Jacques Cartier Provincial Park Beach
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Quick Facts
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trail Type | linear |
| Distance | 6.1 km |
| Estimated Time | 4 hours |
| Surface Type | sand |
| Elevation Change | 7 meters |
| Features | beach |
| Trail Markers | None but easy to follow |
| Scenery Rating | beautiful |
| Maintenance Rating | well maintained |
| Cell Reception | low |
| Dog Friendly | no |
| Fees | no |
Store
Description
This park commemorates Jacques Cartier who was the first European visitor to come to the island in 1534. He said it was “the fairest land ‘tis possible to see!” A bronze statue of Cartier stands guard at the end of the park road, not far from the beach. The park's main function is a campground but there is also a long beach in front of the campground. The beach extends to the northeast about 1 kilometer and to the southwest for 5 kilometers out onto a wide dune.
The beach is a bit gravelly and rocky, and on our visit was covered with seaweed, so not the best for swimming. It does however make a great place to take a walk, with views of the red cliffs to the northeast (left) and dunes to the southwest (right). We had a great time watching the sandpipers and plovers congregating on the beach. Note that you should bring bug spray. On our visit the mosquitos were thick and we think it was due to the seaweed on the beach.
Map
Directions
From Montrose turn onto route 154 towards Kildare on Pridham Road. Drive for 800 meters and turn right onto Hardy Road. Drive for 3.3 kilometers until you come to the junction with route 12. At the junction turn left (west) on route 12. Drive for 1.7 kilometers and you will see the sign for the park on the right.
Turn right into the park and park in the parking area across from the gatehouse. Let them know at the gatehouse why you are there. Continue on foot to the end of the road, passing by the statue of Jacques Cartier. Just past the statue on the left you can access the beach.
Trail Last Hiked: September 12, 2020.
Page Last Updated: March 29, 2022.