The journey is the destination along the Anticosti Island Road

Get ready for an epic adventure on the Route de l'Île d'Anticosti – or as the locals call it, Henri-Menier Road or Transanticostienne Road! This isn't just a drive; it's a full-blown immersion into the wild heart of Anticosti Island, Québec's biggest island, chilling where the Saint Lawrence River meets the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

Clocking in at 204 km (126 miles), this beauty stretches from Port-Menier, a quaint fishing village on the west coast, all the way through Anticosti National Park to the island's eastern edge, hitting up aerodromes and outfitters along the way.

Now, let's talk tires. Most of the road is unpaved, with just a teaser of pavement near Port Menier. A truck is your best friend here, but a regular car can handle it, too. Just make sure you pack not one, but *two* spare tires. Seriously. You can rent vehicles on the island. Also, keep in mind parts of this route close down when winter hits hard. Unless you're a pro cyclist, maybe stick to the western section if you're on two wheels.

Set aside 5 to 6 hours to soak it all in without rushing. Watch out for logging trucks and the island's deer population. Respect those speed limits and keep a safe distance. Beyond the tires, bring extra gas, oil, wiper fluid, emergency flares, and a radio. Tell someone where you're going and when you plan to be back. If you get stuck, stay with your vehicle. Services are sparse, but two info centers sell fuel - one on the north shore and one on the south.