This route reveals the treasures of the Islands with their red cliffs and long deserted beaches. The crowning jewel is the charm of the Islanders, whether they are fishers, chefs, sports enthusiasts or artists. And they always greet you with a warm welcome.
225 km
Yes, it’s far. You need to travel by boat or plane. But once there, you can take your time to wind through the 88 km (55 mi.) of the archipelago by car, motorbike or bike.
Unforgettable moments
Regions
Welcome to Île du Cap aux Meules
The ferries arrive at the port of Cap-aux-Meules. This is one of the island’s three villages, along with Fatima and its jagged coastline of steep cliffs, and L’Étang-du-Nord, known for its crimson sunsets at the Borgot lighthouse of Cape Hérissé.
Johanne Vigneau loves gourmet food, which is what the name of her boutique indicates. She serves up local dishes for take-out if you’re planning a picnic as well as culinary workshops.
Delicacies of Île du Havre aux Maisons
On the Chemin des Échoueries, going towards Cap Alright, you’ll have a spectacular view of the cliffs and the bay. The lighthouse on the cape has been photographed countless times, to the point that Canada Post commemorated it on a stamp in 2003.
A walk in the open air builds up an appetite. Time to head to Havre-aux-Maisons: Fromagerie du Pied-de-Vent cheesemaker, Miel en Mer honey house and mead maker, Le Barbocheux craft beverage producer, and Le Fumoir d’antan (smoked meats and fish).
Havre Aubert Island: historic site and trail
Havre Aubert Island has the archipelago’s most extensive forest, hills called Les Demoiselles (the Misses), dunes and beaches. Enjoy the surrounding nature as you hike along the Sentiers entre Vents et Marées trails, inspired by the Camino trail.
La Grave (from the French “grève”: pebbly and sandy terrain) is where fishers sold their catch. The wood cabins are now cafés and boutiques, including the Atelier Côtier, which produces sand sculptures, close to the Musée de la mer museum.
Grosse Île Island to Brion Island: nature outing
Beaches stretch all along Grosse Île Island, up to Old Harry. The National Wildlife Area, a major staging area for migrating birds, has 8 km (5 mi.) of trails. Of Scottish descent, the Islanders display their history in a Little Red School House.
Québec’s lobster capital, Grande Entrée has a seal interpretation centre next to the La Salicorne inn. Or take a trip to Brion Island, pushing off from the Grosse Île wharf: just 10 minutes by boat to reach the wild ecological reserve.
Hike on Entry Island, kayak in Cap aux Meules
Fewer than 100 people live on Entry Island. These joyful castaways speak English tinted by a Scottish and Irish accent. Big Hill offers a breathtaking view of the Islands. You get there by boat, zodiac or ferry from Cap-aux-Meules.
Take an afternoon or evening guided tour by sea kayak to the Parc de Gros-Cap in Cap-aux-Meules, among the red sandstone cliffs, caves and birds, such as the black guillemot. An added treat: the guides are all great storytellers!
