Îles de la Madeleine

For a complete change of pace and scenery, nothing beats the Îles de la Madeleine. Whether you visit to enjoy the water and wind or to explore the rich culture of an island people surrounded by the sea, you will leave with wonderful memories and only one thought in mind: to come back for another visit!

A complete change of pace

The Îles de la Madeleine are an isolated archipelago made up of seven inhabited islands in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Six of these islands are linked by the main road, Route 199, while the seventh, Entry Island, is only accessible by boat. The total population of the Islands is under 15,000, of which about 5% are Anglophones, mainly of Scottish origin. The Islands are in the Atlantic Time Zone, which means they are an hour behind mainland Québec.

Many types of lodging are available on the Islands, including hotels, B&Bs, cottages and campgrounds, as are various vacation packages. From May to October, a ferry cruise can take you to the Islands from Montréal every week; another ferry runs from Prince Edward Island from April to January. Flights to the Îles de la Madeleine are available year round.

Enjoy the sea and the wind

While the Îles de la Madeleine are
famous for the baby seals born every March on the fast ice surrounding the Islands, most visitors enjoy this corner
of paradise in the summer months when the water is perfect for swimming, with water temperatures reaching over 20ºC (68ºF) in mid-August. The fine-sand beaches, which extend as far as the eye can see, are also ideal for sunning or strolling.

Sculpted by the wind and sea, the Islands’ red cliffs are dotted with caves, sea arches and mysterious nooks and crannies. Accompanied by an experience guide, explore them by sea kayak or in a wetsuit. Sea excursions also offer the opportunity to observe seals or visit Brion Island or Rocher-aux-Oiseaux (Bird Rock), both of which are sanctuaries for hundreds of species of seabirds every year.

On the Islands, the wind, like the sea, is incorporated into recreational activities. Various companies introduce visitors to the joys of wind sports in complete safety.

A rich culture

Culture is particularly important in the Islands. Numerous art studios, galleries and boutiques open a door onto creative inspiration. Be forewarned, however: you won’t be able to resist the temptation to
fill your bags with local handcrafted souvenirs!

The Islands also offer a fine regional cuisine, featuring seafood of course, including lobster, which is available as of May. Pied-de-Vent cheese and traditional smoked herring are some of the other gourmet delicacies on offer. To get a
taste of all the flavours of the region, look for products labelled Le bon goût frais
des Îles (“delicious and fresh from the Islands”).