Situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Grosse-Île (or Grosse Isle) was the landing-place for many Irish emigrants during the Great Famine (1845–47). Many died on 'coffin ships' crossing the Atlantic. Others perished while the ships were at anchor just off the island, while more died in quarantine on the island itself. Up to 5,000 people are buried in the Irish graveyard on the island. Many other survived this horrendous experience and went on to a new life in Canada.