Located in the heart of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine form a unique archipelago in Quebec. But how many islands make up this little piece of paradise?
The territory includes twelve main islands, six of which are connected by sandy dunes and scenic roads:
Havre Aubert, Cap aux Meules, Havre aux Maisons, Pointe aux Loups, Grosse Île, and Grande Entrée.
The others, more isolated, retain a wild and mysterious character.
The inhabited islands are the ones most visitors discover during their stay. They offer a full experience where the sea, red cliffs, and local culture meet.
This is the largest and most wooded island, and the first to be settled in the Îles de la Madeleine. It features:
With its green hills and colorful homes, the island charms with its accent and authenticity. Highlights include:
️Discover Havre aux Maisons Island
The economic heart of the archipelago, this island hosts the port, many businesses, and the ferry terminal. It also shelters natural gems like:
Discover Cap aux Meules Island
Small and peaceful, this island connects Havre aux Maisons and Grosse Île. A true golden sand bridge, bordered by the Gulf on one side and Havre aux Maisons Lagoon on the other. Nature reigns here, with landscapes stretching endlessly. Don't miss:
Discover Pointe aux Loups Island
Historically home to Scottish and Irish descendants, Grosse Île retains a strong English-speaking influence. This cultural richness shows in its language, warm hospitality, and enduring maritime traditions. Must-sees include:
At the eastern end of the archipelago, Grande Entrée is known as Quebec's lobster capital. Its charming fishing port, surrounded by colorful houses, comes alive with the tides and fishing seasons. Experience island life rooted in work, community, and love of the sea. Visit:
The only island not connected by dunes, Entry Island is accessible only by boat. Rising proudly from the Gulf, it offers a wild, peaceful, and deeply human landscape. Small in size, but grand in spirit. Highlights include:
Some islands, not linked by dunes, remain natural sanctuaries. They reflect the fragile, yet proactive, ecosystem the archipelago strives to protect.
A protected ecological reserve since 1988, Brion Island is home only to seabirds and seals. With no infrastructure, it's nearly impossible to access, and no excursions are available.
Learn more about Brion Island
Around the Îles de la Madeleine, small rocky outcrops rise from the Gulf. Often unreachable and visible only during calm seas, these landforms are silent witnesses to time, wind, and waves.
They shelter exceptional biodiversity, attract thousands of seabirds, and narrate the natural history of the archipelago in their own way.
More than just a group of islands, the Îles de la Madeleine form a balanced ecosystem, home to warm and authentic people. Every visit is an immersion into a way of island life where nature, culture, and respect for the land blend harmoniously.
“Coming to the Islands isn't just visiting a place—it's living an experience.”
The Îles de la Madeleine are made up of around twelve islands, seven of which are inhabited and six connected by dunes. But each island, each dune, and each cliff tells a different story—that of a people, of strong nature, and of a proudly lived identity.
