although there are plenty of motorized boats on weekends. This isn't the case in Lavallière Bay, a vast 15-square- kilometer marsh where only non-motorized boats are permitted.
The stew
photo provided by Alain Demers
Near the Maison du Marais, on Embarras Island, the restaurant Chez Marc Beauchemin serves gibelotte, a comforting local dish, simmered with potatoes, vegetables and catfish.
It's housed in a small building reminiscent of summer cottages from another era. If you prefer to eat outside, picnic tables with umbrellas are located just steps from the Chenal du Moine.
The place is both rustic and friendly. Be sure to book.
THE SOREL ISLANDS IN BRIEFNature Hiking: Guided Tours by Small Boat
Maison du Marais: kayak rental, guided tours in motorized boats
Kayakalo: guided sea kayak excursions
Passion Planches: paddleboard initiation and rental
Accommodation: camping and small chalets
The third link
Photo taken from the Facebook page Alo Richelieu
There is now a small ferry for pedestrians and cyclists connecting Sabrevois and the festive Marina St-Tropez to Saint-Blaise-sur-Richelieu. This saves long detours to discover the attractions of Richelieu.
Tropical evenings
photo provided by Mika Monika-Stéphane Plourde
On the Verdun track in Montreal, experience the southern atmosphere with salsa and bachata. Upcoming evenings: Sunday, August 31st, then Saturdays, September 6th and 20th. Bring folding chairs and drinks.
• Also read: Tropical atmosphere in the south of Montreal
Alain Demers is the author of the book Rediscovering Quebec: 101 Destinations , published by Éditions du Journal.
LE Journal de Montreal
