12 Photos to Inspire a Trip to the Magdalen Islands
This weeks photos, compliments of former CBC cameraman Gustave Pellerin, take you on a journey through the Magdalen Islands of Quebec. I think you’ll find it hard not to succumb to the charms of the Magdalen Islands.
If you’ve never heard of the islands, you’re probably not alone. Or maybe you’re familiar with their French name – Îles de la Madeleine. They are a small archipelago of sandy islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
You can fly directly to them from Montreal, Quebec City, and Gaspé. In summer you can also opt for the five hour ferry ride from Prince Edward Island.
For more information check out the Magdalen Islands Tourism website.
You might like: Exploring the Magdalen Islands by Bike
Highlights of the Magdalen Islands
There are a lot of reasons to visit the Magdalen Islands and I hope these photos inspire your wanderlust. Some of the highlights include numerous beautiful beaches, red cliffs, a pretty coastline, great Acadian culture, excellent food, friendly locals and loads of adventurous activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing.
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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 world’s largest sand castle competition too.
More reading on things to do in Quebec in the summer
- Hiking to the Summit of Le Mont Albert in Quebec
- A Trip to Mingan Archipelago National Park in Quebec
- A Two Day Kayaking Trip on the Saguenay Fjord
- A Boat Trip to Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock
- Cycling the Blueberry Route Over 3 Days
Wow, great photography. They really convey a certain mood and the character of the place. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Philipp
@Philipp And thanks for stopping by.
We’ve heard the Magdalene Islands are lovely to visit. A bit difficult to get there. But worth it…
@Janice It’s either a 5 hour ferry ride or a flight but trust me its worth it. Stay at the Domaine du Vieux Couvent if you go.
Never been to the Magdalen Islands but if ever a set of photos was going to tempt us otherwise… 🙂 Love the colours.
Julia
@Turkeys For Life The Magdalen Islands are a total delight for the senses.
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.
@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.
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.
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 love learning about new islands like this! Your photos are gorgeous and the houses are so colorful. What time of year did you go?
@Christy We were there in August – in time to catch the world’s largest amateur sand castle building contest.
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!
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.
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.
@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.
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.
@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.
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?
@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.
@Martin Thank you for that bit of information.
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.
@Ted I missed that. I have to say I like a jolt of colour at this time of the year.