The top 20 beaches in the Magdalen Islands (a.k.a. Îles-de-la-Madeleine)
Some of you might know that a part of my family lives on a small archipelago of islands located in the Atlantic region of Canada: the Magdalen Islands. I’ve been spending all my summers there as far as I can remember and in this blog article, I will share some of the islands’ most scenic beaches for you to explore. The archipelago has more than 300 km of coastline and most of it is composed of red cliffs and white sandy beaches, meaning there are a lot of different options for everyone and chances are you’ll have those beaches to yourself!
1- Sandy Hook
This beach is one of the islands’ most famous white sand beaches and is located on the island of Havre-Aubert, in the south of the Magdalen Islands. From the sky, it looks like a long sandy fishing hook. Every year, the municipality hosts their annual sand castle contest there.
2- Bout du Banc
If you’re motivated enough to embark on a 12km sand walk, or if you have access to a 4WD vehicle or a fat bike, I highly suggest that you venture from Sandy Hook to the “Bout du Banc” (aka. the end of the sandbank). There, you’ll find yourself surrounded with water on both sides and you’ll truly wonder whether you’re in Canada or the Caribbean.
3- Pointe-aux-Loups
This one is my personal favourite, and there are actually two beaches near the island of Pointe-aux-Loups; one in the dune just before you get there, and one right before you leave the island towards Grosse Île just before La Maison Du Héron. The first beach is the most picturesque sandy beach on the island and you’ll find some of the warmest water there! If you’d rather explore the sea caves and jump from the red cliffs, then I suggest going to the second one.
4- Old Harry
Old Harry has been voted the most beautiful one on the Magdalen Islands many times, and I can definitely see why! It is located in the Northern part of the archipelago in Grosse Île. When the wind is facing the beach, you'll probably find some surfers there. Indeed the water can get very agitated, and it's usually not recommended to swim when windy. However, when there's no wind you'll find some of the calmest and bluest waters as well as a beautiful sea cave.
5- Dune-du-Sud
That's the beach you need to go to if you want to get the typical Magdalen Islands picture. Let me explain. This beach is the perfect combination of two things: red rock formations mixed with a long white sandy beach. Try to go there during low tide, and don't be afraid to step in the water with your stuff to get around the cliffs. You'll likely come across tiny hidden beaches, and have the place to yourself! I highly recommend visiting at sunrise!
6- Gros-Cap
If you're staying on the central island of Cap-aux-Meules, I would say the most accessible beach is located in Gros-Cap. There's a pedestrian/bicycle path that you can take to get there. It starts from the port and goes by the police station all the way to the cape. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find a camping where you can rent kayaks and SUP boards to go explore the caves!
7- La Bluff & Bassin Ouest
These two beaches are both located in the east on Grande-Entrée island. They are interconnected by a little path along the edge of the cliffs, where you can admire the beauty of the red rocks. You might even wonder what planet you are on. If you feel adventurous, l'Auberge de la Salicorne offers excursions to explore the nearby sea caves.
8- LA MARTINIQUE
This is the beach where I used to spend my childhood. It is super long and accessible and has three different entrances. It’s a nice beach to go to when the wind is coming from the north/northwest. This beach is usually protected from big waves, making it the perfect family destination to swim relatively safely (please always be careful on the archipelago as the currents can be super strong). It’s also worth noting that you can find a lot of sea shells, sand dollars and starfish after a storm or heavy winds.
9- DUNE DE L’OUEST
Located all the way to the west side of the island in Bassin, this beach is usually less crowded, and a popular spot for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. It’s a nice spot to have a picnic at sunset. If you’re motivated, walk right (north) until you reach the “Goulet du Nord” where the gulf water enters the bay.
10- GOULET DU BASSIN
Speaking of “goulet”, there’s another one you can visit on the same island and it’s called the “Goulet du Bassin.” It can be reached by foot if you park at Bellerive Camping and walk east, or you can opt to cross the bay with the floating embarcation of your choice and spend a day on the water.
11- PORTAGE-DU-CAP
This beach is the continuation of Martinique Beach, but it is located in the deep part of the island’s fishing hook formation, making it one of the beaches that’s most protected from the winds when it is blowing from the west/southwest. It’s usually not too crowded either.
12- LA CORMORANDIÈRE
Known by the locals as Plage de l’Éolienne (Windmill Beach), this beach is located on the island of Havre-aux-Maisons and consists in a long sand dune that stretches to Grande-Entrée island. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you’ll be served here. It’s also one of the only beaches where you can take your 4WD or ATV by the water: fun guaranteed.
13- FATIMA (Anse aux whalers)
This easily accessible beach is located on the north side of the central island and is beautiful at sunset. It’s also where you’ll find the popular surf bar called the Shed, where they make delicious cocktails in jars. It’s usually more crowded than other beaches, but the vibes are always great!
14- DUNE DU NORD
If you’re not feeling super social and would like to steer clear from the crowds but remain on the main island, take the dirt road to the right side of Fatima Beach to venture near the dunes (update: this road is no longer accessible and you’ll need a fat bike or 4WD to access this part of the beach). Be careful not to stall your car in the sand and park as soon as you don’t feel comfortable driving. This place offers the beach on one side, and the bay on the other. If you’d like to experience clam fishing, you’re in the right spot for it. Just go to the bay at low tide with a bucket and try to spot some little holes in the sand, then dig for about 10 centimetres.
15- CAP ALRIGHT
This is another one of my faves! Not only is it super scenic because of its lighthouse, red cliffs and clay cliffs, but it is also where you’ll find the Butte Ronde, which offers one of the best vantage points on the island. I recommend heading there at sunrise or early morning! If the water is calm, it’s an amazing spot to spend a relaxing morning on the water on your paddle board. On windy days, you’ll find groups of surfers trying to catch some waves there and it’s something beautiful to watch!
16- ÎLE BOUDREAU
This tiny little island is connected to the archipelago via a tiny dune and can be reached both by foot or via the water from the bay. It’s one of the only places on the Magdalen Islands where you can find natural clay which you can use to scrub your entire body before you rinse off in the ocean. This beach is definitely a must-do on any trip to the islands. Make sure you stop by Cap Dauphin Fish Shack on your way back, and try their famous lobster roll.
17- PLAGE DU PÉDALO
Located right across the street from the popular Paradis Bleu youth hostel, you’ll find two popular food trucks in this beach’s parking lot: Makilinot, where they serve delicious sushi, and Le Faraud et l’Idiot, where you can eat one of the best poutine on the island. It’s a nice spot for lunch/dinner.
18- PLAGE DE L’ANSE À LA CABANE
Located in the most southern part of the Magdalen Islands, this gorgeous beach has some beautiful rainbow-coloured cliffs and is also located next to one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the archipelago. You can often spot some earless seals in the area if you pay attention.
19- PLAGE DE LA GRAVE
While this beach isn’t one of the most beautiful, mainly because it is covered in grey pebbles, it’s located in one of the most iconic shopping destinations on the archipelago and it is stunning at sunset. La Grave is a mandatory stop for any tourist looking to find some local souvenirs or gifts.
20- CORFU
Last but not least is the beach where the SS Corfu Island went aground in 1967. The wreck is still there today and is a fascinating spectacle both from the water and the sky. This beach is located next to the popular brewery called L’Abri de la Tempête, which hosts a ton of events throughout the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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You can reach the small archipelago either by air or by land. There are direct flights from Montreal, Quebec City, Bonaventure, Gaspé and St. Pierre & Miquelon Islands. If you choose to come by land, you’ll need to reach the Port of Souris, on Prince Edward Island, and catch the CTMA ferry.
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Yes! Even though the archipelago is quite small, you will want to have access to a vehicle to explore all that the island has to offer. If you choose to come by plane, make sure to secure your rental car ahead of time. If you travel to the archipelago for more than a week, then I highly suggest that you come by car to minimise your costs.
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There are many options including some hotels, and a few hostels such as the Paradis Bleu. Another really popular choice for tourists is to camp. Lastly, the most popular option is definitely to rent a house. You can find these via dedicated websites or Facebook Groups. Locals usually rent out their place for a fixed price per week.
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The archipelago will transport you to a completely different universe. The nature there is quite unique, and the landscapes are out of a postcard. It’s not the type of destination you would expect to find in Canada. It’s heaven on earth for nature lovers and outdoorsy people. The islands are also well known for their fresh fish and seafood (mainly lobster, crab, clams and scallops), as well as local specialties such as cheese, honey, sea salt and alcohol.
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It mainly depends on the type of accommodation you decide to stay in and how you get to the archipelago. It’s definitely not a cheap place to visit, but once you’re there, most activities are free and you’ll spend your time outside. Most of your budget will be dedicated to your mode of transportation and your accommodation. The more in advance you book, the cheaper it usually is.
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The Magdalen Islands are located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and are part of the Province of Quebec, Canada. They’re nested right between Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, mainland Quebec and Newfoundland.
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