official tourist guide of the Îles de la madeleine / magdalen islands 2013-2014

CONGRATULATIONSTO THE REGIONAL AWARDS WINNERS

2013

Agricultural Tourism and Regional Products Le Fumoir dAntanwww.fumoirdantan.com (advertising p. 64)

Tourist Services Leblanc Location dAutoswww.leblanclocationdautos.com (advertising p. 66)

Tourism Attractions under 25,000 visitorsMuse de la Merwww.museedelamer-im.com (advertising p. 48)

Tourism Attractions more than 25,000 visitorsCTMAwww.cruisesctma.ca (advertising p. 3)

Human Resources Tourism Leaders of TomorrowAriane Brub, CTMAwww.cruisesctma.ca (advertising p. 3)

Human Resources Tourism SupervisorFrdric Ct, directeur Parc de Gros-Capwww.parcdegroscap.ca (advertising pp. 58-59)

Campgrounds and Outdoor and Leisure ActivitiesParc de Gros-Capwww.parcdegroscap.ca (advertising pp. 58-59)

www.tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com

2013-2014

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ENVIRONMENT

Major airport

Hospital

Tourist information

Marina

Unpaved bike and hike trail

Paved bike and hike trail

Lighthouse

Fishing port

Scenic road

Ferry boat

Marked Cycle Route (La Route verte)

see p. 108

TOURISM

Main road

Collector road

Local paved road

Local unpaved road

Bridge

Water

Forest

Meadow

Marsh

Beach

Cliff

ROAD NETWORK

www.tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com418 986-2245 or 1 877 624-4437

Get also the tourist map of the Magdalen Islandsfor sale at the tourist information office.

Desjardins, proud partner in community development

We believe that supporting tourist events and local organisations lends to assuring the vitality of our region.

At the caisses Desjardins of the Islands, it is our way of contributing to the well-being of our community and assuring its prosperity.

desjardins.com

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45 10 km

le dEntre

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Sand

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Le Corps Mort

le du Havre Aubert

BassinHavre-Aubert

Baie de Plaisance

le du Capaux Meules

Ltang-du-Nord

Cap-aux-Meules

Havre-aux-Maisons

le du Havre auxMaisons

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le de la Grande EntreGrande-Entre

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Souris (I.-P.-.) Cap-aux-Meules

10 km10 km

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Visit our web site: www.tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com

1 km = 0.6 mi.

Distances from Tourist Information Centrein Cap-aux-Meules

4 km Havre-aux-Maisons25 km Pointe-aux-Loups40 km Grosse-le50 km Old-Harry55 km Grande-Entre

3.5 km La Vernire5 km Fatima

6.5 km Ltang-du-Nord27 km Bassin25 km Havre-Aubert16 km Entry Island (with ferry)

le du HavreAubert, pp. 24-25

Entry Island (le dEntre), p. 27

le du Cap aux Meules, pp. 30-31

le du Havre aux Maisons, p. 36

le de la Pointe aux Loups, p. 37

le de Grosse le and le dela Grande Entre, pp. 40-41

Gulf of St. Lawrence

Gulf of St. Lawrence

Map of the les de la Madeleine

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5Summary

Food Services 129Accommodation 132Hotels 134Bed and Breakfasts 136

Tourist Residences 138Youth Hostel, Vacation Centres,Other Lodgings 146Campgrounds 147

Events 82Features of the Region 85Culture and Heritage 94Traditional Architecture 94Religious Heritage 95Arts and Crafts 96Gift Shops 98Public Places and Historic Sites 98Art Galleries and Exhibition Halls 99Museums and Interpretation Centres 100Nightlife 102Performing Arts and Summer Theatres 103Industrial Visit, Guided Tours 104Nature and Outdoor Activities 105Nautical Excursions 106Marinas 107Water Trail, Canoe, Excursions and Adventures 108

Kayak 109Wind and Sliding Sports 110Equipment Rentals 112Diving, Equestrian Activities 112Golf 113Winter Activities 113Cycling 114Hiking and Nature Interpretation 116Wildlife Reserves 118Beaches, Tides 120Regional Delights 122Other Activities Activities for Children, Movie Theatre, Mini-putt, Bowling, Shopping 124Conventions and Business Meetings 127Health-Spa Tourism 128

Visit and Enjoy

Regional Map 4 and 160Portrait of the Region 15Visit the IslandsHavre Aubert Island 22Entry Island (le dEntre) 26

Cap aux Meules Island 28Havre aux Maisons Island 34Pointe aux Loups Island 37Grosse le Island andGrande Entre Island 38

How to use this guide 6General InformationSymbols used in this guide 6

Qubec Tourist Regions 7Road access to the Region 7Tourist Information 8

Discover the Region

Accommodation and Food Services

Tourist Services 148Useful Information 153

Alphabetical Index 154

This tourist guide was published by Tourisme les de la Madeleine in collaboration with its partners and Tourisme Qubec. Onlythe members of Tourisme les de la Madeleine are included in it. Tourisme les de la Madeleine is not responsible for any unintentionalomissions or errors. Feel free to send us any suggestions and comments. Our complete address is given on page 8.

Tourisme Qubec Legal deposit: Bibliothque et Archives nationales du Qubec, 2013 / ISBN 978-2-920930-10-0 Tourisme les de la Madeleine Legal deposit: Library and Archives Canada, 2013 / ISSN 1495-0936

Useful Information

Need help? Refer to General Information p. 5 to 14 (Blue section).

Instructions

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Belle Anse1184, chemin des Caps, Fatima, G4T 2V4T : 418 986-2089C : [email protected], I : www.belleanse.comDcouvrez les uvres dart de lartiste peintremadeleinienne Majella Poirier. Labstrait et le figuratifse ctoient aux couleurs des les. Horaire : de juin septembre, du mardi au samedi de 13 h 17 h ; juillet etaot, du mardi au dimanche de 12 h 17 h.

le du Havre aux MaisonsVerrerie La Mduse638, route 199, Havre-aux-Maisons, G4T 5A8T : 418 969-4681, C : [email protected], I : www.meduse.qc.caVerrerie dart situe dans un btiment patrimonial nomm La grande cole . Verre souffl et faonn. Picesuniques et de srie utilitaires et dcoratives. Boutiqueet atelier ouverts lanne avec observation libre desartisans luvre. Durant la saison estivale, ajout dedmonstrations heures fixes (3 $ par personne et 7 $ parfamille). Horaire : du 15 juin au 15 septembre, tous lesjours de 9 h 18 h. Hors saison : ouvert lanne dulundi au samedi de 12 h 17 h.

le de la Pointe aux LoupsLa Maison du Hron21, chemin du Quai Sud, Pointe-aux-Loups, G4T 8B3T : 418 969-4819, C : [email protected] : www.la-maison-du-heron.comuvres dart et mtiers dart ctoient collections go-logiques et ivoire des morses disparus. Partagez la passiondHlne Chevarie et de Rachel Drouin pour les fossiles,agates et autres trsors des les. Admirez leurs crations,celles de Ginela et Marie-Line Leblanc. Dcouvrez pastels,aquarelles, bijoux, tissage, cuir et fourrure de loup-marin.Horaire : tous les samedis du 28 mai au 18 juin, de12 h 17 h et tous les jours du 19 juin au 4 septembre,de 10 h 17 h 30 ; du 5 au 30 septembre, du lundi auvendredi de 12 h 17 h. Hors saison : sur rendez-vousau 418 969-4819.

Culture et patrimoine

Visitez notre site Internet : www.tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com

La Maison du Loup-MarinL o lhistoire est ne!22, chemin de lcole, Pointe-aux-Loups, G4T 8B1T : 418 969-9385C : [email protected], I : www.odetteleblanc.comCinq ans dj ! Nouvel atelier-boutique du loup-marin !Odette Leblanc designer de mode depuis 20 ans. Venezdcouvrir ou redcouvrir ses nouvelles crations :manteaux, accessoires et menus articles pour tous les gotset tous les prix. Laissez-vous raconter comment est nelhistoire Dmonstration sur la confection des produits.Horaire : de mai octobre de 10 h 18 h. Hors saison :sur rendez-vous.

le de Grosse le etle de la Grande EntreLa Maison du Potier26, chemin Sand Cove, Old-Harry, G4T 6C8T : 418 985-2507 (atelier et boutique)ouvert lanne, hors saison sur appelSite historique de La Grave, Havre-Aubert, G4T 9C7(ouvert de juin septembre)C : [email protected] mains dans la terre depuis 30 ans, Graldine Cyr etBernard Langford vous offrent des pices faites en terrerouge ou en porcelaine tourne. Chacune de ces picessont peintes la main aux couleurs inspires de leur bellele. Dcouvrez diffrentes techniques, tel le raku (cuissonjaponaise). La boutique offre aussi un grand choix devtements aux dessins uniques, conus par Martine Cyret autres artistes.

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Cest un havre naturel de pche et de plaisance. Cest l quon trouve des buttesaux formes douces et arrondies nommes les Demoiselles. Au flanc desDemoiselles, passe le chemin den Haut, une route panoramique (p. 20-21)borde de maisons traditionnelles. Havre-Aubert, avec son Palais de justice et saprison, a t longtemps le chef-lieu des les de la Madeleine. Cest sur le cheminden Haut que se situe lAssociation culturelle de Havre-Aubert qui prsente

la production thtrale Mes les, Mon Pays (p. 99). Ne manquez pas ce spectacle pourdcouvrir toute lhistoire des les.Sur la belle plage du Havre-Aubert (chemin du Sable) a lieu le concours annuel de Chteauxde sable (p. 90). On peut sy inscrire avec des amis, pour une journe de plaisir garanti. Le Centrenautique de lIstorlet (p. 105, 106, 108, 139, 140) est un centre de vacances reconnu. On yoffre toute une gamme dactivits nautiques, des camps dt pour jeunes, des sjours linguistiques,des excursions en kayak de mer pour lobservation des grottes et des falaises, des excursions enbateau pour observer les phares et les mammifres marins ou encore faire de la plonge lgreen apne avec les phoques.Lattrait le plus important de Havre-Aubert est sans contredit le Site historique de La Grave (p. 52)(de grve : terrain caillouteux et sablonneux). Cette petite plage de galets, qui fut un endroit de prdilection pour les pcheries et le commerce, a gard un cachet bien maritime. Classe site historiquepar le ministre des Affaires culturelles en 1983, La Grave conserve aujourdhui sa fonction originale :un lieu privilgi de rencontres et dchanges. Sur La Grave, lAquarium des les (p. 94) vous permet dobserver des phoques, plusieurs espces de poissons, de crustacs et de mollusques quonretrouvent autour des les. On y traite aussi de diverses mthodes de transformation des produits dela mer. Le Muse de la Mer (p. 94), situ sur le Cap Gridley, prsente des expositions temporairesde diffrentes disciplines et thmatiques, ainsi que des activits danimation pour tous les ges.Au Vieux Treuil (p. 99), situ au cur de La Grave, est une salle de spectacles pluridisciplinaire,qui offre une programmation diversifie en art de la scne. On trouve galement sur La Grave des boutiques dartisans (sable, bijoux, bronze, etc.) des commerces, des restaurants et cafs trs apprcis.

Besoin daide? Rfrez-vous au mode demploi du guide : p. 5 12 (section bleue).

Concours de construction des petits bateaux 1er samedi du mois daot

le du Havre Aubert

Havre-Aubert, carte p. 21

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How to use this guide

Tourist Road Signs les de la MadeleineLook for the blue signs! In Qubec, they indicate the name of a region andthe route to services, attractions and activities. See www.panneaubleu.comfor more information.

Accessible to disabled persons2 Adapted: entirely accessible to persons with reduced mobility.3 Accessible with assistance: partially accessible to persons with reduced mobility.

For more information, please contact Kroul at 514 252-3104 or www.keroul.qc.ca. Only establishments visited by Kroul appear in this guide.

1 The Tourist and Leisure Companion Sticker (TLCS)Free admission for the companion of a person who has the sticker with the logo.

The information contained in this guidebook was accurate as of autumn 2012. Prices exclude taxes, unless otherwisestated, and are subject to change without notice. The next edition will be available in the spring of 2014.

Symbols and pictograms used in this guide


> Main airportx Campground Churchh Roadside rest area

Hospital( Permanent tourist office

O Marina! LighthouseK WharfR Ferry

Tourist road signsRegional Winner 2013

Association of the most beautiful villages of QubecAventure cotourismeQubecAssociation des camps duQubecRoute verte (Greenbelt)

Each color refers to a different category in

the summary section. The symbols used

in this guide are explained below or presented

in the legend of each table. Page

numbers in brackets refer to pages in the guide

containing additional information on a given

activity or attraction. The pictogram (),indicates tourist establishments on the route.

4

3

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1313

The Road.com

514 252-3104Vacations adapted forpeople with restricted physical ability

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7Rimouski 315 734 535 524 264 769 644 721 922

Rivire-du-Loup 107 206 628 436 582 416 840 746 823 823

Qubec 449 251 766 211 912 930 1007 637

Gatineau-Ottawa 202 1185 662 1508 1348 1426 711

Montral 986 464 1318 1150 1227 512

Moncton 749 290 164 242 515

Chicoutimi 875 1157 1001 829

Halifax 356 437 1118

Charlottetown 81 1020

Souris 1098

km Boston

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17

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9

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11 les de la Madeleine 1 877 624-4437 tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com2 Gaspsie 1 800 463-0323 tourisme-gaspesie.com3 Bas-Saint-Laurent 1 800 563-5268 bassaintlaurent.ca4 Qubec 1 877 783-1608 quebecregion.com5 Charlevoix 1 800 667-2276 charlevoixtourism.com6 Chaudire-Appalaches 1 888 831-4411 chaudiereappalaches.com7 Mauricie 1 800 567-7603 mauricietourism.org8 Eastern Townships 1 800 355-5755 easterntownships.org9 Montrgie 1 866 469-0069 tourisme-monteregie.qc.ca10 Lanaudire 1 800 363-2788 lanaudiere.ca11 Laurentians 1 800 561-6673 laurentians.com12 Montral 1 800 363-7777 tourism-montreal.org13 Outaouais 1 800 265-7822 outaouaistourism.com14 Abitibi-Tmiscamingue 1 800 808-0706 abitibi-temiscamingue-tourism.org15 Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean 1 877 253-8387 saguenaylacsaintjean.ca16 Cte-Nord | Manicouagan 1 888 463-5319 cotenord-manicouagan.com17 Cte-Nord | Duplessis 1 888 463-0808 tourismeduplessis.com18 James Bay 1 888 748-8140 tourismebaiejames.com19 Laval 1 877 465-2825 tourismelaval.com20 Centre-du-Qubec 1 888 816-4007 tourismecentreduquebec.com21 Nunavik 1 888 594-3424 nunavik-tourism.com22 Eeyou Istchee 1 888 268-2682 creetourism.ca

and 22

General Information


Qubec Tourist Regions

Road access to the Region

Transporting and using radar detectors is illegal in Qubec.

Follow us on www.facebook.com/regionstouristiquesquebec

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Look for this logo posted at tourist businesses and support our members / partnerswho appear exclusively in this guide.

General Information

Tourisme les de la Madeleine

128, chemin PrincipalCap-aux-Meules (Qubec) Canada, G4T 1C5

Phone: 418 986-2245 or 1 877 624-4437Fax: 418 986-2327Email: [email protected]

Web site: www.tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com

Schedule:From January 3 to May 31, Monday to Friday from 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm.From June 1st to 30, open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, except Mondays from 9 am to 5 pm.From July 1st to 6, open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.From July 7 to August 24, open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, except Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 am to 8 pm.From August 25 to September 7, open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.From September 8 to 30, open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, except Mondays from 9 am to 5 pm.From October 1st to December 23, Monday to Friday from 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm.Closed on Thanksgiving, December 24 to 26, December 31st to January 2 and Easter Monday.

(Schedule may vary)

Tourist Information on the les de la Madeleine

Infotourist centres run by Tourisme Qubec.These centres are located at border crossings,in Montral and in Qubec City. Employeesoffer tourist information covering all ofQubec.

Tourist Information Bureau (BIT)Employees offer information about a touristregion.

Tourist Welcome Bureau (BAT)Employees offer information about a munici-pality, neighbourhood or arrondissement.

Tourist Information Relay (RIT)Premises offer general information on agiven territory; no employees present.

Tourist information centres are identified by the ? pictograms along roadwaysor in tourist brochures, and by road signs and signage at entries to the premises.


Le Qubec maritime / Maritime Qubec

84, rue Saint-Germain Est, bureau 205, Rimouski (Qubec), G5L 1A6T: 418 724-7889 / F: 418 724-7278I: www.quebecmaritime.qc.ca

The les de la Madeleine, along with the Bas-Saint-Laurent, the Gasp Peninsula and the Cte-Nord,form a large region known as Maritime Qubec. It is a vast territory, bordered by three thousandkilometres of shoreline. The sea has shaped the lives and the traditions of Maritime Qubecs welcoming and generous people, who are eager to share their culture and their joie de vivre withvisitors.

Categories of Information Centres

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Environment

Tourist Information for all Regions

General Information

Phone: Call toll-free, year round, daily from 9 am to 5 pm from Montral, Qubec or elsewhere in Canada and the USA.

Email: [email protected]

Mail: Tourisme Qubec, P.O. Box 979, Montral (Qubec) H3C 2W3 Canada

At the desk: Information available timetables indicated below.Schedule may vary. Thank you for visiting bonjourquebec.com

( Permanent offices (offering a variety of tourist products and services)

Qubec City: Centre Infotouriste of Qubec. 12, rue Sainte-Anne (across from ChteauFrontenac). June 21 to August 31, 9 am to 7 pm. For the rest of the year, 9 amto 5 pm. Closed December 25 and January 1st.

Montral: Centre Infotouriste of Montral. 1255, rue Peel, suite 100. April 1st to June 20, 9 am to 6 pm. June 21 to August 31, 9 am to 7 pm. September 1st to October 31,9 am to 6 pm. November 1st to March 31, 9 am to 5 pm. Closed December 25and January 1st.

514 873-2015 or 1 877 BONJOUR (266-5687)


To register a complaint

To make a complaint about tourist services received in Qubec, please contact:

Tourisme QubecPhone: 1 800 463-5009 (Canada and USA) or 418 643-5959. Email: [email protected]

Ltang-du-Nord lighthouse

The paper used in our official tourist guide is printed on 10% post-consumer paperthat is made in Qubec and 100% chain of custody certified. The regional tourismnetwork (ATR) is helping to protect the environment by encouraging sustainable forest management and supporting the Qubcois economy. Before recycling,pass me around!!!!

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General Information

Plane Several airlines serve the les de la Madeleine:

Air Canada JazzFor information and reservations, see your travel agent or 1 888 247-2262 / www.aircanada.com

Air Canada Jazz offers daily flights from Gasp, Qubec City and Montral with connectionsfor all Air Canada and Star Alliance destinations.

Pascan Aviation Inc.For information and reservations, see your travel agent or 1 888 313-8777 / 450 443-0500 /www.pascan.com

Local airline offering flights for the les de la Madeleine from Montral, Qubec City andBonaventure.

The les de la Madeleine are also accessible for private planes and are part of the Eco-Fly AerotourismNetwork. We invite pilots to consult the Flight Canada Supplement when planning their visit. Manyservices are offered at the Havre-aux-Maisons airport (YGR).

AutomobileTo travel to the les de la Madeleine by road, visitors must go to Souris (Prince Edward Island)and take a ferryboat to the archipelago. The ferry crossing takes 5 hours.

To go to the Souris (Prince Edward Island) ferryVisit our web site www.tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com or www.ferryctma.ca and use our onlineapplication to generate a complete itinerary to get to the town of Souris, Prince Edward Island.

From Montral: take Highway 20 to Rivire-du-Loup. From Rivire-du-Loup to Moncton(New Brunswick), there are two possible routes:

a) Through the Matapdia Valley: take Route 132 East until you get to Matapdia. Then continue on to Pointe--la-Croix where you can cross the bridge to New Brunswick andtake Route 11 from Campbellton until you reach Bathurst, then Route 8 to Miramichi,and then again Route 11 to Shediac (Campbellton-Shediac: 286 km). Please note that thisis the longest route.

b) Through Edmundston: take Route 85/185 South (Qubec), then Highway 2 (New Brunswick)to Edmundston, then to Moncton. Take exit 467B to get onto Highway 11 North to Shediac(Edmundston-Shediac: 502 km). For information: Tourism New Brunswick 1 800 561-0123.

From Shediac: you can reach Cape Tormentine along Highway 15, then get onto Highway 16to take the Confederation Bridge to Borden, Prince Edward Island. For information: TourismPrince Edward Island 1 888 734-7529.

Toll to cross the Confederation Bridge: the toll varies according to the type of vehicle (i.e.: 2013 summer rate is $44.50 for a family car). Attention: the bridge is closed to cyclistsand pedestrians. A free shuttle bus is provided. For information about the ConfederationBridge, call 1 888 437-6565 or visit www.confederationbridge.com.

From Borden: take Highway 1 to Charlottetown, and then Route 2 East to Souris (Borden-Souris: 137 km). Board the M.V. Madeleine for a five-hour ferry ride to the les de laMadeleine.


Other access to the Region

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Bus and train

It is possible to travel by train to Moncton (N.B.), and then by bus to Charlottetown (P.E.I.). Tocontinue to the ferry, you would need to take a taxi or shuttle from Charlottetown to Souris.However, we recommend you contact your travel agency.

Autobus Les Sillons284, chemin des Caps, Fatima, T: 418 986-3886, F: 418 986-4621E: [email protected], I: www.autobuslessillons.com

Transport by motor coach from Montral, Qubec, Rivire-du-Loup, Dgelis, Fredericton(Oromocto), Moncton and Charlottetown. Departure every Friday evening and/or Saturday withan arrival on the Islands Saturday. The departure from the Islands every Thursday morning.

All schedules are subject to change without notice. Please confirm the information with the motorcoach company Autobus Les Sillons. Passengers must be at the boarding location 15 minutes prior tothe scheduled departure time and reservations are required at all times. For reservations, call 418 986-3886.

Shuttle Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown / Souris)East Connection

28 Admiral, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, T: 902 892-6760 or 902 393-5132, F: 902 892-0088.

Daily return passenger shuttle and delivery service between Charlottetown and Souris or Souris /Charlottetown. Island-wide tours available. For information and reservations, contact Blair.

Rate: $65 per person.

In operation: June to September. Off season service upon reservation.

General Information


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Ferry

CTMA Ferry M.V. Madeleine T: 418 986-3278, toll free: 1 888 986-3278, F: 418 986-5101E: [email protected], I: www.ferryctma.ca

Information and reservationAccess the les de la Madeleine through this five-hour crossing between Prince Edward Islandand the Madelinot Archipelago. Get on board and appreciate the crews courtesy, the comfortof the ship and the many services offered. You will live a true experience of relaxation andpleasure on the sea. To make a reservation, please have on hand the type and plate number ofyour vehicle, dates of travel and credit card for the deposit.

2013 Ferry Schedule from Souris (Prince Edward Island) to the les de la Madeleine.

Atlantic time zone (one hour later in the Maritimes)! The ferry service is in operation all year round.All schedules are subject to change without notice. Please confirm the information with CTMA.Passengers must be on the wharf one hour prior to the scheduled departure time and it is necessaryto reserve at all times.

Reservation online at www.ferryctma.ca

Ferry CTMA M.V. Madeleine

Departure from les de la Madeleine

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

April 1st to 30, 2013 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am

May 1st to June 30, 2013 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am

July 1st to July 8, 2013* 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am

July 9 to August 25, 2013* 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am8 pm 8 pm 8 pm 8 pm

August 26 to September 8, 2013* 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am

September 9 to September 30, 2013 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am

October 1st to November 30, 2013 8 am 8 am 8 am 8 am

December 1st to January 31, 2014 8 am 8 am 8 am

Departure from Prince Edward Island

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

April 1st to 30, 2013 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm

May 1st to June 30, 2013 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm

July 1st to July 9, 2013* 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm

July 10 to August 25, 2013* 2 am 2 am 2 pm 2 am 2 pm 2 pm 2 am2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm

August 26 to September 8, 2013* 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm

September 9 to September 30, 2013 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm

October 1st to November 30, 2013 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm 2 pm

December 1st to January 31, 2014 2 pm 2 pm 2 pmCTMA reserves the right to modify the schedules according to weather conditions or other circumstances.* Please contact CTMA for the crossing schedule of February and March 2014.* Additional trips may be scheduled if required.* Additional trips on April 1st, May 20 and October 14, 2013.

General Information


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2013 Rates

High season Low seasonJune 15 to Sept. 14 Sept. 15 to June 14

RegularAdult (13 to 59 years old) $48.75 $31.50

60 years and over $39.50 $25.75

Child (5 to 12 years old) $24.50 $12.75

Child less than 5 years old Free Free

Group (20 persons and more)Adult (13 years old and over) $39.50 $25.75

Child (5 to 12 years old) $20.25 $12.75

Units (driver, passengers and cyclists not included)Car (less than 21 feet) $91.00 $64.00

Other types of vehicles and trailers $7.35/ft. $7.35 /ft.(21 feet and over)

Motorcycle $31.50 $31.50

Bicycle $11.75 $11.75

All rates are in Canadian dollars.A fuel tax will be added to the rates.

The M.V. Madeleine Souris / The Islands Ferry

General Information

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The M.V. CTMA Vacancier A cruise on the St. Lawrence

CTMA Ferry M.V. Madeleine T: 418 986-3278, toll free: 1 888 986-3278, F: 418 986-5101E: [email protected], I: www.ferryctma.ca

Instructions for reservationWhen making a reservation, you need to provide the license number and the type of your vehicle and your arrival / departure dates. A deposit, payable by credit card (Visa or MasterCard),is required to confirm your reservation.

CTMA Cruises M.V. CTMA Vacancier

T: 418 986-3278, toll free: 1 888 986-3278, F: 418 986-5101E: [email protected], I: www.cruisesctma.ca

For more than 10 years, CTMA has been offering the one and only cruise to the les de laMadeleine from Montral between mid-June to late September. During this one-week cruise,the beauty of the St. Lawrence River will be revealed to you alternating between moments ofrelaxation, various activities and a range of gastronomic delights; you will discover the archipelagos breathtaking seascapes, with a 3-day stay. The discovery of Chandler and its surroundings and of Old Qubec City are also on the program. To correspond to your liking, weoffer the following packages: Taste, Art & Culture, Cycling and Adventure. A cruise aboard theCTMA Vacancier is most certainly the best way to connect with the Islands.

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A portrait of the Region

Walking at Dune du Sud

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F or the visitor arriving on the les de laMadeleine, the effect is an immediateand total change in scenery. As far asthe eye can see, the islands and the dunes seemto blend, break apart, and then stretch out of sight,as if dropped by a whimsical sea. The islands looklike tiny landmasses enlivened by brilliant greenvalleys, spectacular white sandy beaches, deep red cliffs, and the countless shades of blue thatthe sea and the lagoons reflect from the sky. Hereone encounters a nature that is rich and fragile not only in its elements, but also in its dimensions,origins and evolution. The smooth features of the islands, the combinations of colours and the views are charming and refreshing. It is easy and very agreeable to explore the winding roads and paths of the Islands on foot, bicycle, or by automobile.

An archipelago in the GulfThe archipelago of the les de la Madeleine is locat-ed in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, ormore precisely: 215 km from the Gasp peninsula,105 km from Prince Edward Island and 95 km fromCape Breton Island. The Islands take the shape ofa half moon fishhook stretching across a distanceof 88 km in a south-west/north-easterly direction.Islanders live in the Atlantic Time Zone, one hourahead of the rest of the Province of Qubec. Whenit is 12 noon in Montral and the rest of theprovince, it is 1 pm on the Islands.The archipelago is composed of about a dozenislands, six of which are linked by long, thin, sanddunes. The names of the islands (from north tosouth) are: le de la Grande Entre and Grosse le,le aux Loups, le du Havre aux Maisons, le du Capaux Meules, and le du Havre Aubert. Two other

islands are part of the archipelago as well: ledEntre, inhabited and located 10 km east ofHavre-Aubert, and le Brion, 16 km north of Grossele (see area map p. 4). The main village on eachisland carries the same name as the Island. SinceJanuary 2002, the whole archipelago has beengrouped in two municipalities: the Municipality ofthe les-de-la-Madeleine and Grosse-le.There are other smaller islands and islets that arepart of the les de la Madeleine archipelago:Rocher aux Oiseaux, le aux Loups Marins, le auxCochons and Rocher du Corps Mort among others.

A mild maritime climateThe maritime climate enjoyed by the Islands ismarkedly different from that of the mainland.The huge water masses around the archipelago temper the weather and create milder conditionsin each season. On the Islands, winter (Decemberto March) is mild, with the least amount of annual frost in the Province of Qubec. Spring(April to June) is cool. There are no heat waves in summer (July to September), and fall (Octoberand November) is warm; in fact, these sunny warmtemperatures often last to the end of September.The ever-present winds are part and parcel of the Islands unique climate. The air is pure andinvigorating, perfect for a health cure!

Dune de lOuest

Hiking at Les Buttes Peles

An archipelago in the gulf

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At the end of August and September, the watersurrounding the Islands can reach up to 18 Celsius(63 F), and up to 21 Celsius in the lagoons andbays. It is the low tides (see low tides p. 121)and especially the shoals near and around the archipelago that help warm the water in the lagoons as well as the water surrounding the Islands.Constant winds greatly influence the climate ofthe Islands. Stronger in winter than in summer, winspeeds vary between 17 and 40 km / hr (9 to 22 knots). In summer, the prevailing winds arefrom the southwest, and in winter, they are fromthe northwest. The archipelago has everything:climate, wind, various bodies of water and morethan 300 km of beautiful beaches all it takes tobe a wind, surf and water-sport lovers paradise.

The discovery of the IslandsMicmac Indians poetically named the archipelagoMenagoesenog, a word that means islandsbrushed by the waves. Well before the arrival ofthe first Europeans, Indians were coming to theIslands to fish and to hunt for seal and walrus.In June 1534, Jacques Cartier entered in his diarythe first written report about the Islands, LesAraynes (from Latin arena, meaning "sand").He named the first islands he came upon leMargaulx (today Rocher aux Oiseaux) and le Brion.He wrote in his ships log: Icelle isle est range desablons et beau fons et possaige lentour delle, seix et sept brassez. Ceste dite isle est la meilleureterre que nous ayons veu, car ung arpant dicelleterre vault mielx que toute la Terre Neufue. Nous latrouvames plaine de beaulx arbres, prairies, champsde bl sauvaige, et de poys en fleurs, aussi espes etaussi beaulx, que je vis oncques en Bretaigne, quilxsembloient y avoir est sm par laboureux.This island is very sandy, with good anchoragesand passages between the islands, six to sevenfathoms. It (le Brion) has the best soil that weveseen, for twenty acres of this soil is worth more thanall Newfoundland. This island is full of beautifultrees, prairies, fields of wild wheat, and floweringpea plants as beautiful as Ive ever seen in Brittany,and they seem to have been planted by a plough-mans hand. (English transcription).In 1629, Samuel de Champlain wrote on a map,La Magdeleine, near the area of le du HavreAubert. However, it is said that the archipelagospresent name, les de la Madeleine, was given inhonour of Madeleine Fontaine, wife of FranoisDoublet de Honfleur, concessionaire of the Islandsin 1663. Under the French Regime, the Islandswere passed from hand to hand without lastingcolonisation or exploitation.


This engraving depicts le pon-chon a barrel with a sail thatcarried mail from the les de laMadeleine to Nova Scotia onFebruary 2, 1910 when the Islandslost contact with the mainland dueto a breach in the underwater tele-

graph cable.


100 years!

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The land of the AcadiansIn 1755, the destiny of the Acadian people took atragic turn. It was the Grand Drangement (theExile) and the Acadian population was deportedall across the continent. Some managed to escapethe deportation and came to the les de laMadeleine, where all commerce was controlled byRichard Gridley, including the walrus hunt and theIslands fisheries. In 1789, following the FrenchRevolution, other families came from Saint-Pierreand Miquelon under the leadership of their priest,Jean-Batiste Allain. Together they began the truecolonisation of the Islands.Under British control in 1763, the Islands wereannexed to Newfoundland, until 1774 when the Qubec Act annexed them to Qubec. IsaacCoffin was granted the les de la Madeleine in1798, and he forced the Madelinots to pay renton lands that they had cleared with their ownhands and occupied for more than 25 years. This feudal domination, along with the merchants exploitation of the fishermen, created a climate of misery and injustice, which explains theIslanders continued emigration to new lands.Emigrating Madelinots founded several villages on Qubecs Lower North Shore: Blanc-Sablon(1854), Havre-Saint-Pierre, Natashquan (1855),

and Sept-les (1872). Only in 1895 did a Qubeclaw allow the Madelinots to buy back their landsfrom the grant holder. Freed from colonial oppres-sion, they began to overcome their difficulties andwork towards self-sufficiency.

and a country of the seaMadelinots are only too familiar with the trials and tribulations of maritime life. Many tragic shipwrecks have been recorded (more than 400),and these were more often than not foreign shipsswept ashore in storms while passing the Islands.Survivors often decided to make the Islands theirhome. Legends and extraordinary stories colourthe Islanders oral tradition, kept alive from thetime when they lived in almost total isolation.Although modern methods of communicationhave eased this isolation, the Madelinots stillmaintain their unique way of life and retain theirdistinctive accent. In 2012, the populationtotalled 13,062 inhabitants including five percent Anglophones, largely ofScottish descent.



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A unique francophone cultureThe keys to the originality of Madelinot culture lie in its Acadian and Qubec influences and its history of profound isolation. Once, shipwrecksand maritime commerce were its principal contacts with the outside world.This culture is still vibrant today, in the language,the arts, the economy, and in the maintenance and development of the land. This originality givesthe Islands a little something extra a differencewhich, when coupled with the landscape, is abreath of fresh air. Visitors will be surprised and charmed right from the start by the melodicintonations of the Acadian accent, the marine terminology, and archaic words from ancestralFrance.Pay attention, now: there is no Madelinot accent.Got that? There are two reasons for this. In thefirst place, when you are visiting the les de laMadeleine, you are the one with the accent!But let's be serious there is not one, but several Madelinot accents. And none of theseaccents is any more Madelinot than the rest. Iftruth were told, there are almost as many accentsas there are islands! In some places, like Havre-Aubert, they rrrrrrollll their "r"s, and elsewhere, asin Havre-aux-Maisons, they just flatten them outof existence. In between, there is a whole rangeof variations that people try to imitate, even whenthey come from here.The question of accent is tricky. People don'talways agree on the exact pronunciation and the Madelinots love to tease each other. WhenIslanders discuss accents, things can get really loud and most of the time, talk ends in hilariouslaughter.So, there is the accent, but also the language itself.Even though the les de la Madeleine are part ofQubec and the population is mostly francophone,one cannot say that they speak Qubcois. TheFrench spoken in the Islands is rooted in AcadianFrench, a language that came from the "OldFrench" that was spoken in the Middle Ages andthe Renaissance.They say that the accent is disappearing now. Butit has not gone far all you have to do is listenquietly and not frighten it off

In the Islands, the pace of life is different, it is saidthat time flows to another rhythm; in the Islandsits not the same The Islanders have a natural sense of hospitality, atrait that adds charm and warmth and provides asense of relaxation and comfort for a newcomer.Madelinots are also very proud of their culture andof their special environment, and are glad to sharethis with others. These qualities are reflected inthe services offered.

An economy basedon fishing and tourismThe primary industry of the Islands is its fisheries.In order of importance, commercial fishing comprises: lobster, scallops, snow crab, fish (cod, sole, mackerel, herring, ocean perch, sharkand smelt); and shellfish (mussels, baby clams and surf clams).The fishing industry dominates activities on thearchipelago. Visitors will feel its pervasive influ-ence in language, cooking, and numerous fishing ports.

Tourism is the second most important industry on the Islands. Tourism is growing steadily,attracting visitors looking for peace and quiet, inan unspoiled setting, with a unique culture andheritage.



Many-coloured boats

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Agriculture is an important economic activity on the Islands. Sustainable agriculture, allowedthe first settlers to survive, and now it is con-sidered an expanding industry. Local produceincludes eggs, cheese, beef and honey and,in season, local market gardeners offer fresh vegetables and herbs. Look for products marked Le bon got frais des les de la Madeleine (thegood fresh taste of the Islands).Salt mining is another important economic activity which brings major revenues to the local economy. This salt is used during the wintertimefor de-icing roads.

Islands for all seasonsThe archipelago offers year-round activities.Whether you come in the warmth of the fall to enjoy the golden colours, during winter to experience the white ice fields in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, during the spring to breathe Junes fresh tonic air and eat fresh seafood, or in the summertime, without the oppressive heat, there issomething for everybody. Come discover theIslands any time of the year! At the end ofFebruary and into early March, the seals arrive onthe ice pack around the Islands. Observation ofwhite coats (seal pups) on the ice fields by hel-icopter is a unique product offered on the Islands.March is also time for the traditional festival ofMi-Carme. From mid-May to mid-July, sea prod-ucts are at their very best. This is also the idealtime for photography, hiking, bird-watching orobserving wild flowers and butterflies. Why nottake advantage of the fish and lobster in May andJune and come with a group of friends, your professional association, your walking club, etc.;have your annual spring break, a meeting, or aconvention and take the opportunity to taste the first fresh lobster available on the market,Lobster Nouveau!The end of August is the perfect time for windsports. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, acrobatic kite, andsailing: get your rigging ready and come practiceyour favourite sport in the superb winds of theIslands. The fall light is fantastic for photography;migratory birds stop on the Islands to rest; what

could be more relaxing than a long walk on adeserted beach with a fresh breeze to clear yourmind! Relaxation guaranteed! In the archipelago,hospitality has no season, and nature unveils newsecrets all year round.

Discovering the IslandsIn this guide, you will find the region divided intosectors, representing the inhabited Islands asfollows:Havre Aubert Island, pp. 24-25Entry Island, p. 27Cap aux Meules Island, pp. 30-31Havre aux Maisons Island, p. 36Pointe aux Loups Island, p. 37Grosse le and Grande Entre Islands,pp. 40-41They can all be visited by car on Route 199,which is about 100 km long from one end to the other. Entry Island, located a short distance away, is visible from most of the other islands and is a good reference point whiletravelling.Secondary roads circle the islands and join themain road. Some lead to magnificent scenery.Many of the smaller roads lead to spectacular sites.

A portrait of the Region A

Hiking in the les de la Madeleine

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Caution! Back roads are not always suitablefor driving. Do not hesitate to walk or cyclerather than drive.

Off-road bicycle paths are available in some districts (Cap-aux-Meules, Ltang-du-Nord, Fatimaand Grande-Entre). On the maps, these paths areindicated with a pictogram in each sector. TheRoute verte (Greenbelt) runs for about 100 kmalong the Route 199. Attention car drivers! Itis forbidden to park your car on the bicyclepath or to use it as an extra lane on theroad (shoulder). Pick up a copy of our bikeand hike map. See p. 114 for more details.

The Visit and Enjoy section informs you of all theactivities on the Islands. In this section, you willfind many suggestions on what there is to do,at all times, for all tastes and in all weather.Windsurfing, swimming, deep-sea diving, fishing,discovering the beauty of the archipelago, strollsalong wharves and fishing ports, boat trips, shops,restaurants nothing is left out. Its surprisinghow much there is to do! On pages 82, 83, 84,you will find a calendar of Events describing majorfestivals and events.The Madelinots are proud of their pure and fragile environment. They want to preserve it.The Municipality of les-de-la-Madeleine runs a composting plant, whose operation is based onthree-way sorting at the source (compostable,recyclable and incinerable waste). The idea is to minimize the amount of waste that needs to be buried. We ask visitors to help by sorting their garbage while they are on holidays. Justremember the colour-code: brown for compost, green for recyclable and grey, blue or black for combustible rubbish. Ask yourhosts for further details on waste-control methodsand pick-up schedules.Welcome to the les de la Madeleine!

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Bassin, map p. 24

The coastal road takes you all the way around the west side of the Island (Chemin du Bassin). Thisscenic route winds its way among the houses from Portage-du-Cap to Ltang-des-Caps, endingon the beautiful De lOuest Beach. There you can sit and enjoy a magnificent sunset over the cliffsand the Dune de lOuest (west dune). The solitary rock you can see on the horizon is known asCorps Mort (dead body).Along your route be sure to take a good look at all the beautiful traditional architecture, the typical houses with their barns and sheds, and the ecclesiastical architecture of the BassinChurch with its presbytery, outstanding for the complexity and refinement of its mansard-style roofing.At LAnse--la-Cabane (shack cove) lighthouse, you can take in a splendid view of the cove,the fishing port and the Islands rolling landscape.Havre Aubert Island has the most extensive forest of the archipelago. It is ideal for hiking andobserving the forest flora. A well planned trip from the beach to the hills or vice-versa will let youtake full advantage of this areas natural beauties.Places to visit:Art gallery and workshop Marlne Devost (p. 99), Art gallery and workshop Elyse Turbide (p. 99),Art gallery and workshop La Baraque (pp. 49, 50, 96), La Poterie du Cap Blanc (pottery) (p. 96),Le Site dautrefois (pp. 46, 100), Le Verger Pomloi (orchard) (p. 122)Entertainment and other activities:Auberge Havre-sur-Mer (massotherapy) (pp. 49, 128)Where to sleep:See Accommodation section beginning p. 134.

L ocated at the southern end of thearchipelago, Havre Aubert is the mostforested island of the group. The two maincommunities on Havre Aubert Island are Havre-Aubert and Bassin. They in turn are subdivided intotownships: Portage-du-Cap, La Baie, LaMontagne, LAnse--la-Cabane andLtang-des-Caps.

The first Acadians to arrive on the Islands settledin Havre-Aubert. Their influence can still be seenin local architecture, businesses, fishing operationsand the Courthouse. This island has a lot to offer:beautiful natural surroundings, good restaurants,

cultural activities,shops and cafswhere you can sitback and relax.Havre-Aubert is amember of the Asso-ciation des plusbeaux villages duQubec (most beau-tiful villages ofQubec).

Havre Aubert Island

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Les Demoiselles (The Misses)

Havre-Aubert, map p. 25

Havre-Aubert is a natural fishing and yachting harbour. Here you will find the round sloping hillscalled Les Demoiselles (the Misses) at whose feet there is a scenic road, Chemin den Haut,bordered by traditional houses. Havre-Aubert, with its Courthouse and jail, was once the busiestsite on the les de la Madeleine.The most interesting attraction in Havre-Aubert is without a doubt the Historical site at LaGrave (from the French grve: pebbly and sandy terrain). This pebbly beach was a favouritespot for fishing and commerce and still retains its maritime flavour. Designated as an historical siteby the Minister of Cultural Affairs in 1983, La Grave has preserved its original purpose as a meeting place. Its many arts and crafts shops, businesses, cafs and restaurants make La GraveTHE place to go for both Islanders and visitors.Places to visit:Aquarium des les (p. 100), Artisans du sable (pp. 45, 96, 100), merance (p. 96), Art galleryJean Gaudet (p. 99), Jaspe Rouge (p. 96), La Banquise du Golfe (p. 96), Handmade soap La Fillede la Mer (p. 96), Limaon (p. 96), Mer et Monde (pp. 46, 98), Muse de la Mer (sea museum)(pp. 48, 100), Vent du large-Bleu Mer (pp. 48, 98)Outdoor activities:Centre nautique de lIstorlet (pp. 80-81, 106, 109, 111, 112), Club Nautique Les Plaisanciers duHavre (marina) (p. 107)Entertainment and other activities:La Grave - Historical site (pp. 44, 98), La Petite Thtrerie (p. 103), Mes les, Mon Pays (pp. 47, 103), Au Vieux Treuil (p. 103), Resto-bar Vent du Large-Bleu Mer (pp. 48, 102),Centre nautique de lIstorlet (pp. 80-81, 124), Le Globe-Trotter (p. 125)Where to eat:Auberge Chez Denis Franois (pp. 48, 130), Caf de la Grave (pp. 49, 130),Le Four Pain (p. 130), Vent du large-Bleu Mer (pp. 48, 130)Where to sleep:See Accommodation section beginning p. 134.

Havre Aubert Island


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Small and treeless, Entry Island is a charming area with rolling green hills. It ishome to a handful of families, mostly ofScottish descent.

A journey to Entry Island is like discovering thearchipelago for a second time.

Entry Island is the only inhabited island not connected to the rest of the island chain. Of Scottishand Irish descent, the Islands 100 isolated inhabitants live to the rhythm of the sea. In the summertime, Entry Island is linked to the other islands by ferryboat, and during winter peoplecome and go in a small plane. The main economic activity of the Island is fishing.Entry Island will charm you with its unspoiled nature, the shimmering colours of its landscape andits rounded hills. The summit of Big Hill, the highest point of the archipelago at 174 m, offers atruly breathtaking view.To reach Entry Island, take the ferryboat and explore the Island on foot. You may choose a randomhike of a few hours or a day trip or even stay for several days. Please walk along the roadsides so that you do not disturb local traffic. You will be charmed by the tiny Anglican church,the lighthouse, the museum (p 101) and the pastoral scenery. The Island has both a restaurantand a convenience store.Where to eat:Chez Brian Restaurant (p. 130)Where to sleep:Chambres Josey (p. 141) To get to Entry Island:Local businesses provide boat trips to Entry Island, where you can take a walking tour of theisland. These excursions are available every day, weather permitting.

Boats / ZodiacsExcursions en mer inc.Tickets / Information : booth at the marina, Cap-aux-MeulesT: 418 986-4745, E: [email protected]: www.excursionsenmer.comActive in business since 1979, Excursions en mer inc. plays a leading role in showcasing the marineenvironment and cultural heritage of the Islands. If you visit the Islands, you absolutely must makethe trip to Entry Island. Boat or zodiac inflatable. Interpretation service provided on our vessels.On Entry Island, you are free to visit as you will. Schedule: wide choice of departures and lengthof stay, daily from June to September. Rate: from $30. Other rates available.

Socit des traversiers du Qubec - le d'EntreCap-aux-Meules FerryTo reserve, contact Groupe CTMAT: 418 986-3278I: www.traversiers.gouv.qc.ca

The le d'EntreCap-aux-Meules ferry invites you aboard the M.V. Ivan-Quinn for a one-hour crossing. Schedule: daily, except Sundays. Departures from Cap-aux-Meules at 7:30 am and 3 pm and departures from Entry Island at 9 am and 4:30 pm. Rate: 12 and up, $32 return trip.

Entry Island (le dEntre), map p. 27

Entry Island


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KayakVert et MerExpedition and Training

84, chemin des Vigneau, Fatima G4T 2G3T: 418 986-3555 or 1 866 986-3555E: [email protected]: www.vertetmer.com

Truly the leader in sea kayaking on the Islands! Exclusive offers: kayak and hike on Entry Island, the bestspot for bird-watching and observing the geography of the Islands. Schedule: June to September,reservations required. Rate: $125/person. For more options, visit the Nature and Outdoor Activities section and go to Nautical Excursions

(p. 106).

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C ap aux Meules Island, the second largestisland in the archipelago (after HavreAubert Island), has the largestpopulation and is the Islands services andadministrative centre. Here we find the Hospital,the Regional High School, the Cgep de la

Gaspsie et des les, the Hydro-Qubec powerplant and a wide variety of businesses and stores.The three districts that form the Island, Cap-aux-Meules, Ltang-du-Nord, and Fatima, invite visitors to explore an island with lovely country-side, activities and attractions for everyone.

The name, Cap-aux-Meules (Grindstone), comes from the presence of grindstone in the hill overlooking the port. Cap-aux-Meules is the ferrys point of arrival, where visitors get their firstlook at the Madelinot countryside. For the last fifty years, the concentration of businesses and services has made Cap-aux-Meules, with its main street, village-like appearance, numerous restaurants, bars and other facilities, the centre of the Islands.Despite the urban look of Cap-aux-Meules, nature is never very far away. A walk in Parc desBuck, at the end of the Chemin de la Mine will reveal spectacular views of the Island and its neighbours. You might also choose to walk the coast path where pedestrians and cyclists share 2 kilometres of trail leading to the lookout at the top of the cape. From the Chemin du Quai youcan reach stairs leading to a scenic lookout at the summit of the hill.The port of Cap-aux-Meules bustles with activities: offshore and coastal fishing, the arrival anddeparture site for boats crossing to the mainland (Souris, Montral) and the ferry boat to EntryIsland. Sailing enthusiasts visiting the archipelago will find a well-equipped marina. The CanadianCoast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are nearby. Close to the harbour, boats in dry-dockawait the next fishing season or undergo repairs. An enormous travel lift crane with long straps isused to handle boats.Tourisme les de la Madeleine and its tourist information bureau welcome visitors on arrival,year round. Our friendly, attentive personnel will answer all your questions and provide informationon various services, tourism activities, weather, accommodations, restaurant menus, events. Twocomputer stations with Internet access.Places to visit:Boutique dart Tendance (pp. 65, 97)Outdoor activities:Excursions en mer (pp. 57, 26, 106, 112, 116), Club Nautique de Cap-aux-Meules (marina) (p. 107), Le Pdalier (p. 114), Vli-Vlo (p. 114)Entertainment and other activities:Galerie Bar Spectacles Les Pas Perdus (pp. 74-75, 99, 102, 103), Bar Doolys (pp. 102, 159),Bar Le Central (pp. 54, 102), Cafs du Moussonneur (p. 123), Movie theatre (pp. 124, 159),Bowling (pp. 124, 159), Village Market Place (p. 98), Le Marchand des les (p. 125),Le Pdalier (p. 125)Where to eat:Boucherie spcialise Cte Cte (gourmet butcher shop) (p. 122), Boulangerie Madelon (bakery) (pp. 1, 148), La Poissonnire (fish market) (pp. 62, 123), A & W (pp. 130, 159),La Patio (pp. 130, 159), Les Pas Perdus (pp. 74-75, 130), Resto Bistro Italien des les (p. 130),Subway (pp. 130, 159), Tim Hortons (pp. 130, 159)Where to sleep:See Accommodation section beginning p. 134.

Cap aux Meules Island


Cap-aux-Meules, map p. 29

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Ltang-du-Nord is located to the west of Cap-aux-Meules. It is formed of several townships, eachof which has its own personality. La Vernire is the suburb of Cap-aux-Meules with its businessesand services as well as the Hydro-Qubec Power Station that opened in 1991. This diesel plant hasa capacity of 70 megawatts.The scenic road along the Chemin de Gros-Cap overlooks Baie de Plaisance (pleasant bay). Onekilometre further on, explore the cliffs and caves that are the distinctive feature of Parc de Gros-Cap. On returning to Route 199, dont miss the beautiful white La Vernire wooden church.It is one of the largest wooden churches still existing in North America today. The church has beenrenovated and has been listed as a Qubec historical monument since 1992.Farther along, the Site de La Cte is a public park where the Madelinots like to stroll aroundLtang-du-Nord fishing harbour. The focal point of the area around the cove at Ltang-du-Nord isa magnificent sculpture.From the end of Chemin Delaney, you can see le aux Golands (Gull Island), an excellent site forbird-watching. It is possible to walk along the coastal cliffs to Hriss Cape, and Ltang-du-Nordlighthouse (Chemin du Phare), where a peaceful view awaits you, particularly at the end of the daywhen the contours of the landscape glow in the slanting beams of the setting sun.Places to visit:Jewellery Belle et Nathan (p. 97), Hydro-Qubec Power Plant (pp. 62, 104), La Route de la soie (p. 97), Le Flneur (pp. 55, 97, 99), Saint-Pierre de La Vernire Church (p. 95)Outdoor activities:Arosport Carrefour dAventures (pp. 43, 109, 110, 111, 112), Au Gr du Vent (pp. 53, 108, 110), cole Mouvents (pp. 58-59, 111), Le Pluvier Aventurier (pp. 54, 106),Le Repre du plongeur (p. 112), Golf (p. 113), Parc de Gros-Cap (pp. 58-59, 107, 109)Entertainment and other activities:Gourmande de nature (pp. 51, 125), Microbrewery labri de la Tempte (pp. 74-75, 122), Parcde Gros-Cap (pp. 58-59, 103), Site de La Cte (pp. 52, 103), Nicolas Landry (storyteller) (p. 103),Arosport Carrefour dAventures (pp. 43, 124, 125), Au Gr du Vent (pp. 53, 124), Place des lesShopping Centre (p. 125), Librairie Plaisance (p. 126), Bi-Yo-Ga-Nic (yoga) (p. 128), MarjolaineMiousse (massotherapy) (p. 128), Mouvanse (massotherapy and Yoga Flow) (p. 128), Produits desant (pp. 122, 126)Where to eat:Caf la Cte (pp. 55, 130), Cap sur mer -La Factrie (pp. 60, 123, 130), CapitaineGdon (p 131), La Folie Douce (p. 131),La Table des Roy (pp. 51, 131),Le Flneur (tea room) (pp. 55, 131)Where to sleep:See Accommodation section beginning p. 134.

Ltang-du-Nord, map pp. 30-31



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Fatima, the newest village on the les de la Madeleine, includes the townships of Cap-Vert, duGrand-Ruisseau, de lHpital and Les Caps. Exposed to northerly winds, the coast is indented byspectacularly steep, jagged cliffs. Forests cover a good part of the hills in the middle of the Island.The long, flat Dune du Nord Beach (north dune) was used as a landing strip for the first airplanesarriving on the archipelago until 1959.Belle Anse (pretty cove) offers a striking example of cliffs sculptured by the sea. It is easily accessible by Chemin de la Belle-Anse where you can relax at the roadside rest area. You can walkor bicycle along the cliffs and discover cliffs carved out by the sea.Beware! Everywhere on the Islands, the cliffs have overhangs that are very unstable.Do not walk close to the edge.Le Barachois nature interpretation trail is located on Chemin de la Plage de lHpital. This trail provides the opportunity to walk in typical Islands wetlands, and brings you all the way to the footof Cap-Vert.At the intersection of Chemin du Grand-Ruisseau and Chemin des Caps, dont miss the FatimaChurch, an example of modern religious architecture rendered in the shape of a shell. The simplicityof its interior decor adds to the pleasant and comfortable atmosphere of this church.Starting at Chemin des Caps, take the scenic route along Chemin Nol and then Chemin Poirier to enjoy a magnificent view of the Havre-aux-Maisons lagoon, La Pointe, and Havre aux Maisons Island.The interior of Cap aux Meules Island is a highland dotted with conical hills. The highest point in these hills is the Butte du Vent (wind hill), where in clear weather you will be treated to a spectacular view of the archipelago. Enjoy a walking tour to get there. At the foot of the hill, youcan leave your car and hike the rest of the way. If you would like to explore the Island more thoroughly, take the time to hike around on some of the side roads like Chemin des Huet, Chemindes Arsne and Chemin des Buttes.Places to visit:Atelier Iso (workshop) (pp. 74-75, 97), comuse (ecomuseum) de la Mi-Carme (pp. 62, 101),LAnse aux Herbes (herbalist shop) (pp. 54, 123), Belle-AnseArt Gallery (p. 99), Church of Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire de Fatima (p. 95)Outdoor activities:Vert et Mer (pp. 27, 109, 113, 114, 116), Centrequestre La Crinire au Vent (p. 112), Poney ClubLe Premier Parcours (p. 112), Les Trsors de laLagune (pp. 63, 106)Entertainment and other activities:Le Globe-Trotter (p. 125), Ludo Studio (pp. 60,125), Oasis Lalibert (massotherapy) (p. 128)Where to eat:Decker Boy (pp. 50, 131), Restaurant Chez Armand(p. 131), Restaurant de lIsle Margaulx (ChteauMadelinot) (pp. 2, 131), Culti-Mer (p. 123)Where to sleep:See Accommodation section beginning p. 134.

Fatima, map pp. 30-31

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H avre aux Maisons Island is very easy tospot, and just like Entry Island, it isremarkable for its treeless landscape.Thescarcity of trees is due to extensive lumberingduring the last century. The smooth landscape ofHavre aux Maisons Island stands out sharply

against its worn red cliffs. The les de la MadeleineAirport is located on this Island. The dunes take upa large percentage of its area, with Dune du Sud(south dune) on one side of the Island and part ofDune du Nord (north dune) on the other.

Havre-aux-Maisons is a lovely rural area with winding roads and scattered houses located on whatmany consider one of the most beautiful islands of the archipelago. This district is composed ofseveral townships, the most typical of which are La Pointe, Pointe-Basse, Dune-du-Sud, Petite-Baieand Cap-Rouge.Near the bridge joining Havre aux Maisons Island to Cap aux Meules Island is La Pointe. With itsmarina, wharves, and fishing infrastructures, it has always been a business and meeting point forthe fishing trade. Blue mussel farmers have their equipment and processing plant here and farmmussels in the lagoon.Just behind, across a narrow channel, we find Paquet Island, also called Pig Island because longago it served as a place to raise pigs. Now the Island is home to many species of birds like terns,gulls and herons.For a view of the beautiful La Pointe site reflected in the calm waters of Petite-Baie with Cap auxMeules Island in the background, take a tour by Chez Mounette hill, along the scenic Chemin dela Petite-Baie and Chemin des Cyr. It is a wonderful place to enjoy unforgettable sunsets whileGreat Blue Herons quietly fish for their dinner.Keep going and you will come to the Domaine du Vieux Couvent. Built in 1915, it is the only fieldstone building in the les de la Madeleine. Continuing along Route 199 you might stop atSainte-Madeleine Church. Then you can visit La grande cole, located in the old St. Joseph school,a heritage building dating from1906 that was recently renovated into an art centre.Walk, drive or cycle along the Chemin de la Pointe-Basse. You will get a good picture of howMadelinots traditionally divided the land: the plateau that slopes gently toward the sea is dotted

Havre aux Maisons Island


Havre-aux-Maisons, map p. 36

Petite-Baie landscape

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with brightly coloured houses. You will see some lovely examples of traditional homes. The smallfishing harbour at Pointe-Basse used to be an important location for smoking herring. The FumoirdAntan brings to life an activity that was, in the past, very important to the Islands economy.Continue along to the end of Chemin de la Pointe-Basse, where you will come to the Chemin deschoueries. Stop by the Alright Cape lighthouse where you will have a spectacular view over greycliffs, all of Plaisance bay and the outline of Entry Island. Along Chemin des Montants, on the other side of the Butte Ronde hill, you will find a peaceful little valley with a few houses. This isone of the most beautiful sites in Havre-aux-Maisons. Farther on, before going down towardsDune du Sud, glance over to your left to get a good view of Les Sillons, furrows created by theunceasing movement of the dune under the influence of wind and wave.The roadside rest area at Dune-du-Sud gives access to a beautiful beach with picnic tables and toilets. Red cliffs sculpted by the sea shelter one side of the beach. Dont hesitate to explore theholes and caves at low tide (p. 121). This is the perfect beach for family outings, as the water iscalm here. On the other side is the long Dune du Sud, also named La Cormorandire, where youcan walk for hours.Places to visit:La grande cole (art gallery) (pp. 65, 99), Le Fumoir dAntan (herring smoke house) (pp. 64, 101,123), Verrerie La Mduse (glass studio) (pp. 65, 97), Fromagerie du Pied-de-Vent (cheese factory) (pp. 64, 101, 123), Le Barbocheux (pp. 64, 122), Le veau des Nathal (pp. 64, 122)Entertainment and other activities:Mini-putt (pp. 68, 124), Au Rayon de Soleil (massotherapy) (p. 128), Butte Ronde couette etcaf (massotherapy) (p. 128), Coop La Machine (p. 125)Where to eat:Domaine du Vieux Couvent (pp. 67, 131), La Maisonne des les (p. 131), Le Sablier (pp. 66, 131),Pizza dla Pointe (p. 131)Where to sleep:See Accommodation section beginning p. 134.



Pointe-Basse landscape

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Typical fishing wharf in Pointe-aux-Loups

Pointe-aux-Loups, map p. 37

Pointe-aux-Loups is a little township of 50 houses located on the tiniest inhabited island, Pointe aux Loups Island.Pointe-aux-Loups stands out like an oasis in the sand dunes. On the north side of the Island, thereis a little fishing dock where fishermens boats are beached on a wooden slip until it is time toreturn to the sea. There is also a very beautiful beach.All along Route 199, to the east and west of Pointe-aux-Loups, two long beaches washed by crystal clear waves stretch from Fatima to Grosse-le. The beach on the west side is Dune du NordBeach (north dune) and the one on the east of the Island is Pointe-aux-Loups Beach. These aretwo of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the Islands. However, these beaches are alsothe most dangerous on the Islands, particularly when tides are high at the full moon or whenwinds are strong.Beware: very strong currents run along these beaches. Extreme caution is necessaryif you swim because of strong winds and very high tides. Currents are treacherousand can pull you out into the open sea.Places to visit:La Maison du Hron (pp. 67, 97),La Maison du Loup-Marin (pp. 68, 97)Entertainment:Chez Tante Emma (pp. 68, 104)Where to sleep:See Accommodation section beginning p. 134.

Pointe aux Loups Island


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Grosse-le is populated by Anglophones, mainly of Scottish descent, fishermen for the most part.The traditional life-style of the fisherman-farmer is still maintained here. The Island is very pretty,with areas like Rockhill Point where the woods slope down to the sea, and typically isolated areaslike East Cape and Old-Harry.Brion Island and Rocher aux Oiseaux (Bird Rock) are two uninhabited islands off the coast (seeregional map, p. 160). Boat excursions and guided hikes to visit Brion Island are possible on dayswhen the weather is good. The East Point Wildlife Reserve is part of Grosse le Island and links itto Grande Entre Island.Beneath the Islands surface lie large reserves of salt. In fact, the Magdalen Islands are floating on enormous salt domes. In 1983, Mines Seleine began excavating the salt at Rocher-du-Dauphinon the dune linking Grosse le Island to Pointe aux Loups Island. Salt is mined at a depth of 300 metres in tunnels that extend over a diameter of 1.6 km under the dune and the sea. MinesSeleine produces 1.5 million metric tons of salt annually and exports it throughout eastern Canadaand the United States where it is used to de-ice roads. It is not possible for the public to visit the underground mine, but we invite you to visit there interpretation centr

official tourist guide of the Îles de la madeleine / magdalen islands 2013-2014

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