The journey is the destination along the Anticosti Island Road

Route de l'Île d'Anticosti (also known as Henri-Menier Road or Transanticostienne Road) is a very scenic drive on Anticosti Island, in Canada. It’s the island's unpaved main road.

Route de l'Île d'Anticosti

Where is Route de l'Île d'Anticosti?

The road is located on Anticosti Island, in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec in Canada, at the outlet of the Saint Lawrence River into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Anticosti Island is over 200 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide: it’s Québec’s largest island.

How long is Route de l'Île d'Anticosti?

The road is 204 km (126 miles) long, running from Port-Menier, a small fishing town located on the western end of the island, to various aerodromes and outfitters along the way through Anticosti National Park to the eastern shore.

Is Route de l'Île d'Anticosti paved?

The road is mostly unpaved. Just a short section at the beginning near Port Menier is paved. Although the main sections are passable with a car, the ideal type of vehicle to operate on the island is a truck. In all cases, make sure you always have two good spare wheels. It is possible to rent vehicles for the roads in Anticosti territory. In addition, some providers offer packages that include the vehicle. This route includes roads that are closed in winter. Due to the distances and road conditions, it is not recommended to undertake a visit to the island by bike except for the western sector, unless you are a regular follower of the sport.

How long does it take to drive Route de l'Île d'Anticosti?

To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 5 and 6 hours. Due to timber transport and the presence of deer, it is better for your safety to respect speed limits and keep a safe distance between vehicles at all times on all roads of the island. For the vehicle, bring at least two full-sized spare tires mounted on rims, a tire jack and tools for flat tires, emergency flares, extra gasoline, motor oil, and wiper fluid, and a radio. To travel on the island, it is always good to notify at least one person of your destination, approximate time of your return, or to your destination. If, by any chance, you fall down in an isolated area and you do not have means of communication, stay calm and do not leave your vehicle unnecessarily. People you informed of your travel will send someone to pick you up as soon as they see your delay. The drive is pretty remote: the only services outside of Port-Mernier are two information centres that also sell fuel; one on the North shore and one on the South shore of the island.
Pic&Video: EMLSotoda