Kitesurfing

Travel responsibly and sustainably

Kitesurf Îles de la Madeleine

Les Îles de la Madeleine are the destination for the amateurs of kitesurfing. The extensive choice of sites and variation in wind speeds provide conditions adapted to all levels of expertise. Warm, shallow water in the lagoons provides safe conditions for beginners, and the thrill seekers can always find sea and wind conditions to suit their wildest dreams.

Ideal kitesurfing conditions

The extensive choice of sites and variation in wind speeds provide conditions adapted to all levels of expertise.

Les Îles de la Madeleine are a real paradise for kitesurfers. Its geographical and maritime configuration make it an ideal place for this sport regardless of the wind direction.

A temperate and mild climate until late September.

The enormous mass of water surrounding the archipelago moderates the temperature and creates a gentler climate. The warm, sunny days of summer last until the end of September.

The temperature of the water around the Islands gets up to around 18ºC (64ºF) in mid-August and in the bays and lagoons, the water reaches 20ºC (68ºF).

Kitesurf Îles de la Madeleine
Kitesurf Îles de la Madeleine
Kitesurf Îles de la Madeleine
Kitesurf Îles de la Madeleine
Kitesurf Îles de la Madeleine
Kitesurf Îles de la Madeleine
Kitesurf Îles de la Madeleine

Strong, steady winds also influence the climate in the Magdalens. Wind speed varies from 17 to 40 km/h (9 to 22 knots), the prevailing winds being from south-west during the summer and the north-west in the colder seasons.

It is possible to get a important temperature variation. Bring your wetsuit and be ready to ride in all types of conditions!

CAUTION!

We strongly recommend that you never go out alone on the open sea. Be vigilant, in certain waters of the archipelago you must be aware of the dangers resulting from winds and currents.

 

Weather conditions:
Recorded local weather reports Bonjour Météo : 1 833 586 3836

Environment Canada
Windguru 

 

Information on tides, currents and water levels:
Canadian Hydrographic Service
Check the tide table on page 121 of the Magdalen Islands Tourist Guide.

12 SPOTS FOR KITESURFING

Thank you for using only the 12 areas indicated on the Wind Sports Map. Your cooperation is essential to prevent accidents, maintain good relations among the many different users of the waterways and keep environmental impact to a minimum. This map will also help you locate the best sites according to wind direction. Spots are classified in four levels of difficulty, from beginner to expert. Remember! Weather conditions (which are extremely variable) are not considered when establishing these levels.

Be cautious!

Remember that the spots suggested here cannot take the place of experience, good judgement and the advice of an experienced guide who is familiar with the area. Even if you have your own equipment, please do not hesitate to call on the outdoor sports businesses that are members of Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine (see Tourism Operators below). They are the ideal choice to help you practice this sport in perfect safety.

Please refer to the code of ethics of the Quebec Kitesurfing Federation for a safe practice.

Make sure you are always 50m away from the bathers and the entrance of the beaches to prepare your equipment.

Southern Area

HAVRE AUX BASQUES BAYKitesurfing and windsurfing zone

Location: Parc Fred Jomphe. Parking restricted to gravel surface. The area covered by sand and vegetation may be used to prepare one's gear. In order to keep the launching site clear and protect the point, RVs (recreational vehicles) are forbidden. Please use the parking area along Route 199. Parking on the shoulder of the road (cycling path) and sand dunes is prohibited.

Click here to locate the site and its parking.

Levels: Beginners and Intermediate
Note: Shallow water zone, thermal generating conditions with SW winds, high-speed spot best by W-SW winds.
Windsurfers and kitesurfers share the same area. To facilitate navigation, kitesurfers and windsurfers are advised to stay within their designated zones (see illustration). Kitesurfers should stay in the shallow water (on the left and at the far end of the lagoon). Windsurfers should stay on the right side, where the water is deeper.

BEWARE

A great variety of birds and plants are found in the lagoon area. Be a responsible practitioner of your sport and take care not to disturb the birds that make their home on the sandy islets, along the shores and at the north end of the lagoon.
Please keep your dogs on leash while on the site.

HAVRE AUBERT BEACH / SANDY HOOK

Location: Parking at the end of the Chemin du Sable. 

Click here to locate the site and its parking.

Level: Expert

Note: Busy area in the high season

BEWARE

Gusty south winds. The tide is rarely favourable. Check information. Strong currents, particularly toward Sandy Hook point.

DU CAP (CAPE) BEACH

Location: Parking on the Chemin Baie-de-Plaisance

Click here to locate the site and its parking.

Levels: Intermediate, Expert and Beginners on ocean
Note: Long and smooth rollers after strong NE winds.

BEWARE

Use the boardwalk to protect the beachgrass that preserves the dunes and helps to slow down erosion.

 

DE LA MARTINIQUE BEACH

Location: 4 parking area provided along Route 199 that connects the Havre Aubert Island and Cap aux Meules Island.
Parking on the shoulder of the road (cycling path) and sand dunes is prohibited.

Click here to locate the site and its parking. An other site here exist. 

Levels: Intermediate, Expert and Beginners on ocean
Note: The bay is a suitable site for beginners on ocean.

BEWARE

The northern section of this beach may be under water following storms.
Be mindful of other users (walkers, swimmers, clam diggers, windsurfers, and others). This is a very popular beach.

Central Area

WEST DUNE BEACH / CORFU

Location: Access to parking area by Chemin Coulombe

Click here to locate the site and its parking.

Levels: Intermediate and Expert

BEWARE

Good spot for waves when moderate to strong winds blow from N-NW.
Beware of strong sea currents and the Corfu Island wreck.

 

PLAGE DE L'HOPITAL / NORTH DUNE BEACH

Location: From the Chemin de l'Hôpital, follow the road leading to Anse-aux-Baleiniers (picnic area and restrooms).

Click here to locate the site and its parking.

Level: Expert

BEWARE

The Fatima Flat (behind the dunes, in the lagoon) is Québec's largest nesting ground for the piping plover. This is an endangered species, protected by law. The designated protected area for the piping plover is marked from mid-June until the chicks are fully fledged, around the end of July or the beginning of August.

This is an extremely busy sector (swimmers, clam diggers, bird watchers). Be courteous and stay alert!

Central and Northern Areas

HAVRE AUX MAISONS LAGOON

Location: Access to parking area by Chemin Poirier in Fatima

Click here to locate the site and its parking.

Levels: Beginners and Intermediate

BEWARE

This is an extremely busy sector (swimmers, clam diggers, bird watchers,horseback riders).

Several horseback expeditions in Point a Frank's sector. When meeting riders, keep a safe distance to avoid spooking the horses and to ensure safety of less experienced riders. Be courteous and stay alert!

 

SOUTH DUNE BEACH / CORMORANDIERE

Location: From Route 199, turn on Chemin de la Cormorandière (past the Waste Management Center) and continue to the designated parking area. Parking at the rest area of the Dune-du-Sud (busy area in high season).

Click here to locate the site and its parking.

Levels: Intermediate and Expert

BEWARE

Use the boardwalk to protect the beachgrass that preserves the dunes and helps to slow down erosion.

 

POINTE-AUX-LOUPS BEACH

Location: 2 parking areas, one located north of the bridge at the narrows (Du Détroit Bridge), the other located north of the village of Pointe-aux-Loups.

Level: Expert

BEWARE

This spot is very dangerous. Sea currents are very strong. Parking on the shoulder of the road (cycling path) and sand dunes is prohibited.

 

BASSIN-AUX-HUÎTRES LAGOON

Location: Parking area situated at the end of Chemin du Bassin Est.
Levels: Beginners and Intermediate

Tourism Operators

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