Manicouagan craterAbout Manicouagan crater
Manicouagan is a large circular impact structure in central Quebec, Canada, now manifest as a prominent annular lake and island known colloquially as the “Eye of Quebec.” The ring-shaped reservoir and central island make it one of the most visually striking impact features on Earth.
The site’s most immediately visible elements are the roughly circular lake that outlines the crater rim and the central high island of René-Levasseur. From air or satellite views the concentric geometry and island in the middle are readily apparent and often noted in geological literature and tourism imagery.
Geological studies show the structure formed in a single large meteorite impact about 214 million years ago. In the 20th century the crater basin was flooded and incorporated into a hydroelectric reservoir, which accentuated the ring shape and produced the present lake-island configuration.
The Manicouagan structure lies in central Quebec in a remote, boreal landscape. Access is by regional roads and air services to nearby towns, with the feature visible from flights and lookout points along roads that skirt parts of the reservoir.
- Size: The impact structure is approximately 100 kilometres across overall, with an inner ring roughly 70 kilometres in diameter.
- Age: Dating places the impact event at about 214 million years ago, making it one of the better-preserved large terrestrial impact structures of that age.
What to See#
- René-Levasseur Island: René-Levasseur Island occupies the centre of the ring and is formed from the inner uplift of the impact structure; it rises above the reservoir and contains cliffs and ridges visible from the rim.
- Manicouagan Reservoir and rim: The annular reservoir that surrounds the island traces the original crater rim and is a large hydrographic feature formed when the basin was flooded during 20th-century reservoir construction.
Nearby Attractions to Manicouagan crater
Best Time to Visit Manicouagan crater
Summer and early autumn provide the best access and weather for viewing the crater and surrounding landscapes.
Weather & Climate near Manicouagan crater
Manicouagan crater's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -27°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1073 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -27° - -15° | -31° | 64 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -26° - -12° | -28° | 56 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -19° - -5° | -19° | 61 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -10° - 3° | -9° | 59 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -2° - 9° | 1° | 79 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 17° | 11° | 104 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 8° - 19° | 14° | 140 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 7° - 18° | 12° | 122 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 2° - 12° | 4° | 124 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -4° - 4° | -4° | 93 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -11° - -3° | -14° | 91 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -22° - -12° | -25° | 80 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Manicouagan crater
The Manicouagan Reservoir is in Côte-Nord, accessible by Route 389 and regional air services to towns like Baie-Comeau or Sept-Îles. Scenic flights and charters are the best way to appreciate the crater’s full form.
Tips for Visiting Manicouagan crater
- The Manicouagan crater is best viewed from the air - consider scenic flights from Baie-Comeau or nearby towns for dramatic perspective.
- If driving, use Route 389 and allow extra time for remote roads; cell coverage is sparse.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a wide lens for landscape photography from lookout points.