Dozens of hikers walked to Île Saint-Barnabé on Saturday, utilizing a large low tide to reach the island off Rimouski, Québec [1, 2].
The event preserves a historic practice from the New France era, maintaining a cultural link to the region's early colonial history [1, 2].
Participants, including Alix Villeneuve, joined the trek across the exposed seabed [1, 2]. The walk is only possible during specific tidal windows when the water recedes far enough to create a temporary land bridge to the island [1, 2].
Reports on the size of the group varied. One source said the crowd consisted of some dozens of hikers [1], while another estimate placed the number of participants at about 140 people [2].
This traditional crossing allows visitors to access the island on foot, a rare opportunity given the usual water levels of the area [1, 2]. The walk remains a significant local attraction for those seeking to experience the geography of the Rimouski shoreline [2].
“The event preserves a historic practice from the New France era.”
The continued practice of the Île Saint-Barnabé walk demonstrates the intersection of natural lunar cycles and cultural heritage in Quebec. By timing human activity to the tides, the community maintains a physical connection to colonial-era navigation and survival strategies used during the New France period.
