Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Iles De La Madeleine, Quebec, Canada

Getting to Shore

Reaching the Magdalen Islands is possible by two main routes: ferry and cruise ships.

You can take the CTMA Ferry from Souris, Prince Edward Island. The journey takes 5 hours. Book your spot ahead of time, whether you’re walking on or bringing a bicycle.

For cruise ship arrivals, your ship will stop at Cap-aux-Meules harbour. Since large ships can’t dock directly, you’ll board a tender boat to reach the shore. This island is the most developed in the group, offering essential visitor services.

You can explore the islands in several ways:

• Hire a car
• Join a guided tour
• Book local excursions

These options let you visit the islands’ key features:

• Sandy beaches
• Coastal cliffs
• Local cultural sites

Remember that public transport is minimal, so plan your island transport before you arrive.

Must-See Island Highlights

Your Magdalen Islands adventure starts in Cap-aux-Meules, the main commercial centre.

You’ll find the Saint-Pierre de Lavernière Church here – one of the largest wooden churches in North America. The red cliffs at Belle Anse offer your best sunset views on the islands.

Top spots you shouldn’t miss:

1. Parc des Buck’s trails – You’ll get the best views of the entire archipelago
2. Site de la Côte in L’Étang-du-Nord – You can shop, eat and experience local culture
3. La Grave Historic Site – You’ll discover the islands’ original settlement
4. Parc de Gros-Cap – You can take Zodiac boats to explore sea caves and watch for seals

You’ll make the most of your visit by driving along Chemin de Gros-Cap.

The route lets you stop at craft shops and lighthouses along the way.

Local Food and Culture

You can enjoy exceptional seafood and local dishes across the Magdalen Islands. Fresh catches include lobster, scallops, herring, mussels, crab and mackerel at most restaurants.

Regional tables serve these seafood specialities alongside traditional Madelinot cooking, including unique seal dishes.

You’ll find excellent dining at two key spots: Quai 360 in Cap-aux-Meules serves fresh local lamb and lobster, while Domaine du Vieux Couvent offers gourmet seafood including smoked salmon and chowder.

Local shops stock artisanal products like cheeses, flavoured oils and handmade chocolates. Visit L’Arbre à Pains for freshly baked macaroons and scones made with island ingredients.

You can also try traditional drinks made from local berries.

Outdoor Activities and Nature

You can explore the stunning Magdalen Islands through countless outdoor activities that connect you with nature.

The islands feature a 235-kilometre trail system called Sentiers Entre Vents et Marées, which you can enjoy from May to October.

The calm lagoons let you try:

• Kayaking
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Kitesurfing

You can choose from these popular adventures:

1. Cycle the Route Verte through the islands, with trails for beginners to experts
2. Watch seal migrations from helicopters during March
3. Walk any of the 13 trail sections (9-28 kilometres each) using your Louvoyeur Pass
4. Paddle through sea caves and spot marine life with experienced guides

Natural highlights include:

• Red sandstone caves
• Protected lagoons
• Local seal colonies
• Connected island pathways

You’ll find the activities adapt to every season, letting you experience the islands’ beauty year-round.

Best Photo Opportunities

Best Sunset Spots

You’ll find stunning sunset views at the Parc de Gros-Cap hostel terrace, where you can watch fishing boats sail against the colourful sky.

The L’Étang-du-Nord Lighthouse offers another excellent vantage point, while Belle Anse’s cliffs create dramatic shadows at dusk.

Landscape Photography

The red cliffs at Cap Alright on Havre-aux-Maisons Island provide striking photo opportunities.

You can capture golden sand patterns along Dune du Nord Beach.

The traditional houses on Île du Havre aux Maisons and the bustling L’Étang-du-Nord fishing harbour showcase local culture.

Panoramic Views

You’ll get sweeping views from Butte Ronde, overlooking both Havre-aux-Maisons and Cape Alright.

A boat tour lets you photograph unique angles of the coastline.

Head to Grande-Entrée to capture some of the islands’ most vivid sunsets, with rich colours reflecting off the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Do Most Shops and Tourist Services Open in Cap-Aux-Meules?

Standard opening times in Cap-Aux-Meules are easy to remember:

Place des Îles shops:

• Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM

Tourist Office:

– Daily: 9:00 AM (May to September – peak season)

You’ll find these times consistent across most shops and services in the area, making it simple to plan your visits.

Is Wi-Fi Available at the Cruise Tender Port Area?

The tender port area doesn’t offer Wi-Fi service. You can connect to your ship’s Wi-Fi or use nearby facilities like libraries for internet access. Your mobile data plan might also work, depending on your provider’s coverage in the port area.

Are There ATMS or Currency Exchange Facilities Near the Port?

No ATMs or currency exchanges operate at the port itself. You can access ATMs and banking services in Cap-aux-Meules town centre, just a short distance away. Most banks in the town centre offer both cash withdrawal and currency exchange services.

What Local Transportation Options Are Available for Independent Exploration?

Getting around is easy with these local transport choices:

You can use:

• RÉGÎM bus services throughout the region
• Car-sharing programmes
• Bike-sharing schemes
• Rental bicycles
• Regular ferry crossings

For adventure travel, you can rent:

• Kayaks for coastal exploration
• Zodiac boats for sea trips
• Horses for trail riding

Each option lets you explore at your own pace, whether you prefer land or water transport. The public transport network connects major spots, whilst rental services give you more freedom to visit remote areas.

Does the Island Experience Frequent Fog That Could Affect Tender Operations?

Fog rarely occurs in Îles de la Madeleine, making tender operations generally clear. Your ship-to-shore transfers may face disruptions from wind and waves, but fog won’t typically delay your journey. When planning your visit, you can expect good visibility most days.