We recommend you take a look at the section below. If you don't find the answer to your question here, please do not hesitate to contact us or send us an inquiry. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!
1. How can I get a copy of the official tourist guide for the region?
2. Where are Les Îles de la Madeleine located?
3. How do I get to Les Îles de la Madeleine and how much will the trip cost?
4. Is it easy to get from one island to another in the archipelago?
5. What is the population of Les Îles de la Madeleine?
6. What is the main economic activity on Les Îles de la Madeleine?
7. Is it possible to swim in Les Îles de la Madeleine? What's the water temperature?
8. How is the climate Les Îles de la Madeleine?
9. How do you get to Les Îles de la Madeleine by car?
10. What is the best time of the year for bird watching?
1. How can I get a copy of the official tourist guide for the region?
Here's how to get a copy of the official Tourist Guide:
2. Where are Les Îles de la Madeleine located?
Les Îles de la Madeleine are part of the Province of Québec, in Canada. They lie off the east coast, right in the middle of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean: 215 km from the Gaspé Peninsula, 105 km from Prince Edward Island and 95 km from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Les Îles de la Madeleine are a group of about twelve islands. For more information, see the section Discover the Islands of our website.
3. How do I get to Les Îles de la Madeleine and how much will the trip cost?
You can get to Les Îles either by ferry, by cruise or by plane.
By ferry
You can take a ferry from Souris, a small village on the north coast of Prince Edward Island, just over 12 hours drive from Montreal. It then takes 5 hours to make the trip to the Islands. As for the costs, per exemple, in 2020, a return trip for two adults and a standard-size car costs 288$ in low season (Sept. 15 to June 14) and 428$ in high season (June 15 to Sept. 14). For more information, visit the Traversier CTMA website.
By cruise
You can take a cruise ship from Montreal which will take you on the St. Lawrence to Les Îles de la Madeleine with a stopover in Gaspé or Quebec City depending on the sailing conditions. The crossing between Montreal and the Islands takes approximately two days in each direction and the highlight of the cruise is a three-day stay on the Islands. For more information, visit the CTMA Cruises website.
By plane
The carriers Air Canada and Pascan Aviation offer flights to Les Îles de la Madeleine. The airport is located on Havre aux Maisons Island and its international code is YGR. Prices may vary a lot depending on the dates and the departure place.
For more information, talk to your travel agent or visit the Getting to the Islands section of our website.
4. Is it easy to get from one island to another in the archipelago?
Yes. One of the principal characteristics of the archipelago is the long dunes linking the islands. These extensive sand dunes (magnificent beaches, by the way) provided a foundation for the construction of route 199, which runs from one end of the island chain to the other. That means you can drive, bike or hike the 65 km between one extremity of Les Îles and the other. Only one of the inhabited islands, Entry Island, is not linked to the others by the road. To get to Entry Island, you must take a boat excursion or the regular ferry. For more information, see the section Getting around of our website.
5. What is the population of Les Îles de la Madeleine?
Les Îles de la Madeleine have nearly 13 000 permanent residents and are divided in two municipalities: the Municipality of Îles-de-la-Madeleine and the Municipality of Grosse-Île. For more information, see the section Discover the Islands of our website
6. What is the main economic activity on Les Îles de la Madeleine?
Commercial fishing (lobster, crab, scallop, mussel, fish) is the primary economic activity of the Islands. The tourism industry is the second most important activity. Located on Grosse-Île, the salt mine is also a major employer. For more information, see the Discover the Islands section, more specifically the Unique Features of the Region section of our website.
7. Is it possible to swim in Les Îles de la Madeleine? What's the water temperature?
The archipelago enjoys a mild maritime climate. The water in lagoons and bays can reach temperatures in the range of 18 to 21 degrees Celsius in late August and September. The influence of the Gulf Stream currents, the low amplitude of the tides and the fact that the archipelago is surrounded by shoals help to warm the water. Water in swimming areas is warmer here than along the shores of the Saint Lawrence or the American East Coast. It is even said to be the hottest water north of the Carolinas (USA) and you can enjoy a swim as late as the end of September!
For more information, see the Beaches and Swimming section of our website.
8. How is the climate Les Îles de la Madeleine?
Because it is a maritime region, surrounded by water, there is quite a difference between the climate in the Islands and the climate on the mainland. The weather is milder in each season.
For more information, see the Climate section of our website.
9. How do you get to Les Îles de la Madeleine by car?
We invite you to consult the Getting to the Islands section of our website.
10. What is the best time of the year for bird watching?
The archipelago is located on the migratory route of several bird species. The best times to observe these migratory birds are May, June, September and October.
For more information, see the Birdwatching section of our website.