The Magdalen Islands
The lighthouse at Cape Alright
As mentioned in the About section of the blog, half of my family comes from Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine (a.k.a. the Magdalen Islands). This archipelago of islands and lagoons is located in the middle of Gulf St. Lawrence, and is part of the province of Québec (Canada). Growing up, I used to visit almost every summer. I must admit that it isn’t very easy to get there, but the road trip is worth it!
There are flights departing from Montréal and Québec City, but the most common way to access the islands is by driving for 12-13 hours from Montréal all the way to Prince Edward Island, and then you embark on the CTMA ferry for 5 hours. Yes, that’s quite a long journey, but it’s totally worth it in my opinion! In going there by boat, you really experience what it feels like to live on an island.
During the past few years, I was out exploring Europe, so I haven’t had the chance to go back until last summer. Let me tell you that I had missed that place a lot!
Here are some pretty good reasons why you should go to the Magdalen Islands:
Scenic Beaches
The end of Sandy Hook beach, also known as heaven on earth.
There’s no need to get out of the country to see spectacular beaches. The oceanside of the Magdalen is a mix between red sand cliffs and endless white sand beaches. In some places, you also get to see clay cliffs, which allows you to take 100% natural clay baths, at the amazing cost of… $0.00 (ie. Pointe-Basse & Île Boudreau).
Unforgettable Sunsets
I think we all agree on the fact that watching sunsets on the beach is always pretty epic! I highly recommend going anywhere in Dune du Nord at dusk, you’ll get the best views. If you're in the mood, I would also suggest bringing food, beer and marshmallows, and making a fire on the beach!
Outdoor Activities
Renting ATVs, kayaking, stand-up paddling, surfing, kite surfing, wake surfing, hiking, fishing (lobsters, fish, clams, crabs, etc.), biking, boating, snorkelling, camping, and the list goes on. There are so many activities to do that anyone can find what works best for them. The islands are known for being very windy, which makes them ideal for kite surfing. However, with more than 300 km of beaches all around its coasts, there’s always a way to find calmer seas to tan and enjoy more relaxed activities.
Snorkelling near Havre-Aubert
Exploring caves at Old Harry beach
Hopefully I'll be back on these islands sooner than expected!