Le Phare du Pot a l’Eau-de-Vie

Le Phare du Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie is one of those rare stays that feels like a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience, spending the night in a beautifully restored historic lighthouse on a small archipelago in the St. Lawrence River, around 15 km off the shore of Rivière-du-Loup. The islands here are protected and largely untouched, home to colonies of seabirds and seals, and it’s also a fantastic area for wildlife watching, with opportunities to spot beluga whales in the surrounding waters. Only two islands are open to the public, which keeps the whole experience feeling wonderfully remote and special.

Accommodation is simple and in keeping with the setting, with just three rooms inside the lighthouse, each with a double bed and a sink. Bathroom facilities are shared, which is worth noting, but it suits the nature of the stay, you’re here for the atmosphere, the wild setting and the sense of being completely away from the mainland.

What makes it particularly easy is that so much is included. Your stay comes with breakfast, a snack and dinner (you can bring your own wine), gratuities, and the return boat crossing from Rivière-du-Loup, along with parking by the check-in office at La Pointe de Rivière-du-Loup. Because the crossing is influenced by tides and weather, it’s strongly recommended to book a pre-night in Rivière-du-Loup so you’re not rushing or caught out by any timing changes. As a guide, departures are usually around 12:30pm with a return around 1:45pm the following day, with the exact timing confirmed at the point of booking.

Check-in is at the Société Duvetnor office on Rue Hayward, around 30 minutes before the boat departure, and parking is right next to the office. It’s best to pack light with a smaller bag or backpack, with one piece of luggage per person allowed, and warm layers are a good idea for both the boat trip and the island itself, even in summer. One final point to flag is that the lighthouse isn’t suitable for children under 10, so it works best for adults or older families who want something a bit different from the usual hotel stay.