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A Photo Journey Through the Magdalen Islands in Quebec
This weeks reader photos, compliments of former CBC cameraman Gustave Pellerin, take you on a photographic journey through the Magdalen Islands in Quebec.
If you’ve never heard of the Magdalen Islands you’re probably not alone. There is a chance though you’ve heard their French name – Iles de la Madeleine. They are a small archipelago in the Gulf of St.Lawrence. You can fly directly to them from Montreal, Quebec City and The Gaspé. In summer consider the five hour ferry ride from Prince Edward Island too.
The Magdalen Islands are a great tourist destination – best known for the beaches, windsurfing (due to relentless wind), food, cycling and culture. And as you’ll see they are also a photographer’s dream destination.
A gorgeous scene of yellow on yellow
A house with a view
I wonder how quickly these cliffs are eroding
Typical rural scene on the Magdalen Islands
The red earth the Magdalen Islands are so famous for
No fear of colour on these islands
Multi-coloured homes looking out to sea
Lighthouse standing guard
Local sculpture – reeling in the nets?
Close-up of stone fisherman
Fishing boats
I can personally recommend a stay at the Domaine du Vieux Couvent – an old convent that’s been renovated and is now a first class hotel. If you can, time a visit in August to catch the sand castle competition too.
Have you ever visited the Magdalen Islands?
Other posts that might be of interest:
Leigh McAdam
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About Hike Bike TravelAvid world traveler. Craves adventure - & the odd wildly epic day. Gardener. Reader. Wine lover. Next big project - a book on 100 Canadian outdoor adventures.
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24 Responses to A Photo Journey Through the Magdalen Islands in Quebec
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I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
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This is my kind of place. Never heard of it so looked it up on a map. They seem to be off the coast of NB. How are they even part of Quebec?
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@Billie I have no idea how they came to be part of Quebec. What is even crazier are the islands of St. Pierre & Miquelon off the coast of Newfoundland. They are owned by the French.
They became part of Quebec in the Quebec Act of 1774 by the Parliament of Great Britain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebec_Act)
@Martin Thank you for that bit of information.
I’ve never been to the Magdalen Islands, but they look pretty. The closest I’ve been is Gaspe. There’s so much to explore in that area. I also want to get to Cape Breton, Fundy, and St. Pierre + Miquelon.
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@Chad I have Gaspe in my sights this summer as I have yet to go there. I have biked and driven Cape Breton and highly recommend it. Sign me up for the St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands too.
Very vibrant beautiful colors found here. You could have gotten all the photos you needed from the color of my world theme that was going around a few months ago right from here.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Conglomeration of boats in Halong Bay Vietnam
@Ted I missed that. I have to say I like a jolt of colour at this time of the year.
So beautiful, I wish to live in a yellow house like this
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It’s quite gorgeous isn’t it Muza-chan – at least in summer.
Oh my word what an amazing looking place. It looks like a whole bunch of people have just decided to create their own little world on these islands, sort of like starting from scratch…how inspirational, it looks like paradise to me.
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@JourneyScout They have a long history of sealing on these islands though I don’t actually know more than that. They are truly drop dead gorgeous beautiful in summer so between that and incredible seafood they are well worth visiting.
Wonderful photos that capture the place exactly. We visited there by accident once, the Gaspe Peninsula, our intended destination, was fogged in and we were “stranded” in this paradise. We didn’t want to leave. Such an extraordinary place!
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Susan – That is a very unusual place to get caught in by accident. Lucky you. We spent five days and I would have loved even more time.
I love learning about new islands like this! Your photos are gorgeous and the houses are so colorful. What time of year did you go?
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@Christy We were there in August – in time to catch the world’s largest amateur sand castle building contest.
Beautiful photos! The brightly colored houses on the cliffs look astonishing.. and for once Canada doesn’t look too cold to enjoy
@James Summer is pretty darned nice in Canada and the Magdalen Islands are extremely beautiful and a perfect temperature too.
I first visited the Maggies in 1970 ,loved it ,again in 1976 loved it, again in 1996 loved it,then in 2000 something by myself .It sure is a place to go to get away from the fast hustle and bustle of the cities.Its has the most beautiful beaches and scenery in Canada.If you want to live in a tranquil place it sure is the place to go.
@Janet I met a cast of interesting characters when I visited and I can well imagine it’s a tranquil place to live – especially in the off season. You’ve obviously fallen in love with the place. And I agree it does have some of Canada’s best beaches.
Some lovely shots of a unique looking spot that’s all new to me. In terms of “someday” Canadian travel, Quebec ranks right at the top for me.
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@Greg Quebec is such a diverse province. It’s got a few other areas I want to explore – the Chic Chocs, the Gaspe, The Saguenay Fjord to name just a few. But the Magdalen Islands were a standout experience for me.
Never been to the Magdalen Islands but if ever a set of photos was going to tempt us otherwise…
Love the colours.
Julia
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@Turkeys For Life The Magdalen Islands are a total delight for the senses.