MAGDALEN ISLANDS
ILES DE LA MADELEINE, QC·CANADA
The Islands
Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Canada's east coast, the Magdalen Islands are comprised of 7 main islands, most of which are connected by sand dunes. While of course all of the islands share common characteristics, each island has its distinct landscape and even culture. They are described below with links to their corresponding pages on the Tourisme Iles de la Madeleine website.
Image: The Magdalen Islands by Klaus Mueller ("Mikmaq"). CC-BY-SA-2.5.
Ile du Havre Aubert
Havre Aubert is the southernmost island and home to the oldest settlement in the archipelago. Here visitors can explore forested areas in the interior, beautiful coastal drives and the more commercial site of La Grave with its restaurants and galleries. Vacation homes here are generally elegantly appointed. Some literature refers to it as Amherst Island, particularly in older texts. Find out more about Havre Aubert at the Tourisme Iles de la Madeleine site here.
Gallery: Havre Aubert. All photos by Stella Bastone.
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Ile du Cap Aux Meules
Cap Aux Meules is the central island and the commercial hub of the archipelago. Most of the island restaurants and stores can be found here, and houses are generally more densely situated than on the other islands. Visitors can also spend time on its many beaches, central nature trails and lighthouse paths. It is sometimes referred to as Grindstone Island. Find out more about Cap Aux Meules at the Tourisme Iles de la Madeleine site here.
Ile du Havre Aux Maisons
Havre Aux Maisons is characterized by treeless, grassy rolling hills dotted with colourful houses. It is home to several artisanal culinary establishments and popular beaches. Older texts may refer to it as House Harbour. Find out more about Havre Aux Maisons at the Tourisme Iles de la Madeleine site here.
La Grosse-Ile
Grosse-Ile is home to great expanses of wetland, forest, dune and beach. Few businesses can be found here; this is a place for nature lovers seeking quiet respite from commercial bustle. It is one of the only two islands with predominantly English-speaking residents. Find out more about Grosse-Ile at the Tourisme Iles de la Madeleine site here
Ile de La Grande Entree
Grande Entree is the last stop along the central Route 199. It is home to lovely beaches, coves and hiking paths along its coast. It is sometimes referred to as Grand Entry. Find out more about Grande Entree at the Tourisme Iles de la Madeleine site here.
Gallery: Grande Entree. All photos by Stella Bastone.
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Entry Island
Entry Island is not connected to the archipelago by sand dune and can only be accessed by boat. Locally-bred cattle roam its green hilly pastures. Entry is the second island with mainly English-speaking inhabitants. It is also known as Ile d'Entree. Find out more about Entry Island at the Tourisme Iles de la Madeleine site here.
Ile Brion
Brion Island is also separated from the archipelago by sea and is currently uninhabited. It is an ecological reserve and home to a great number of sea birds. Visitors can book tours on safe-weather days. Find out more about Brion Island at the Tourisme Iles de la Madeleine site here.