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The Winter landscapes on the Magdalen Islands
The Winter landscapes on the Magdalen Islands
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Seal Observation : A unique experience !
Seal Observation : A unique experience !
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Quiet Winter at north wharf
Quiet Winter at north wharf
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Magdalen Islands' insularity
Magdalen Islands' insularity
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Magnificent sculture of working fishermen near Cap à Fidèle
Magnificent sculture of working fishermen near Cap à Fidèle
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Dicover the snowy trails
Dicover the snowy trails
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Frosty landscape at sunset
Frosty landscape at sunset
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The pervasive presence of the sea makes the Îles de la Madeleine a perfect paradise for devotees of all kinds of water sports. The many lagoons and protected bodies of water make ideal, safe playgrounds for water sports competitions and the enjoyment of activitieslikewindsurfing and kitesurfing.


No visit to the Islands would be complete without at least one trip on the sea. The wide variety of different excursions being offered makes it possible for anyone to explore the seascapes, shores and cliffs of the archipelago. Whether you choose a boat tour, a zodiac tour, a sailboat ride or a kayak excursion on the Water Trail, experienced professionals will guide you safely while sharing their knowledge and their passion for the sea. If you like, you can also put on scuba gear and explore the endless wonders of the marine environment on the sea floor around the Îles de la Madeleine. You can even go snorkelling with the seals !

For those who prefer to take it easy, your choice of beaches is limitless. Somewhere along our 300 km of sandy shore, you are sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to take the kids, a place to have fun with your friends or a long lonely stretch of beach for meditation, you are sure to find a beach that exactly suits your needs.

Beware !

The sea is beautiful, but as the Madelinots know, it can be extremely dangerous. Always be alert for potential dangers when you are on or near the water.

 

Boat and Zodiac Excursions


 

Many different operators offer boat and zodiac tours. This is one of the easiest ways to explore the grottoes and the cliffs, to observe bird colonies, dive with the seals, go fishing, or learn more about the sea-faring history of the Madelinots. You might also choose to go for a ride in the lagoon at Havre-aux-Maisons, or to take a trip to Entry Island, Île Brion, Corps Mort or Bird Rock (Rocher-aux-Oiseaux).

Attention:

The Québec Transportation Commission regulates this activity. To offer a boat tour, a carrier must have a mandatory permit. It is your passport for a safe tour!

For more information, call the Commission des Transports du Québec in Montreal at (514) 873-6424.
Toll free from elsewhere : 1 888 461-2433

Look for this logo: those who show it are members in good standing of Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine.

 



Excursions en Mer Inc.

Excursions en Mer Inc.

Excursions en Mer inc. offers you various zodiac and boat cruises: exploration of cliffs and caves. Discover the lagoon and seals. Storytelling and discovery tours. Entry Island excursion. Fishing tours. Excursions to Brion Island and/or Bird Rock. Numerous departures every day. Operating since 1979, accredited interpreter guides and customer service! Welcome aboard! Rates (taxes not included) :Zodiac ? cliffs and caves and lagoon: $ 29 (adult) ; Entry Island : $42 (adult) ; Brion Island : $80 per person. Boat ? cliffs and caves : $27 (adult) ; Entry Island : $33 (adult) ; fishing : $29 (adult).Children, seniors andgroup rates available.Schedule : June to September

Phone: (418) 986-4745
Fax: (418) 969-9191
Email:
Website: http://www.excursionsenmer.com

9128-2111 Québec Inc. "Le Pluvier"

9128-2111 Québec Inc. "Le Pluvier"

Le Pluvier offers you unforgettable excursions from l'Étang-du-Nord harbour: 8 kilometers of the most beautiful grottoes the sea has sculpted ,extraordinary sunsets, Île aux Goélands, the wreck of a ship that foundered in 1988."Sail with your imagination".Shedule: daily from 9 am to 7 pm

Phone: (418) 986-5681
Email:
Website: http://www3.telebecinternet.com/lepluvier

Centre nautique de l'Istorlet

Centre nautique de l'Istorlet

Once aboard our 12-meterinflatable we'll head to Corps Mort Island for an unforgettable excursion observing or snorkelling with seals: 3 departures/day. Also available, inflatable boat tour at sunset to explore cliffs and lighthouses: departure at 7 p.m. Equipment provided. Professional captain and interpreter-guides.Rates (taxes not included) : seal observation : $ 65 per person; snorkelling with seals : $ 95 per person; sunset cliffs tour: $45 per person.Schedule: July and August.

Phone: (418) 937-5266
Fax: (418) 937-2410
Email:
Website: http://www.istorlet.com


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Windsurfing and Kite-Surfing:


 
 
The Îles de la Madeleine are a true paradise for wind sports. The constant wind in the archipelago make the Islands a must for wind sports enthusiasts. It is true, however, that the combination of wind strength and water temperature essential for these sports is at its best from the end of August to the beginning of October. The number and variety of sites and the wind velocity will keep windsurfers and kitesurfers happy.

Visit our Windsurfing and Kitesurfing section for more details.




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Diving and Equipment Rental:


 
 
Diving provides extraordinarily profound experiences for those who are interested in exploring the riches of the underwater world. The rocky sea floor around the Islands is home to a great diversity of marine flora and fauna, especially certain well-known sites like Cape Alwright, la Pierre de l'Église or the White Horse. There are many places, like Corps Mort or Île Brion, where you can observe seals while snorkelling. Because the archipelago is generally oriented in an east-west direction, most of the sites available to divers are relatively well protected from the prevailing winds.

It is also possible to rent diving equipment, as long as you are a qualified diver. Snorkelling equipment is also available for rent.

Attention:

The flora and fauna are precious to divers, and the environment must be carefully protected. Never go out on the water alone. Ask the specialists about prevailing conditions and safe diving sites. To be absolutely sure of a safe dive, we strongly suggest that you call on the services of a specialist.




Excursions en Mer Inc.

Excursions en Mer Inc.

Excursions en Mer inc. offers the possibility to reserve our boats and zodiac boats for diving and/or snorkelling or simply for an excursion at sea. The sea bed surrounding the archipelago holds hidden treasures. Come and discover a world of silence. All our outings are supervised by a certified captain and a Dive Master.

Phone: (418) 986-4745
Fax: (418) 969-9191
Email:
Website: http://www.excursionsenmer.com

Centre nautique de l'Istorlet

Centre nautique de l'Istorlet

Once aboard our comfortable 12-meter inflatable, we'll set sail for Corps-Mort Island for observation orsnorkeling excursion with seals. Exploration of the unique features of the seabed at that site. Equipment provided and hot beverage on the way back. Certified professional captain and guides. Member of ?Réseau d'observation des mammifères marins?. 3 departures/day.Rates (taxes extra) : $95/person (snorkelling) ; $65/person (observation)Schedule : July and August.

Phone: (418) 937-5266
Fax: (418) 937-2410
Email:
Website: http://www.istorlet.com


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Pull on a wetsuit and explore sea caves:


 
For nature lovers, the outdoor activity centres offer a wide range of recreational activities and provide all the equipment necessary to have fun in the great outdoors. They offer accommodations, restaurant services, guided tours and more, and are a great place to meet visitors of all categories. Whether you are with your family or with a group of friends, the outdoor activities centres offer packages that will more than satisfy your expectations.




La Salicorne

La Salicorne

Caves. A unique adventure! Experience the open sea as never before, with a wetsuit drift and swim to discover the extraordinary caves that have been carved out by the Islands' waves. This activity depends on the weather. Note : You must be in good physical condition and comfortable in the water, 14 years of age and older. Available also as a duo escapades or with an active package stay !Schedule : upon reservation, from june to september.Rates : 49$+ tx. (special 19$ + tx. with a package stay)

Phone: 1-888-537-4537
Fax: (418) 985-2226
Email:
Website: http://www.salicorne.ca


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Sailing and pleasure boating:


 
 
There are three marinas on the Islands where boaters will find all the usual services for sailboats and other types of pleasure craft: the marina in Cap-aux-Meules, the one in Havre-Aubert and the one in Havre-aux-Maisons. Please note that the latter is accessible only to small craft and to craft without masts, as its entrance is spanned by a low bridge.

These are very well protected marinas with berths for visiting sailors looking for a pleasant place to stop. Fishing ports such as those in Pointe-Basse in Havre-aux-Maisons, Grande-Entrée, Grosse-Île, Étang-du-Nord, l'Anse-à-la-Cabane and Entry Island are also excellent places to stop, but do not offer a complete range of services. These ports are also very busy during the summer because they are used by boats working in many sectors of the fishery.



Club Nautique Les Plaisanciers du Havre

Club Nautique Les Plaisanciers du Havre

The Nautical Club welcomes you to the Historical site at La Grave. Settlers first set foot on land here, in the natural harbour, 200 years ago. It is now your turn to discover this marvellous site with its many boutiques, bars, restaurants, cafés and theatre. Les Plaisanciers du Havre Marina. Schedule: June to September from 9 am to 10 pm.

Phone: (418) 937-5283
Email:

Club Nautique de Cap-aux-Meules

Club Nautique de Cap-aux-Meules

Captain's lounge, showers, hot and cold water, electricity, 55 berths.Late-July Regatta and Triangle sailboat race.Schedule: June 1st to October 31, daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

Phone: (418) 986-6950
Email:


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Beaches:


 
Beaches
 
The fine beaches of the Îles de la Madeleine have always been a major drawing card for summer tourists, making the Islands one of the foremost tourist destinations in Quebec.

The beaches around the archipelago are easy to get to. It is wonderful to stretch out on the warm sand, let the sun caress your skin and the wind whisper in your ears. The sigh of the waves is an irresistible invitation to swim. You might choose to go for a long solitary walk along the beach with only the birds for company. A sure-fire way to recharge your batteries! You can get together with your family to create a sand castle, collect shells or harvest clams in the recommended areas or just sit and meditate while you gaze on the sea whose gift is to renew the person who contemplates it.

On some beaches, it can be very dangerous to go swimming on windy days even if you are a good swimmer. Waves are often the sign of strong currents along the coast. On windy days, bathe only on beaches with a lifeguard or stay out of the water entirely. For more information, contact the Tourist Information Office.

At the end of August and in Septembeer, the water temperature in the bays and lagoons can reach 17°C to 21°C. That means you can enjoy swimming until the end of September!

Wind can be a major factor in your enjoyment of a day by the sea, so it is always a good idea to choose a sheltered beach. Because the dunes are a fragile ecosystem essential to the natural equilibrium of the littoral milieu, vehicle traffic is forbidden on the beaches and the dunes. Be careful ! Parking (or any form of obstruction) is also forbidden on the cycle path which parallels the roads.
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