History

Duvetnor, a unique endeavor…

In 1979, a handful of biologists decided to preserve the ecological richness of the Lower St. Lawrence Islands by setting up a non-profit organization, Société Duvetnor Ltée. With the help of partners and profits from the eider down harvest, they purchased Les Pèlerins, two of the three islands in the Pot à l’Eau de Vie archipelago, and Île aux Lièvres. In 1989, Duvetnor decided to open some of the islands to the general public by creating an interpretation program, setting up campsites, building lodging facilities, and purchasing boats to transport visitors, all this with a minimal environmental footprint. Duvetnor also purchased the long-abandoned lighthouse on Îles du Pot à l’Eau in 2014 after spending considerable energy in restoring the lighthouse into an unique inn, which became the flagship of the society and the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. Duvetnor is managed by seven volunteer administrators supported by a passionate and dedicated staff.