Quebec's largest island is a dreamy paradise with secret caves and emerald-green water
Nicknamed "la belle province," Quebec has no shortage of enchanting road trip destinations. From the towering peaks of Mont-Tremblant to the cliffs of Gaspé, and the cobblestone charm of Montreal and Quebec City, the province is a playground for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.
But tucked away in the Côte‑Nord, L'île d'Anticosti is a lesser-known gem that feels like its own little world — or rather, a massive one. It's Quebec's largest island, and arguably one of its most magical.
Here are just a few elements that make this place worthy of a spot on your bucket list.
Incredible views
Anticosti's scenery will stop you in your tracks. The 7,943 square-kilometre island is absolutely massive — even bigger than Prince Edward Island — but with only a few hundred residents, most of it feels wild, wide open, and untouched.
From the soaring limestone cliffs along the north shore to hidden emerald-green rivers that wind through dense forest, Anticosti is a dream for anyone who loves raw, dramatic landscapes.
You can soak in the views at Pointe Nord Lighthouse, where the sea stretches far in every direction, or hike trails to an endless number of lookout points.
Waterfalls and secret caves
The island is home to dozens of natural caves and waterfalls, many hidden away in rugged, untouched terrain. Vauréal Falls — a dramatic 76-metre cascade that actually stands taller than Niagara Falls — is an undenibale showstopper.
Nearby, the Rivière du Brick Canyon offers a totally different vibe: emerald-green pools tucked between steep rock walls, perfect for a scenic swim (when conditions are right).
If you're after something calmer, the Chicotte River has crystal-clear, temperate water and peaceful forest views, which are ideal for a quick dip and a moment of quiet.
And for those craving underground adventure, Potato Cave (Grotte à la Patate) is one of Quebec's longest caves, stretching over 600 metres through rock carved by ancient rivers. You can explore it on your own with helmet and headlamp rentals available at the nearby McDonald Visitors Centre.
Wildlife
One of the island's quirks is that deer outnumber people by a ratio of more than 500 to one. But with only about 250 full-time residents, that stat isn't as shocking as it sounds.
Anticosti is home to approximately 115,000 white-tail deer. The species was introduced to the area in the late 1800s, and with no natural predators around, they now roam freely across the island. Spotting them is almost guaranteed, especially at dawn and dusk.
You might also encounter foxes, beavers, seals, and over 200 species of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife photographers and nature lovers.
A World Heritage Site
Anticosti Island officially joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023, earning recognition as one of Canada's most extraordinary natural sites. Beyond its cliffs, caves, and remote beauty, the island preserves an incredible window into Earth's ancient past with the most complete fossil record of marine life from a mass extinction that occurred about 440 million years ago.
Thousand-year-old fossils are embedded in the flat coastal rock, including rare soft-bodied species that are almost never found preserved. While scientists travel from around the world to study them, many of these fossils are visible to anyone walking along the shoreline.
So don't be surprised if you casually stumble across a piece of prehistory while taking in the views.
How to get there
Getting to Anticosti isn't as easy as hopping in the car and heading north, but its remoteness is part of the charm.
You can fly from Montreal or Quebec City with regional airlines like Air Liaison, which offers regular flights to Port-Menier, the island's main village.
During the summer months, the Relais Nordik ferry operates from the North Shore, providing a scenic route to the island.
Most visitors choose to stay at the Sépaq Anticosti lodge, opt for rustic cabins, or bring their own camping gear to fully immerse themselves in Anticosti's natural beauty.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
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