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Beach · Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec
Plage de la Grande-Échouerie
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.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Plage de la Grande-Échouerie
The Grande Échouerie beach is on the eastern side of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, between Grosse-Île and Old Harry, inside the Pointe-de-l'Est National Wildlife Area. It is a stretch of roughly 10 km of pale sand, high dunes and open sea, far from towns.
The name comes from the seals and walruses that used to strand on the beach, called échouements; walruses were hunted until they disappeared from the region in the 18th century. Today the area protects dunes, lagoons and birds, such as the piping plover, an endangered species that nests on the sand.
In Old Harry, near the beach access, an old schoolhouse and a small chapel preserve the memory of the English-speaking community of the eastern islands.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day.
Best time
July to August, on a low-wind day.
How to get there
Follow Route 199 to Old Harry, about 45 km from Cap-aux-Meules.
Tip
Stay in the marked areas: some parts of the dunes are closed in summer to protect bird nests.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plage de la Grande-Échouerie
Where is the Grande Échouerie beach?
On the eastern side of the archipelago, near Old Harry, about 45 km from Cap-aux-Meules.
Where does the name Grande Échouerie come from?
From the seals and walruses that used to strand on the beach, called échouements.
Is the Grande Échouerie a protected area?
Yes, it is within the Pointe-de-l'Est National Wildlife Area.