The awe-inspiring ice canoeists
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the canoe represented a precious means of transport between the islands in the St. Lawrence and the mainland. At the time, playing leapfrog on the shifting ice of the great river in the winter was second nature to the island dwellers, since it was a vital survival skill.
A vessel to carry the mail and news from the mainland, a tool to deal with unexpected emergencies, a vehicle to transport the sick or collect a family member in the dead of night (with sails rigged for speed as soon as channels formed in the ice)—the canoe was invaluable for negotiating the river. Nonetheless, canoe crossings claimed their share of victims. Between 1750 and 1856, there were 28 recorded deaths by drowning that occurred during river crossings.
Today, if the Lachance family of Île au Canot, the Pruneaus of Île Sainte-Marguerite, and the sailors of Isle-aux-Grues and Grosse-Île reign supreme in the art of making a canoe fly over the ice floes, well, it’s in their blood. The residents of Isle-aux-Coudres, in turn, forced to confront the river and its hazards in order to survive, are known for being skilled sailors, good porpoise fishermen and accomplished boat-builders (schooners).
These days, ice canoeing is an international competitive sport where teams of men and women go head-to-head with the icy waters. The only difference is that the wooden vessels of days of yore, designed to brave the currents, tides, ice and frazil ice, have been replaced with fibreglass craft.
Those who are undeterred by extreme experiences, frigid temperatures and inhospitable river conditions can try out for four international events that honour the practices of yesteryear.
In the
Grande Traversée (great crossing), first held in 1991 and today a tradition in the magnificent Charlevoix region, a symbolic mailbag is deposited as a reminder that mail delivery was once the task of those who lived on Isle-aux-Coudres. The 8-km (5-mi.) race covers the distance from the island’s marina to the wharf at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive and back. The 20th edition of the canoe race will take place on January 29 to 31, 2010.
At this year’s the Québec Winter Carnival, don’t miss the 55th edition of the legendary
ice canoe race, February 5 and 7, 2010. Time trials will take place on February 5, and the race is held on Sunday. The first ice canoe race was held in 1894, and the event has been part of the Carnival since 1955. Three competitions are on the agenda: the men’s race (Québec City to Lévis and back, twice), the women’s race, and the mass participation race.
Also in the Québec City area, the
Course de la Banquise PortneufAlcoa (Portneuf-Alcoa ice floe race) takes place on February 13,
2010 in Portneuf. The racecourse goes from the Portneuf marina to PointeauPlaton in Lotbinière. This is the third of a series of four competitions that take place the Québec City and Charlevoix regions.
Lastly, on March 6,
2010, in the Port of Québec’s Bassin Louise, the
Grand Défi des glaces (great ice challenge) kicks off its 15th year with a mixture of frigid ice and friendly warmth. Endurance, strength and determination are the order of the day: teams must make the return trip across the river with a passenger on board. Passengers are not allowed to help move the boat in any way and must be content to just sit back and enjoy the ride—just like in the good old days.
| Did you know... |
The Corporation pour le développement de l’île Saint-Quentin (Corporation for the development of St.Quentin Island) is happy to announce the return of ice canoe races at Parc de l’île Saint-Quentin: the second edition of the Trois-Rivières Extreme will be held on February 27th, 2010. The course, which starts near the marina, links the north shore and south shore of the St. Lawrence River. Canoeists must reach the Sainte-Angèle dock in the city of Bécancour, and then make their way back to the starting point.
Additional information : www.circuitinternationalcanotaglace.org |
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