Magdalene Islands, Canada

The Magdalene Islands (French, Îles de la Madeleine) form a small archipelago in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Though closer to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, the islands form part of the Canadian province of Quebec. There are eight major islands: Havre-Aubert, Grande Entrée, Cap aux Meules, Grosse Île, Havre aux Maisons, Pointe-Aux-Loups, Île d'Entrée and Brion.

The islands have many kilometres of white sand beaches, along with steadily eroding sandstone cliffs. It is an excellent destination for bicycle camping, sea kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing. During the winter months, beginning in mid-February, eco-tourists visit to observe new-born and young harp seal pups on the pack ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence surrounding the islands.

Things to see and do

* Beaches
* Coastal hiking trails
* Bird watching
* Kite surfing
* Seal watching

General Information

Cruise Season – May - Nov
Currency – Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Language – English, French
Population – 13,100 approx
Time – GMT minus three and a half hours
Land area - 205.53 sq km
Electricity - two perpendicular flat pins US style or with a round pin below
International Country Telephone Code – + 1

Transport Links – The Coopérative de transport maritime et aérien (Groupe C.T.M.A.) operates a ferry service between terminals in Souris, Prince Edward Island and Cap-aux-Meules. Groupe C.T.M.A. also operates a seasonal cruise ferry service between the islands and Montreal.
The Magdalen Islands Airport at Havre-aux-Maisons offers scheduled air service to the Maritimes and mainland Quebec.