Coronavirus (COVID-19) and your visit to Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site

The health and safety of Canadians, visitors and Parks Canada team members is our top priority. In June and July, some Parks Canada places began a safe, gradual reopening of outdoor areas, some camping services, and some indoor areas at national historic sites.

We are only opening places and activities where risks can be managed, according to the advice of public health experts. For your safety, at all times, avoid all places and areas that are closed.

Openings and services differ across the country. Please check the Parks Canada national information portal dedicated to COVID-19 for regular updates.

We continue to deliver services critical for Canadians, including highway maintenance, fire response, dam operations and water management on historic waterways, and avalanche control, among others.

Update for July 30, 2020 - Non-medical masks and face coverings

We strongly encourage all visitors to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when visiting indoor public spaces at any Parks Canada place. When you visit a Parks Canada place, you may see signs reminding you that this is what we recommend.

An indoor public space is any space with walls and a roof that can be accessed by the members of the public.

If a Parks Canada place is within a jurisdiction where wearing a non-medical mask or face covering is mandatory, visitors will be asked to follow this requirement.

As of July 1, Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site began a gradual reopening of some areas, facilities and services. Please check our website regularly for the current status of this location and others.

Important information about your visit to Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site

Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site is now open for the season. Your visit may be different this year; please plan ahead.

Please note that services are limited to protect the health and safety of visitors and employees. We welcome your support toward a safe and respectful visit.

Please read before visiting

Icon of two people wearing face masks.

If travelling to the island by boat, you are required to wear a face mask while on the ferry. You may bring a mask from home or purchase one from Croisières Lachance before embarking on the vessel. Once you arrive on the island, Parks Canada is asking visitors to comply with recommendations from Quebec public health authorities by wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, and by respecting recommended social distancing measures at all times.

For more information on the regulations in place by the transportation company please visit https://www.croisieresaml.com/en/safe-cruises/

Please be advised that to ensure your safety and the safety of our staff, your visit could may be subject to change at any time without advanced notice.

Please consult this site and the links below regularly for updates and information.

What’s open (updated August 3, 2020)
  • Trolley
  • Washrooms
  • Picnic areas (outdoor areas will not be disinfected)
  • Sites and buildings that are part of the Interpretive Trail
    • The Celtic cross
    • The monument to physicians
    • The Irish cemetery
    • The Memorial
    • The first-class hotel
    • The second-class hotel
    • The old wash house
    • The disinfection building
    • The village of Saint-Luc-de-Grosse-Île
    • The catholic chapel
    • The lazaretto
    • The eastern cemetery
What’s closed (updated August 3, 2020)
  • Parks Canada gift shop
  • Mirador Trail
  • Food and beverage service: no sales of food or drink
Your safety when visiting 
  • Experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms? We ask that you postpone your visit if you are sick or if you were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • Safety is a shared responsibility. Please bring your own hygiene supplies (hand sanitizer, wipes, table cloth, etc.) and enough water and food or purchase your lunch box in advance from the transportation provider. No food or drink will be available for purchase on site.
  • Pack appropriate clothing, walking shoes and rain gear as necessary.
  • Parks Canada is asking visitors to comply with recommendations from Quebec public health authorities by wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, and by respecting recommended social distancing measures at all times.
  • Practice physical distancing by keeping a space of two metres between you and others.
  • Wear a face mask when you are closer than two metres to other people.
  • Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face. Use hand sanitizer when in public spaces where you must touch surfaces (ex: on the trolley).
  • Please note that outdoor surfaces are not sanitized.
  • Leave no trace when you visit outdoor spaces. Dispose of waste by using appropriate garbage containers or taking your waste home. For more information, consult the Leave No Trace Canada program.
  • Abide by all travel advisories.

Stay informed