Marsoui (French pronunciation: [maʁswi]) is a village municipality in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region of Quebec, Canada.
The name Marsoui is thought to originate from the Mi'kmaq word malseoui, meaning "flint" which is abundant in the area.
However, another theory explains that it comes from the French word marsouin, the vernacular term for porpoise or beluga whale that used to be present in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in large numbers.
[1] While the beluga hunt and cod fishing was popular in this area during the late 17th century, it was not until 1836 that the first permanent settlers, the Henley family of Mont-Louis, arrived.
[4] During the Prohibition era in the United States, Marsoui was a favorite hideout for smugglers fleeing the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.