I lived in Sept-Îles in Northern Québec, Canada, for four years. My work led me to visit a lot of different spots throughout the city and the region. I often feel like I’ve explored every nook and cranny of the city. I could talk a lot about the beaches, the islands, the hiking trails… But I rather took advantage of a recent trip there to rediscover a well-kept secret of the city: the curious steel sculptures of Park Ferland.
Few tourists know this particular place. In fact, I’m sure few people think that going to Park Ferland, one of Canada’s largest mobile home parks, located at the west entrance to the city of Sept-Îles, is necessary. And yet… Well, the labyrinthine Park Ferland is perhaps not the most photogenic neighborhood, but we can still find some hidden gems. Like this path lined with sculptures in a wooded area.
The sculptures are the work of Jean-Pier Synnott, an artist-welder. Jean-Pier Synnott works as an industrial welder for a Sept-Îles company. During his lunch hours, he began working with recycled metal bits to create works out of his fertile imagination. He created animals, planes, caged birds, but also various fantastic creatures. Some of his works have already been exhibited at the regional museum.
Today, more than a hundred of Jean-Pier Synnott’s works can be admired in a woodland behind his house. Just push the wrought iron door and you will find yourself in a magical metal world, where every detour of the trail seems to reserve us a surprise. The place is particularly popular with children, although some sculptures are a little terrifying!
The best way to get there is probably to park at the end of the Rue des Grands-Ducs in the Ferland sector, then follow the path to the west. Impossible then to miss the sculpture garden.
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