Things to Do In the Magdalen Islands

If you’re dreaming of windswept beaches, colourful houses, and spectacular red cliffs, the Magdalen Islands should be on your travel bucket list. My visit to the islands was an incredible adventure that I will soon repeat! This small archipelago offers everything from epic hikes and golden dunes to lobster feasts and artisan shops. It’s a destination that feels remote yet welcoming, wild yet cozy. Make it perfect with these top things to do in the Magdalen Islands.

*Discloser: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through a link. More information

At-a-Glance: Magdalen Islands Travel Guide

📍 Location: Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec (accessible by ferry from PEI or flight from Montreal)
⏱️ Best Time to Visit: June–September for warm weather and beach days; winter for quiet escapes
🚢 How to Get There: 5-hour ferry from Souris, PEI, or a 2-hour flight from Montreal
🚗 Getting Around: Car rental is highly recommended to explore all the islands
🏖️ Top Beaches: Sandy Hook, Plage de la Martinique, Grande Échouerie, Plage Dune du Sud
🥾 Best Hikes: Butte de la Croix, Île Boudreau, Sentier du Cap Rouge
🍴 Must-Try Foods: Lobster, smoked herring, Pied-de-Vent cheese, fresh mussels, craft beer
🎨 Don’t Miss: La Grave Historic Site, Cap Alright Lighthouse, local artisan shops

How to Get to the Magdalen Islands

The most popular way to reach the islands is by ferry with the Traversier des Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

• Departure: Souris, Prince Edward Island
• Arrival: Cap-aux-Meules
• Duration: 5 hours
• Reservations: Highly recommended, especially in summer
  

The ferry is an adventure in itself, with ocean views and onboard entertainment. 

You can also reach the Magdalen Islands by plane from Montréal, Québec City, or Gaspé if you prefer to fly.

Things to Do on the Magdalen Islands

Each island has its own personality. Here’s what to see and do, broken down by region.

Grande-Entrée and Grosse-Île

Île Boudreau Hiking Trail – A short but spectacular coastal trail with views of dramatic red cliffs and the open sea. It’s an easy walk, perfect for families or anyone wanting a taste of island scenery without committing to a long trek.

Bassin Ouest Beach – A quiet, sandy beach where you’re likely to have the shoreline almost to yourself. It’s a great spot for a picnic, a swim, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Pointe Beach – Popular with both locals and visitors, this beach has soft sand and plenty of space for long walks. On windy days, you’ll likely see kitesurfers dancing across the waves.

Un peuple de la mer Museum – This small but fascinating museum tells the story of the islanders’ deep connection to the sea. From fishing traditions to shipwreck tales, it’s an excellent stop for context before exploring more.

Old Harry’s Point – A breathtaking headland where rolling dunes meet rugged cliffs. The views are some of the most dramatic on the islands, especially at sunset.

Île du Havre-aux-Maisons

Dune du Sud Beach – Known for its towering red sandstone cliffs that glow at sunset. The beach is also full of sea caves to explore at low tide—an unforgettable adventure. In August, you can visit the sand sculptures on the beach.

Butte Ronde Trail – A short climb that rewards you with sweeping views of rolling hills and the sea. It’s a local favourite for an easy, scenic walk.

Butte du Quai Trail – Another accessible short trail, offering peaceful coastal views and wildflowers in summer. Such a big reward for a brief effort.

Cap Alright Lighthouse – A postcard-perfect lighthouse perched on a cliff, framed by turquoise waters. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the islands. A short, easy trail takes you to the lighthouse by the towering cliffs.

Vélos Évasion – Rent a bike and hit the road. The islands are surprisingly bike-friendly, with rolling roads and gorgeous views around every corner. We explored by bike for a few days during our stay. It was easy to get from Cap-aux-Meules to L’Étang du Nord and Fatima.

Cap-aux-Meules, Fatima, and L’Étang-du-Nord

Cap-aux-Meules

Tourist Centre – Your first stop for maps, tips, and island info. Staff are friendly and full of local insight. The centre is right by the ferry docks, easy access when you arrive on the Islands.

Observation Deck Stairs – A short climb to an elevated platform that offers sweeping views over Cap-aux-Meules, the docks, and the surrounding sea.

L’Étang-du-Nord

Cremerie du Port Ice Cream Parlour – A summer essential, especially after a beach day. Known for creamy soft-serve and inventive flavours, it’s a favourite with both kids and adults.

Boutiques du Port – Explore La Route de la Soie for clothing and Trésor de Plage for beach-inspired treasures. Additionally, the kite-making workshop is a fun family activity.

L’Anse de L’Etang du Nord Lookout – A great spot to watch the sun set into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

À l’abri de la tempête Microbrewery – The island’s craft brewery creates beers that reflect the rugged environment. Many use local ingredients like seaweed, herbs, or smoked malt. Try a tasting flight while looking out over the dunes.

Fatima

Fatima Beach & Anse aux Baleiniers – Long sandy beaches with calm waters—great for swimming and family picnics. Enjoy a drink at La Shed Surfbar.

Belle-Anse Cliffs and Lighthouse – Striking red cliffs pounded by the sea, perfect for photography.

Île du Havre-Aubert

Martinique Beach – A vast, sandy beach that stretches for kilometres, ideal for beachcombing or simply relaxing by the water.

La Grave Historic Site – A lively area filled with boutiques, art galleries, cafés and restaurants set in old wooden buildings. It’s the cultural heart of the islands. The wooden cabins are set along the half-moon-shaped bay with the calm waters and pebble beach.

Bassin Road – A scenic drive with ocean views and colourful houses, ideal for photography. The road follows the coast and offers spectacular views on a sunny and clear day.

Butte de la Croix & Butte des Demoiselles – Two short hiking trails that give you some of the best panoramic views on the islands.

Le Verger Poméloi Orchard – A cidery producing apple cider and berry-infused blends. Their ice cider is especially delicious.

Anse-à-la-Cabane Lighthouse – The oldest lighthouse on the islands, standing tall against high red cliffs. There is a short interpretive trail on the grounds of the lighthouse.

Outdoor Adventures on the Islands

• Kayaking – Paddle along cliffs and caves for a new perspective on the islands.
• Cycling and fatbiking – Explore scenic roads or try biking right on the beaches with a fatbike.
• ATVing – Trails and sand pits across the islands make for an off-road adventure.
• Kitesurfing – With steady winds and wide beaches, the islands are a world-class kitesurfing destination.

Top Beaches

• Grande Échouerie Beach: Miles of soft sand for walking and relaxation.
• Plage du Bassin Ouest & Plage de la Pointe: Quiet coves and kitesurfing hotspots.
• Plage Dune du Sud & Plage Dune du Nord: Red cliffs, sea caves, and scenic beauty.
• Plage de la Martinique & Sandy Hook: Family-friendly beaches with calm waters.

Pro Tip: Combine hiking and beach days—for example, Butte de la Croix hike followed by a sunset at Plage de la Martinique.

Top Hikes

• Île Boudreau Trail (Grande-Entrée/Grosse-Île): Coastal cliffs and seabird watching.
• East Point National Wildlife Area: Flat trails through dunes and marshes.
• Butte Ronde & Butte du Quai (Havre-aux-Maisons): Panoramic harbour views.
• Cap Rouge Trail: Quiet coastal trail with dramatic cliffs.
• Butte de la Croix & Butte des Demoiselles (Havre-Aubert): Easy to moderate with panoramic ocean views.
• Bout du Banc Trail: Narrow spit of land with water on both sides, ideal for birdwatching.

Tip: Bring layers, water, and snacks; coastal winds can be strong even in summer. Although most hikes are easy to moderate, ensure you have the appropriate hiking gear to stay safe on the trails.

Entrée Island (Île d’Entrée)

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Magdalen Islands, take the ferry from Cap-aux-Meules to Entrée Island.

This is the only inhabited island that’s not connected by bridge or road, giving it a special, remote feel. The community is small—less than 100 people live here, many of whom are descendants of Scottish settlers—so it’s a great place to experience the traditional way of life of the islands.

How to Get There

• Ferry service: A passenger ferry runs from Cap-aux-Meules to Entrée Island (about 1 hour). Reservations are recommended in summer.
• Bring cash: Services are limited, and not all businesses take cards.
• No cars: The island is walkable, but you can also rent a bike locally.

Things to Do on Entrée Island

• Hike Big Hill (La Butte du Big Hill): At 174 metres, this is the highest point in the Magdalen Islands. The view from the top stretches across the archipelago and is breathtaking. The hike is short but steep.
  
• Explore the fishing community: Wander through the colourful houses and fishing stages that line the harbour, giving you a glimpse into the island’s maritime roots.
  
• Try local food: If the café or small eateries are open, don’t miss the chance to try seafood dishes prepared in true island style. Some days, you may even find fresh lobster or chowder being served.
  
• Enjoy the quiet beaches: While smaller than those on the other islands, the beaches here are peaceful and almost always empty.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan ahead: Services are minimal— only a couple of small shops. Bring snacks and water.
• Weather: The island is more exposed to wind and weather than the others, so pack layers.
• Time needed: A half-day to full-day trip is plenty to hike, explore, and soak in the views.

Where to Eat on the Magdalen Islands

The Magdalen Islands are a foodie paradise. With lobster boats landing fresh catches daily, smokehouses preserving centuries-old traditions, and bakeries whipping up island-inspired treats, you’ll want to arrive hungry. Here are some of the best spots I enjoyed during my stay:

• Cap Dauphin Fish Shack – Perched right on the water, this casual spot is famous for its lobster rolls—overflowing with tender, buttery lobster meat. Pair it with fries or a local beer and enjoy the salty breeze as fishing boats pass by. (on Grosse Île)
• Pizza D’La Pointe – This isn’t your average pizza place. Their pies often feature local ingredients like smoked herring or island cheese, giving you a taste of the Magdalen Islands in every slice. It’s an excellent stop for a laid-back dinner. (on Havre-aux-Maisons)
• Resto de l’Île – The breakfast here is legendary, especially the warm beignets drizzled with caramel sauce. Sweet, rich, and slightly addictive, they’re the perfect start to a day of exploring. The menu also includes hearty breakfasts of bacon, sausage and eggs. (in Cap-aux-Meules)

Must-Try Local Specialties

• Lobster: The islands are famous for fresh, sweet lobster. Try it in rolls, dinners, or grilled straight at seafood shacks.
• Pied-de-Vent Cheese: Creamy and soft, this artisanal cheese is a must. Available at local fromageries like Fromagerie du Pied-de-Vent.
• Smoked Fish: Herring, mackerel, and salmon are smoked traditionally at Le Fumoir d’Antan.
• Berry Wines & Liqueurs: Le Barbocheux vineyard produces delicious local berry wines perfect for souvenirs.
• Honey & Mead: Sample local honey products at Miel en Mer.
• Cindyhook Sports Adventures Café: Great for a coffee or light breakfast before a kayak or hike.

Insider Tip

Pair your culinary exploration with island adventures:

• Lobster rolls on Plage de la Pointe.
• Cheese tasting after the Butte de la Croix hike.
• Ice cream at sunset on Grande Échouerie Beach.

Where to Stay on the Magdalen Islands

One of the best parts of a trip to the Magdalen Islands is how varied the accommodation is. Whether you love camping under the stars, cozying up in a B&B, or waking up to ocean views in a boutique inn, you’ll find something that suits your style and budget.

Camping

• Camping Parc de Gros Cap (Cap-aux-Meules) – Perched right on the edge of the sea, this campground is as scenic as it gets. You can pitch a tent or rent a ready-to-camp yurt or pod. The sunsets from here are jaw-dropping, and the waves will lull you to sleep at night.

Inns and B&Bs

• Auberge le Gros Cap (Cap-aux-Meules) or La Maison des falaises Inn (Havre-aux-Maisons) – Staying in a B&B is one of the most authentic ways to experience the islands. Local hosts often serve homemade breakfasts with fresh bread, jams, and sometimes smoked fish or local cheese. It’s also a great way to get insider tips on hidden beaches and trails.

Vacation Rentals

• Parc du Gros Cap Cabins (Cap-aux-Meules) – Renting a cottage is a great choice if you want to self-cater and enjoy more privacy. These small cabins in the park come with kitchens, BBQs, and make an easy alternative to camping. 
• Les Chalets de la Martinique (L’Étang du Nord) – Fully equipped colourful tiny houses by the sea
• La Maison des Buttes Pelées (Havre-aux-Maisons) is a charming house surrounded by incredible landscapes right by the sea. It can accommodate a group or family. 

Sample 5-Day Itinerary for the Magdalen Islands

This itinerary gives you a mix of highlights across the islands, with time to explore without feeling rushed.

Day 1 – Arrival and Cap-aux-Meules

• Arrive by ferry from Souris, PEI (5 hours).
• Settle into your accommodation.
• Head to Cap-aux-Meules Tourist Centre for maps and insider tips.
• Stretch your legs on the Observation Deck Stairs or a short coastal trail.
• Dinner at Microbrasserie À l’Abri de la Tempête for local craft beer and hearty island fare.

Day 2 – Havre-Aubert and La Grave

• Morning on Plage de la Martinique or Sandy Hook Beach—both are perfect for long walks.
• Drive the scenic Chemin du Bassin.
• Afternoon at the La Grave Historic Site—wander boutiques, art galleries, and enjoy a seaside meal.
• Hike up Butte de la Croix for a panoramic sunset.

Day 3 – Havre-aux-Maisons

• Start at Plage Dune du Sud—don’t miss the sea caves at low tide.
• Visit Fromagerie du Pied-de-Vent for a cheese tasting.
• Stop at Le Fumoir d’Antan to learn about traditional smoking techniques (and grab some snacks).
• Afternoon: choose between a bike ride with Vélos Évasion or a short hike like Sentier du Cap Rouge.
• Sunset at Cap Alright Lighthouse.

Day 4 – Grande-Entrée and Grosse-Île

• Morning hike on the Île Boudreau Trail for rugged coastal scenery.
• Relax on Grande Échouerie Beach—one of Canada’s best.
• Visit Musée Un peuple de la mer to learn about local maritime culture.
• Explore La Pointe Old Harry or the East Point National Wildlife Area for birdwatching.
• Dinner at Cap Dauphin Fish Shack—a lobster roll with a view is the perfect finale.

Day 5 – Outdoor Adventure and Farewell

• Try something active:
  • Kayaking along the cliffs,
  • Kitesurfing at Sandy Hook, or
  • Fatbiking on the beach.
• Stop at Miel en Mer or Le Barbocheux for sweet souvenirs (honey, mead, or berry wine).
• Squeeze in one last ice cream at Cremerie du Port before catching the ferry back to PEI.

✨ Travel Tip:
If you have more time, consider adding a rest day to relax on your favourite beach or explore additional hiking trails, such as Sentier du Bout du Banc or Sentier de la Montagne. The islands are best enjoyed at a slow pace.