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Quiet moment under the morning light

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Cycling in the stunning landscapes of the archipelago

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Freshness from the sea to your plate

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Hiking on the Big Hill, Entry Island

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Cliffs of the Dune du Sud beach

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Artists and craftsmen open the doors of their workshop

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Wonderful playground for wind and sliding sports

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The "buttes pelées" at sunset, Havre-aux-Maisons

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Kayak and Water Trail

Local Conditions

The temperature of the water around the islands usually gets up to 18 degrees Celsius (64 F) in mid-August, and up to 20 degrees Celsius (68 F) in sheltered lagoons and bays. Constant, strong winds are a major influence on the climate in the Islands. Wind speeds vary from 17 to 40 km/h (from 9 to 22 knots), with the prevailing winds coming from the southwest in summer. Wind strength and direction force kayakers to be flexible and knowledgeable about navigation techniques. Sudden squalls can cause high waves, sometimes breaking waves, and can push small craft far from shore. Squalls can also create surf zones and make it difficult to land small craft. It is not a good idea to make plans too far in advance, as wind strength and direction must be considered when planning a trip. However, it is nearly always possible to find a sheltered beach or a lagoon where there is less wind.

Tides and Currents

In the waters of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, winds and currents can cause the sea state to change very quickly. Strong winds, strong currents, rain and fog are common around the Islands. Tide and Current Tables and nautical charts provide essential information on hazards to navigation, water depths and currents. They will also help you take weather conditions and hazards into account when planning your itinerary.

The tidal flow in the Gulf circles around a point located very near the Îles de la Madeleine. This central axis is an amphidromic point, where there is no vertical movement of the water. This means that there is not much difference between high and low tides in the archipelago (0.90 m in spring tides and 0.60 m at neap tides). Currents hardly ever run at more than 1 knot except off the points and in lagoon passes.

Information on tides, currents and water levels available on the Canadian Hydrographic Service website : www.waterlevels.gc.ca

Weather

Weather conditions and tide times
Recorded local weather reports : 418 986-3700

Environnement Canada WEATHER : www.weatheroffice.gc.ca

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Planning

Lodging

There are a number of good campgrounds that offer sheltered sites in wooded areas (the wind can be strong enough to turn the finest coiffure into a birds nest!) as well as unprotected sites that are exposed to all winds, but only a few feet from the beach. These meeting places and service providers make excellent base camps for exploring the archipelago and accessing all kinds of useful information. Accommodations are also listed on the interactive map. You can also use the search engine to see what lodgings are available (all kinds) on the Îles de la Madeleine.

Please note that camping and bonfires are not allowed on the beaches. It is possible to obtain a permit for these from the Municipalité des Îles-de-la-Madeleine Under Article 2 - Regulation 2003-19, it is illegal to park recreational vehicles overnight anywhere on the Îles de la Madeleine outside duly accredited campgrounds.

Marinas and Fishing Wharfs

Marinas and commercial wharves are also excellent sites for launching small craft, provisioning for a trip, landing in an emergency or just chatting and relaxing with fishermen and other pleasure boat people. These are identified by a pictogram on the charts. The maps also provide a short description of what services are available and useful information about things to consider (parking, etc.) so that other users and local people are not disturbed.