For a complete change of pace and scenery, nothing beats the Îles de la Madeleine. Whether you go to enjoy the water and the wind or to discover 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!

ENJOY THE SEA AND THE WIND

While the Islands are famous for the baby seals born every March on the ice floes, most visitors enjoy this corner of paradise in the summer 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 the sea, the Islands’ red cliffs are dotted with caves, sea arches and mysterious nooks and crannies. Explore them in a sea kayak or even in a wetsuit accompanied by an experienced guide from La Salicorne for example. 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 marine birds every year.

On the Islands, the wind, like the sea, is incorporated into recreational activities. Companies like Aérosport Carrefour d’Aventures introduce visitors to the joys of wind sports in complete safety.

A RICH CULTURE

Culture is particularly important in the Islands. Numerous 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 Circus Arts Week, the only event of its kind in North America, will introduce you to another facet of the Islanders’ talents.

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 marinated 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”).

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 Route 199, while the seventh, Entry Island, is accessible by boat. The total population is under 15,000, of which about 5% are Anglophones, mainly of Scottish origin. The Islands are in the Atlantic Time Zone, which means it is an hour later there than in the rest of the province of Québec.

All types of accommodations are available on the islands, including hotels, B&Bs, cottages and campgrounds, as are various vacation packages. A ferry cruise can take you to the Islands from Montréal with a stop in Chandler, in Gaspésie (from May to October); another ferry runs from Prince Edward Island (from April to January). Flights to the Îles de la Madeleine are available year round.