New exhibitions at Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site starting June 22!
News release
Dreaming of exploring the stories of the past? Memories await you at Parks Canada places from coast to coast to coast!
June 11, 2019 Québec, Québec Parks Canada Agency
Whether you’re looking for adventure, fun science activities for the whole family, a chance to explore history, or a break from the everyday, Parks Canada has 450 000 km² of protected areas with countless unique experiences to suit your needs.
Starting June 22, Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site will officially kick off its peak visitor season. Again this year, visitors will be able to discover the island in different ways during the summer by choosing one of our four thematic tours. In addition, two new exhibits will open just in time for the beginning of summer! The first exhibit, located in the red room in the lazaretto, will allow visitors to better understand the role of medical staff. The second exhibit will present the history of the horse-drawn ambulance that served the island. Visitors will also learn more about the driver of the ambulance, Pierre “Pit” Masson, an important figure from a family that lived on the island for four generations.
Whether you want to learn more about the tragedy of 1847 through the Irish Heritage tour, discover facts about immigration to Canada by taking part in the Land of hope, Land of dreams tour, explore the evolution of medical science through the From beliefs to science tour, or immerse yourself in the life of the villagers who once lived on the island in the Life in Saint-Luc-de-la-Grosse-Île tour, each of the thematic tours will include the must-sees of Grosse Île. There is something for everyone to do, from youngest to wisest!
At Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site, visitors can see history come to life through costumed activities and multiple period buildings still present on the island. Plan your visit today and hear stories of the events that have shaped Canada’s past, present, and future!
Parks Canada places belong to all Canadians. That is why the Government of Canada is pleased to continue to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth aged 17 and under. By encouraging young people to discover nature and connect with history, we can help to inspire the next generation of stewards for these protected places.
Parks Canada staff at Grosse Île are excited to welcome new and returning guests to experience everything that this island and national historic site has to offer.
Additional multimedia
Quotes
“Warm weather is finally here. It’s the perfect time to head back outside and reconnect with the places we love. Parks Canada has so many wonderful places where Canadians and visitors to Canada can explore our wilderness and learn about our culture and history. The Government of Canada is pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for young people, 17 and under. So let’s get outdoors, visit our national parks, historic sites, or marine conservation areas, taking advantage of discovering the places in Canada we love best.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick facts
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Located in the middle of the St. Lawrence River in the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago, Grosse Île was a quarantine station for the port of Québec from 1832 to 1937. At the time, the island was the main point of entry for immigrants coming to Canada.
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Thematic tours are offered only from June 22 to September 2, 2019.
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The site is open from May 1 to October 13, 2019. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about the activities available.
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Although admission to Parks Canada’s places for youth 17 and under is free, transport fees to Grosse Île still apply.
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Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of 171 national historic sites, 46 national parks, one national urban park, and four national marine conservation areas.
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Enter Parks Canada’s Discover Canada contest for a chance to win an amazing trip to Canada’s North- Yukon! In collaboration with our proud partners: MEC, CIBC Air Canada, and Air North.
Associated links
Contacts
Caroline Gagné
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Quebec Field Unit, Parks Canada
418-648-4444
caroline.gagne2@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca