MAGDALEN ISLANDS, CANADA

Reason to visit

An idyllic island getaway in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Îles-de-la-Madeleine's (French) white sand beaches and sandstone cliffs are steadily eroding. Strong winds have always been part of life on the islands, and they make for notable kite surfing. But Canadian Geographic reported last year that the high concentration of sea ice currently shielding the archipelago's shores from destructive storms is disappearing. Climate researchers estimate the protective ice will be gone sometime between 2050 and 2090. Currently, anywhere from four to 43 inches of coast are lost each year, and intense storms can destroy up to three feet along certain cliffs.

Location 

The Magdalen Islands (French, Îles de la Madeleine) form a small archipelago in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence with a land area of 205.53 square kilometres (79.36 sq mi). Though closer to Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, the islands form part of the Canadian province of Quebec.

The islands form the territory equivalent to a regional county municipality (TE) and census division (CD) of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Its geographical code is 01.

The islands also form the urban agglomeration of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, divided into two municipalities. These are Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine (2006 census pop. 12,560), the central municipality, and Grosse-Île (pop. 531). The mayors are Jonathan Lapierre and Rose Elmonde Clarke.

Ways to get there

Fly into Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport, board a ferry from Prince Edward Island, or take a cruise from Montreal.

Things to do

• Learning to kayak and canoe and sail at L’istorlet.
• Bicycle the islands! They are only 100km by road.
• Family camping and a multitude of family related activities at La Salicorne.
• Learning to kite surf and sail surf at AeroSport Adventure Center.
• Learn to ride horses at La Cringere au Vent Equestrian Center.
• Take the family golfing on our nine-hole course or mini-golf at the 18-hole course at Sillons.
• There are any number of eco-museums on the islands, Muse de la mer, CAMI, Salt Mine, Hydro-Quebec, Elie of Francois’s Museum,  Entry Island Museum, Aquarium, Seal Interpretation Center, and the Sand EcoMuseum are a few but every year brings new and exciting cultural activities.