Magdalen Islands Travel Guide

This archipelago set in the Gulf of St. Lawrence captivates visitors with its 300 km of golden beaches, striking red sandstone cliffs, and endless sand dunes. From hiking and kayaking excursions to kitesurfing and cycling along the shoreline, it is the perfect place to recharge, savour fresh lobster and seafood, and embrace the peaceful rhythm of nature.

Top cities to visit

  • Red sandstone cliffs with coastal vegetation and blue sky in Grande-Entrée, Magdalen Islands.

    Grande-Entrée

    Grande-Entrée, a charming village in the Magdalen Islands, is deeply connected to the sea and renowned for its lobster fishing heritage. Surrounded by beaches, sand dunes, red sandstone cliffs, rolling pastures, and colourful houses, it is a paradise for hikers, kayakers, and marine wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Sandy beach and grassy dunes with coastal scenery in Fatima, Magdalen Islands.

    Fatima

    Fatima, the most populated village in the Magdalen Islands, enchants visitors with its rocky headlands and scenic lagoon. Its shell-shaped church is one of a kind, while its natural trails, including the famous Barachois de Fatima, invite birdwatching and wildlife observation.
  • Coastal trail along red sandstone cliffs overlooking the sea in Havre-aux-Maisons, Magdalen Islands.

    Havre-aux-Maisons

    Havre-aux-Maisons offers a peaceful atmosphere and untamed landscapes, with fine sandy beaches, red sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, and green pastures. Famous for its stunning sunsets, its coastal trail provides breathtaking viewpoints. It is an ideal destination for hiking, kayaking, biking, and seal watching.
  • Colourful houses and red sandstone cliffs along the shore in Havre-Aubert, Magdalen Islands.

    Havre-Aubert

    Havre-Aubert is a picturesque village, known as the historical and cultural heart of the archipelago. Its colourful houses, lively docks, and quiet streets invite leisurely strolls, whereas beaches, red sandstone cliffs, dunes, and pastures offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and seal and seabird watching.
  • Wooden staircase overlooking the panoramic coastline and village of Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands.

    Cap-aux-Meules

    Cap-aux-Meules, the central hub of the Magdalen Islands, stands out for its strategic role as the main port and commercial centre. Its lively atmosphere, beaches, cliffs, dunes, and panoramic viewpoints make it the perfect gateway to explore the archipelago.
  • Red sandstone cliffs with coastal vegetation and blue sky in Grande-Entrée, Magdalen Islands.

    Grande-Entrée

    Grande-Entrée, a charming village in the Magdalen Islands, is deeply connected to the sea and renowned for its lobster fishing heritage. Surrounded by beaches, sand dunes, red sandstone cliffs, rolling pastures, and colourful houses, it is a paradise for hikers, kayakers, and marine wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Sandy beach and grassy dunes with coastal scenery in Fatima, Magdalen Islands.

    Fatima

    Fatima, the most populated village in the Magdalen Islands, enchants visitors with its rocky headlands and scenic lagoon. Its shell-shaped church is one of a kind, while its natural trails, including the famous Barachois de Fatima, invite birdwatching and wildlife observation.
  • Coastal trail along red sandstone cliffs overlooking the sea in Havre-aux-Maisons, Magdalen Islands.

    Havre-aux-Maisons

    Havre-aux-Maisons offers a peaceful atmosphere and untamed landscapes, with fine sandy beaches, red sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, and green pastures. Famous for its stunning sunsets, its coastal trail provides breathtaking viewpoints. It is an ideal destination for hiking, kayaking, biking, and seal watching.
  • Colourful houses and red sandstone cliffs along the shore in Havre-Aubert, Magdalen Islands.

    Havre-Aubert

    Havre-Aubert is a picturesque village, known as the historical and cultural heart of the archipelago. Its colourful houses, lively docks, and quiet streets invite leisurely strolls, whereas beaches, red sandstone cliffs, dunes, and pastures offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and seal and seabird watching.
  • Wooden staircase overlooking the panoramic coastline and village of Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands.

    Cap-aux-Meules

    Cap-aux-Meules, the central hub of the Magdalen Islands, stands out for its strategic role as the main port and commercial centre. Its lively atmosphere, beaches, cliffs, dunes, and panoramic viewpoints make it the perfect gateway to explore the archipelago.

Useful information

Official language(s)

The official language of the Magdalen Islands is French.  

It is the language used daily by the local population, though English is understood in some tourist areas.

Flight duration

Direct flight: 2h to 2h30 depending on the departure city
Connecting flight: 3h to 9h (depending on connection times and departure city)

Time zone difference

Magdalen Islands time zones: UTC-4
1h ahead of Quebec (EST)
1h ahead of Quebec (EDT) 

Currency

Canadian dollar (CAD) 

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are widely accepted at shops, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and tourist attractions. It is recommended to carry some cash for small businesses, local markets, remote gas stations, or more rural activities.

Tips

In the Magdalen Islands, tipping is expected because it forms an essential part of employees’ wages. In restaurants, a tip of 15–20% of the total bill is recommended if service is not already included. In bars, $1–$2 per drink is sufficient. For taxis and tour guides, 10–15% is customary.

Safety

The Magdalen Islands are a safe destination, with welcoming and friendly locals. During outdoor activities, it is important to exercise caution near the headlands, beware of strong sea currents, and check the tide schedules.

Top things to do and see

  • Exploring Sea Caves by Kayak

  • Walking on Dune-du-Sud Beach

  • Visiting La Grave Historical Site

  • Exploring Sea Caves by Kayak

  • Walking on Dune-du-Sud Beach

  • Visiting La Grave Historical Site

  • Exploring Sea Caves by Kayak

  • Walking on Dune-du-Sud Beach

  • Visiting La Grave Historical Site

Hidden gems to discover

  • Étang-du-Nord

    Étang-du-Nord, a small village on Cap-aux-Meules Island, features red sandstone cliffs, iconic lighthouses, and a bustling harbour. It is the perfect spot for panoramic hikes, seabird watching, and sampling local products at the microbrewery or Site de la Côte.

  • Old Harry

    At the northern tip of the archipelago, Old Harry, also known as Grande Échouerie Beach, is one of the Magdalen Islands’ most beautiful beaches. This vast stretch of golden sand, over 8 km long, is perfect for long walks, seal watching, and water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.

  • Cap-Alright Lighthouse

    Perched on the red sandstone cliffs of Havre-aux-Maisons Island, Cap-Alright Lighthouse watches over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This white and red lighthouse, the short grasses swept by the sea breeze, and the endless horizon create a striking scene, especially at sunset, when the sky and sea glow with fiery colours.

  • Étang-du-Nord

    Étang-du-Nord, a small village on Cap-aux-Meules Island, features red sandstone cliffs, iconic lighthouses, and a bustling harbour. It is the perfect spot for panoramic hikes, seabird watching, and sampling local products at the microbrewery or Site de la Côte.

  • Old Harry

    At the northern tip of the archipelago, Old Harry, also known as Grande Échouerie Beach, is one of the Magdalen Islands’ most beautiful beaches. This vast stretch of golden sand, over 8 km long, is perfect for long walks, seal watching, and water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.

  • Cap-Alright Lighthouse

    Perched on the red sandstone cliffs of Havre-aux-Maisons Island, Cap-Alright Lighthouse watches over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This white and red lighthouse, the short grasses swept by the sea breeze, and the endless horizon create a striking scene, especially at sunset, when the sky and sea glow with fiery colours.

  • Étang-du-Nord

    Étang-du-Nord, a small village on Cap-aux-Meules Island, features red sandstone cliffs, iconic lighthouses, and a bustling harbour. It is the perfect spot for panoramic hikes, seabird watching, and sampling local products at the microbrewery or Site de la Côte.

  • Old Harry

    At the northern tip of the archipelago, Old Harry, also known as Grande Échouerie Beach, is one of the Magdalen Islands’ most beautiful beaches. This vast stretch of golden sand, over 8 km long, is perfect for long walks, seal watching, and water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.

  • Cap-Alright Lighthouse

    Perched on the red sandstone cliffs of Havre-aux-Maisons Island, Cap-Alright Lighthouse watches over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This white and red lighthouse, the short grasses swept by the sea breeze, and the endless horizon create a striking scene, especially at sunset, when the sky and sea glow with fiery colours.

Highlights

  • Spectacular landscapes
  • Peaceful and authentic way of life
  • Endless beaches
  • Warm welcome from the Magdalen Islanders

Keep in mind

  • The wind is constant, so pack accordingly.
  • The water is cold for swimming, even during summer.
  • Demand is high in peak season: if visiting in summer, it is essential to book well in advance.
Top pick

“My highlights of the Magdalen Islands include their unique landscapes—endless beaches, headlands and red sandstone cliffs plunging into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, wind-swept green hills, and colourful charming houses—as well as the warm welcome of the Magdalen Islanders and the iconic wildlife that animates the archipelago.”

Benjamin TremblayTravel Counsellor, Sherbrooke Travel Centre

Local food and gastronomy

  • Fresh Lobster

    Lobster from the Magdalen Islands is a true delight, with tender, sweet, and subtly salty meat. This local specialty is caught in traps in the cold waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence each spring. Often steamed in a little seawater, it is best enjoyed simply with melted butter.

  • Pot-en-Pot

    The Magdalen Islands’ pot-en-pot is a generous seafood pot pie. Beneath its golden crust lies a delicious mix of lobster, scallops, shrimp, and potato cubes in a creamy béchamel sauce. Fragrant and comforting, pot-en-pot is a beloved culinary tradition.

  • Beer from À l’Abri de la Tempête Microbrewery

    Brewed in the heart of the Magdalen Islands, the craft beers from À l’Abri de la Tempête microbrewery capture the maritime spirit of the archipelago. Refreshing blond beers scented with island flowers, robust IPAs, and salty-tinged pilsners beautifully celebrate the local terroir.

  • Fresh Lobster

    Lobster from the Magdalen Islands is a true delight, with tender, sweet, and subtly salty meat. This local specialty is caught in traps in the cold waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence each spring. Often steamed in a little seawater, it is best enjoyed simply with melted butter.

  • Pot-en-Pot

    The Magdalen Islands’ pot-en-pot is a generous seafood pot pie. Beneath its golden crust lies a delicious mix of lobster, scallops, shrimp, and potato cubes in a creamy béchamel sauce. Fragrant and comforting, pot-en-pot is a beloved culinary tradition.

  • Beer from À l’Abri de la Tempête Microbrewery

    Brewed in the heart of the Magdalen Islands, the craft beers from À l’Abri de la Tempête microbrewery capture the maritime spirit of the archipelago. Refreshing blond beers scented with island flowers, robust IPAs, and salty-tinged pilsners beautifully celebrate the local terroir.

  • Fresh Lobster

    Lobster from the Magdalen Islands is a true delight, with tender, sweet, and subtly salty meat. This local specialty is caught in traps in the cold waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence each spring. Often steamed in a little seawater, it is best enjoyed simply with melted butter.

  • Pot-en-Pot

    The Magdalen Islands’ pot-en-pot is a generous seafood pot pie. Beneath its golden crust lies a delicious mix of lobster, scallops, shrimp, and potato cubes in a creamy béchamel sauce. Fragrant and comforting, pot-en-pot is a beloved culinary tradition.

  • Beer from À l’Abri de la Tempête Microbrewery

    Brewed in the heart of the Magdalen Islands, the craft beers from À l’Abri de la Tempête microbrewery capture the maritime spirit of the archipelago. Refreshing blond beers scented with island flowers, robust IPAs, and salty-tinged pilsners beautifully celebrate the local terroir.

Good to know

  • The ferry crossing between Souris (Prince Edward Island) and the Magdalen Islands takes about five hours.
  • It is strongly recommended to book your accommodation early in the year. Ferry reservations are also essential—whether you are travelling with a vehicle, on foot, or by bike—because space is limited during peak season.
  • Lobster lovers will be delighted in June, when the catch is at its best and especially abundant.
  • Even in summer, plan to bring warm and windproof clothing. Temperatures generally range between 15 °C and 25 °C.

What to bring back?

  • Posters of Colourful Houses

  • Craft Beer from À l’Abri de la Tempête microbrewery

  • Craft Cheeses from Pied-de-Vent Cheese Factory

  • Posters of Colourful Houses

  • Craft Beer from À l’Abri de la Tempête microbrewery

  • Craft Cheeses from Pied-de-Vent Cheese Factory

  • Posters of Colourful Houses

  • Craft Beer from À l’Abri de la Tempête microbrewery

  • Craft Cheeses from Pied-de-Vent Cheese Factory

Frequently asked questions

The Magdalen Islands are a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from mid-June to early September. This is the peak tourist season, perfect for enjoying the beaches, festivals, water sports, and seafood. 

In winter, the archipelago reveals a different side, ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even snowkite. However, note that many attractions are closed in the off-season.

You can reach the Magdalen Islands by plane or by ferry with your vehicle or RV. Note that ferry spots should be reserved well in advance. 

Once you are on the islands, a car is the most practical way to explore the archipelago, but it is also enjoyable to get around by bike or on foot to discover the beaches, villages, and coastal landscapes.

7 to 10 days. 

This is the ideal duration to take a complete tour of the archipelago, explore several beaches and dunes, go on excursions, discover local crafts, and indulge in lobster and seafood.

  • The Lobster Trap Launch, in May, at Grande-Entrée. At dawn, under the fireworks, lobster fishermen depart from the dock in a festive and emotional atmosphere, marking the beginning of both the lobster fishing season and the tourist season in the Magdalen Islands.
  • The Lobster Festival, in July, at Grande-Entrée. Lobster dinners, musical performances, and interpretive activities celebrate the end of the lobster fishing season.
  • The Acadian Festival, in August, at the La Grave Historical Site. Illuminated boat parades, traditional music, fireworks, and vibrant celebrations pay tribute to Acadian culture.

Getting ready for your trip

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