Serenity on the St. Lawrence: Your Guide to Quebec's Île aux Perroquets

Words and photographs by Jay Kana | Published July 6th, 2026
(Except one photograph; can you find which one it is?)

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The lighthouse at sunset on Île aux Perroquets.

90 years before I debuted, the Île aux Perroquets lighthouse began illuminating the waters of the St. Lawrence, creating a safer passage for those traversing this crucial waterway.

The original lighthouse was erected in 1888 and In 1951, a new lighthouse was built and still stands tall, despite being fully automated in 1981, with the last lighthouse keeper being John Collin in 1978.
Interestingly, his son, Jean-Marc Collin, is still active on the island via Parks Canada. I was fortunate to briefly meet him.
This, with help from Parks Canada, has kept the island is a prized attraction in Côte Nord, Quebec. 

Yours truly en route by boat to Île aux Perroquets. Photo by Nancy Bordeleau.

My eagerness for this experience flows from being a Pisces. That also explains having a love of kayaking and being near water as much as possible.
Here, I’d be surrounded by water and on an island a mere 350 metres long by approximately 100 metres wide for 24 hours. I’d have happily stayed much longer. 

The lighthouse and coastline on Île aux Perroquets.

There’s a certain tranquility the island creates. Perhaps it’s the waves kissing the shore. Perhaps it’s the vast but not overwhelming amount of birds on the perimeter. Perhaps it’s realizing I was standing on a piece of Canadian history. Or perhaps it’s the joy of a new experience. It was all of them, in fact, and more. 

Based on my actual, authentic experience, with exactly zero AI and Chat GPT garbage used, here’s your guide to visiting and staying at Quebec’s captivating and historic Île aux Perroquets.

What to bring to Île aux Perroquets

Île aux Perroquets is small in size yet large in character.

If you’re spending the night at île aux Perroquets, you’re allowed to bring only two pieces of luggage on the boat. I went for Canada Day and knowing that the weather can change quickly, I brought a rain jacket with a hood, my favourite hoodie, three t-shirts, a casual button down shirt, jeans, running shoes and two extra pairs of socks. A hat and sunglasses are also suggested.
Also bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks in case you get the munchies in between marvellous meals.
Bug repellant and an anti-itch cream/spray never hurts.
Note that while the water is safe to bathe in, it’s not drinkable. There is plenty of filtered water in your house. 

What’s provided at  Île aux Perroquets?

In our connected world, yes, there’s wifi on île aux Perroquets. There’s also decent cell reception. There are power sources as well to recharge.
Your three meals are provided, along with soft drinks and or juice.
Queen size or single beds are in both houses, along with a large shower stall. Bring your own toiletries, including soap and shampoo.

The accommodations are shared and in my case, the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s house had three rooms; one with a Queen bed on the main floor and the upstairs also has a Queen bed room and one with two single beds. There’s a large kitchen, dining room and living room, plus a gas fireplace.
There’s a similar but larger set up in the main Lighthouse Keeper’s house.

How do I get to Île aux Perroquets?

The boat piloted by Familie Loiselle bringing guests to and from Île aux Perroquets.

The previous night, I stayed in Havre-Saint-Pierre, and it was a 35 minute drive to reach the Famille Loiselle kiosk to get to Île aux Perroquets in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. The Familie Loiselle takes care of the boat ride to and from the island.
You’ll check in, get sized for your Mustang Survival life jacket and sit tight until the boat arrives.
Here's a pro-tip; there’s a floating dock that follows the flow of the waves, so please be extra careful when walking on the dock to the boat.
Once in the boat, it’s approximately 20 minutes from shore to shore, where you’ll be received by a similar floating dock. You’re greeted by a team member and have your luggage taken to your room/house. 

What’s there to do on Île aux Perroquets?

One of many sitting areas on Île aux Perroquets.

Hear me out; a lot and nothing, both of which can be splendid.

Let’s go with the “nothing” aspect; you’re on an extremely small island.
How small? A 2.7-hectares/6.6-acres rocky limestone island, in the Mingan Archipelago in the Quebec’s. Gulf of St. Lawrence.
If you’re looking for a remote getaway where you can slow down, be surrounded by water and discover (or rediscover!) peace, this is for you.
Stroll the shores on both sides, pull up one of the many chairs and gaze into the spectacular scenery that surrounds you. 

Want some fun stuff to do?

There’s a museum that’s full of information that’s worth spending time in.
The Hen House features games, couches, a record player with a few dozen records.
Take part in the Parks Canada hosted tour.

A handsome puffin posing on Île aux Perroquets.

Go birdwatching on both shores. There aren’t many varieties but the volume is large. Species include the common puffin, the razorbill, the black guillemot, black-legged kittiwake, and the common raven. 
I was fortunate to find a puffin on a rock who seemingly waited for me to show up. It patiently let me photograph it for a few minutes and was one of my highlights.

Write something. Anything. On your phone. On paper. In the sand.

The only thing I’d add to the island is an acoustic guitar. I say that as a guitarist and musician, so perhaps it’s only me that would appreciate that. 

If Mother Nature cooperates, you’ll be treated to a majestic sunset that envelops the sky in brilliant hues of orange as it reflects on the water. 

Note that you can no longer go inside the lighthouse, effective in 2026.

A stunning sunset as seen from Île aux Perroquets.

With home being in downtown Mississauga, I’ve spent over 30 years being accustomed to the nighttime sounds of a city; there’s always something audible.
Here, it’s astonishingly quiet at night, more so on a calm night where the waves stay asleep. The only sound to bend the silence are the seals on the neighbouring île de la Maison. You’ll hear them making a “woof” sound that, to me, adds to the atmosphere found here.
Once you’re in bed with the windows closed, that’s when the true sounds of silence appear. Visually, if you’re in the downstairs room in the Assistant’s House, the white flash of the lighthouse punctures the darkness for but a moment, and does it consistently. Bring a sleep mask or sleep facing away from the window on your left side. 

Is there food provided on Île aux Perroquets?

Fresh made food awaits your overnight stay on Île aux Perroquets.

Yep! It’s delightfully delicious, fresh made and oh-so scrumptious. There are also vegetarian options.
I arrived late morning on July 1st and stayed for 24 hours, with three meals provided, lunch, dinner and breakfast, in that order.
This year, the talented Chef is Melanie, who worked for nearly two decades in Montreal’s fast-paced restaurant world. Her experience shows as each dish was well-balanced and full of flavour. From the superbly seasoned seafood soup to the Shepherd’s Pie, to the “I-ate-every-single-bite” breakfast poutine, Melanie’s culinary skills are extremely high.
The dining room is in the main house and meal times are posted.
It's a quaint dining room full of charm, accented by the red and white checkered tablecloths.

This is a good time to mention Stephanie, part of the two-woman team this year. She was the go-to person for anything needed on the island, provided plenty of information about the island and surroundings, plus she’s the first person to greet you when you get off the boat.

Four feathered friends on Île aux Perroquets.

In my over 15 years of being a professional travel writer, this is one of the most unique places I’ve experienced and spent the night at.
This picturesque and precious piece of Quebec’s Mingan Archipelago is small in size yet carries a large amount of history, character and serenity. 

For a history of île aux Perroquets and to make your reservation, visit their website.

Soak in the scenery on Île aux Perroquets.