Constellation of the large and the small Chaloupe

The two sisters form this Constellation, which evokes stories of eel fishermen, wooden rowboats, the merchant navy and large quays.

À propos de cette constellation

• Lieu:  Saint-Laurent-de-l'Île-d'Orléans
• Durée approx.:  90 minutes
• Niveau de difficulté:  Facile
• Nombre de km:  3 km
• Type:  Central walking loop with out and back segments

Découvrez les 12 stations

Fascinated by the construction of the marina

Lucien Lachance tells of his memories of a teenager who closely followed the impressive construction of the Saint-Laurent marina in 1983. This infrastructure offers a safe haven and a much easier access to water to owners of pleasure crafts, which once had to anchor offshore.
A carousel of photos illustrates this testimony.

Nautical club and passion for sailing

Denys Maheux describes the feeling of freedom he feels while navigating the river. He also explains the mission of the Île d'Orléans Nautical Club and specifies the objectives he pursues by his involvement in it.
An informative text completes this testimony.

The quay as before

The wharf, as it looked in the early 1900s, is represented in digital augmented reality.
Archival photos are also available.

The evolution of the merchant marine

Pierre-André Fortier summarizes the evolution of merchant shipping, from the first boats to the large freight liners of today.
A carousel of photos illustrates this testimony.

Going to school on the shore of the St. Lawrence

Charles-Édouard Gosselin tells us a few anecdotes about his studies at Saint-Laurent elementary school, located on the banks of the river. Telling these stories brings him a lot of joy.
In addition, a short video presents seniors from Saint-Laurent who talk about life in the convent, which has now become the elementary school.

Decline and revival of sport fishing

Normand Robitaille traces the major stages in the development of sport fishing in the river, from the decline of the 1960s to the return of several species of fish. This recent revival has renewed the practice of fishing in the river.
An informative text completes this testimony.

Happy stroll on the shore

Paule Laperrière relates the moments of happiness she experienced while walking her dog on the coast. These walks along the river were for her a renewed source of happiness, peace and inspiration for her profession as an artist.
In addition, the song "Flick Flack Flock" is performed by Paule Laperrière, an artist who lives on Île d'Orléans.

The F-X Lachance shipyard, an attraction in the village

Jean-François Lachance talks about the interest garnered by the talent of his grandfather FX Lachance in Saint-Laurent. After mass, many onlookers came to observe the constant bustle at its shipyard, located in front of the church, in the center of the village.
Vintage photos illustrate this testimony.

The river embraces the boats of F-X Lachance

Jean-François Lachance explains the original technique developed by FX Lachance to launch the luxurious pleasure boats he built at his yard. Very soflty.
Archive photos with explanations complete this testimony.

Dream youth in Saint-Laurent

Gaétane Chabot, a "native-born" from a family of 17 children, recounts fond memories of her happy youth in Saint-Laurent.
In addition, a quiz question tests your knowledge of native families.

What was the use of processional chapels?

Yves-André Beaulé describes the splendor of the Corpus Christi processions, a Catholic tradition that has now disappeared in Quebec. The processional chapels, or altarpieces, were a place where the procession stopped to pray.
Archive photos with explanations complete this testimony.

Traditional ‘fishing por’, a model become reality

Normand Robitaille explains how he rediscovered the secrets of the eel fishing weirs once widely used on the island. He then tells how he changed their use, sometimes in quite unusual ways !
A carousel of photos illustrates this testimony.

Maritime Park of Saint-Laurent

The Maritime Park of Saint-Laurent is the “Small Chaloupe” portion of this Constellation. Take the time to visit this fascinating attraction that recounts the bygone era of wooden shipbuilding on Île d’Orléans. Entrance fee to be expected.