Magdalen Islands, Quebec, Canada
A windswept archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Magdalen Islands stun with crimson sandstone cliffs, endless white-sand beaches, and a fiercely proud Acadian fishing culture that shows up on every plate.
A windswept archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Magdalen Islands stun with crimson sandstone cliffs, endless white-sand beaches, and a fiercely proud Acadian fishing culture that shows up on every plate.
Cap-aux-Meules is the main port hub — but the islands' best attractions stretch along Route 199, which runs roughly 85 km from Havre-Aubert to Grande-Entrée, and require wheels.
💡 Pro move: Taxis exist but are scarce — always call ahead rather than expecting to flag one down. E-bike rentals near the pier are a great option for Cap-aux-Meules and Havre-aux-Maisons.
Cap-aux-Meules handles all cruise traffic; docking vs. tendering depends on ship size.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition/small ships (Ponant, Silversea, Pearl Seas, Oceania) | Cap-aux-Meules commercial pier📍 | Docked |
| Large ships (Holland America, Princess) | Cap-aux-Meules bay anchorage → tender to marina📍 | Tendered |
The islands reward those who venture beyond Cap-aux-Meules — sea caves, historic fishing villages, and world-class beaches await.
Paddle into the spectacular red sandstone arches and caves carved into the cliffs of Cap-aux-Meules Island. Guides launch from Gros-Cap and take you inside formations inaccessible on foot. One of the best experiences in Atlantic Canada.
Find kayak cave tours →The archipelago's oldest commercial fishing site (Havre-Aubert Island) and a designated Quebec heritage site, La Grave is a photogenic strip of heritage fishing buildings along a pebble beach. Browse local craft galleries, try pot-en-pot, and absorb the islands' Acadian fishing heritage, rooted in settlement here since the 1760s.
Book a La Grave tour →Drive to Havre-aux-Maisons for this sheltered beach backed by dramatic red sandstone cliffs honeycombed with tidal caves. Restrooms, picnic tables, and one of the most photographed coastlines in Quebec.
Find beach & cliffs tours →The islands produce some of Canada's finest lobster, Pied-de-Vent cheese, smoked herring from Fumoir d'Antan, and craft beer at À l'Abri de la Tempête microbrewery. A guided food tour strings the best producers together.
Find food tasting tours →The only inhabited island not connected by road, English-speaking Entry Island looks like a piece of Scottish Highlands dropped into the Gulf. A zodiac or ferry from Cap-aux-Meules gets you there for a hike up Big Hill, the archipelago's highest point.
Find Entry Island excursions →Walk or e-bike the Sentier du Littoral coastal path from the port, then continue to L'Étang-du-Nord to see the Borgot Lighthouse perched on eroding red cliffs above the sea — one of the most photographed spots in the Magdalen Islands.
Find guided coastal walks →Cap-aux-Meules itself is flat and walkable; longer explorations need wheels.
A paved coastal path from the Cap-aux-Meules waterfront winding south along the cliffs. Climb to the Cape Grindstone viewpoint for panoramic views of the port, neighboring islands, and the Gulf. Free, no transport needed.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Walk the town center from the pier to Gourmande de Nature bistro for local lunch or gelato, browse the craft shops, and swing by the tourist information office for island maps and bike rental info.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Magdalen Islands, Quebec, Canada (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F / -1°C | 23°F / -5°C | 17 | 7:50 AM | 4:44 PM |
| Feb | 27°F / -3°C | 18°F / -8°C | 14 | 7:12 AM | 5:31 PM |
| Mar | 29°F / -2°C | 22°F / -6°C | 14 | 7:20 AM | 7:13 PM |
| Apr | 36°F / 2°C | 32°F / 0°C | 12 | 6:18 AM | 7:56 PM |
| May | 44°F / 7°C | 39°F / 4°C | 12 | 5:30 AM | 8:37 PM |
| Jun | 53°F / 12°C | 49°F / 9°C | 11 | 5:10 AM | 9:05 PM |
| Jul | 64°F / 18°C | 60°F / 16°C | 11 | 5:26 AM | 8:59 PM |
| Aug | 68°F / 20°C | 64°F / 18°C | 11 | 6:04 AM | 8:18 PM |
| Sep | 62°F / 17°C | 57°F / 14°C | 11 | 6:45 AM | 7:18 PM |
| Oct | 53°F / 12°C | 49°F / 9°C | 13 | 7:26 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Nov | 44°F / 7°C | 38°F / 3°C | 17 | 7:12 AM | 4:31 PM |
| Dec | 36°F / 2°C | 30°F / -1°C | 17 | 7:48 AM | 4:16 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Taxis (Taxi Des Iles) meet ships at Cap-aux-Meules dock. Fares are relatively high due to island distances; sharing with fellow passengers helps cut costs.
Several local agencies operate near the port. Renting is the best way to explore the full archipelago at your own pace — book ahead during cruise season.
Local operators like Autobus Les Sillons run guided bus tours to key sites across the islands. Holland America and Seabourn also offer shore excursions departing from Cap-aux-Meules.
Bike rentals are available near the port and are popular for exploring Cap-aux-Meules and nearby beaches on flat island terrain.
Ships dock right in Cap-aux-Meules, giving easy walking access to the town center, local shops, and the waterfront within minutes of disembarking.
Upcoming cruises that call at Magdalen Islands, Quebec, Canada. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.