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Quebec · Canada
Archipelago in the middle of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence: red cliffs, sand dunes connecting the islands, long beaches, colorful houses and Acadian culture.
In the photo: Havre-aux-Maisons, in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
The Îles-de-la-Madeleine form an archipelago in the middle of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, about 100 km from Prince Edward Island and more than 200 km from the Gaspé Peninsula. They belong to the province of Quebec but observe Atlantic Time. Six main islands are linked by sandbars and a single road, Route 199.
The landscape mixes red sandstone cliffs sculpted by the sea, with arches and caves, green hills, lagoons and pale-sand beaches totaling hundreds of kilometers. Wooden houses painted in bright colors are scattered across the fields. The constant wind makes the islands one of Canada’s best-known kitesurfing destinations.
Most residents are of Acadian origin and speak French; in Grosse-Île and Île d’Entrée there are English-speaking communities of Scottish and Irish origin. In Havre-Aubert, the La Grave area preserves the old fishing buildings, and local cuisine features lobster, scallops, smoked herring and cheeses.
In summer the islands receive visitors from all over Quebec; outside the season the pace is that of a fishing village.
This destination brings together 2 cities: Cap-aux-Meules, Havre-Aubert.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: Statistics Canada (Statistics Canada Open Licence) / geoBoundaries. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport (YGR), in Havre-aux-Maisons · 10 km to Cap-aux-Meules
The islands’ airport (YGR) receives flights from Montreal, Quebec City and Gaspé. The ferry departs from Souris, on Prince Edward Island, and arrives at Cap-aux-Meules in about 5 hours.
Suggested arrival point: Cap-aux-Meules
Main hub of the archipelago, where the ferry from Prince Edward Island arrives, with a port, shops and services. It is close to the red cliffs of Belle-Anse, in L’Étang-du-Nord, and to Route 199, which links the islands along the dunes to Grande Échouerie beach in the east.
Village on the southernmost island of the archipelago, where the first Acadian settlers lived. The La Grave site brings together old fishing buildings by a pebble beach, and Sandy Hook Beach stretches for kilometers as a band of dunes.
The local experience
Red sandstone cliffs above the sea in L’Étang-du-Nord, with a rim trail, arches, caves and one of the islands’ most sought-after sunsets.
Former fishing and trading center of Havre-Aubert, with wooden buildings by a pebble beach, now housing workshops, cafés and a maritime museum.
Long beach in Havre-aux-Maisons with red cliffs full of arches and caves at one end and dunes and pale sand at the other.
A strip of sand and dunes about 12 km long that extends out to sea from Havre-Aubert, and hosts a sandcastle competition in August.
A beach of about 10 km of pale sand on the eastern side of the archipelago, next to Old Harry, within a wildlife reserve with dunes and seabirds.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
July to August, when the sea is warmer, for beaches and open services. June and September are quieter. In late winter there are boat tours to observe seals on the gulf ice.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Four to five days to travel the islands along Route 199, visiting beaches, cliffs, La Grave and taking a boat trip.
Cap-aux-Meules concentrates hotels and services. Havre-Aubert, L’Étang-du-Nord and Havre-aux-Maisons have inns and cottages near the beaches and cliffs. In summer, book well in advance.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
By plane from Montreal, Quebec City or Gaspé, or by ferry from Souris on Prince Edward Island, about a 5-hour crossing.
Yes, or a bicycle if you have time. Route 199 links the islands, and the beaches are spread out.
Four to five days to tour the islands without rushing.
French on most islands; English-speaking communities live in Grosse-Île and Île d’Entrée.
Atlantic Time, one hour ahead of the rest of Quebec: UTC−4, and UTC−3 from March to November.
