Grosse Île

Grosse Île is a small island in the St. Lawrence River near Quebec, Canada, historically known as the “Isle of the Immigrants.” Between the mid-1800s and early 1900s, it served as an immigration quarantine station, where newcomers arriving from abroad were checked for illnesses before entering Canada. The island’s facilities were crucial during times of large waves of immigration, especially during outbreaks of cholera and other diseases. Today, Grosse Île is a National Historic Site, preserving remnants of its quarantine structures and serving as a place to learn about immigration history and public health efforts.