Magdalen Islands : A Destination to Treasure a Unique Experience in the World

While spring begins to offer its warmth, few people still dare to brave the harshness of winter to discover the soothing charm of the Magdalen Islands (Îles-de-la-Madeleine) buried under the snow. However, it is the best time of the year to observe the seafarer, to gorge on immaculate landscapes, to walk on foot, snowshoe, cross-country ski or fat bike the coastline trapped in the ice and, above all, to make in privileged contact with the residents of the archipelago. Overview of an icy world populated by warm people.

1. Migratory Bird Sanctuary

This high rock is located 32 km northeast of Grosse-Île on the route of ships entering the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This island is difficult to access and is the refuge of several colonies of seabirds: gannets, penguins, murres of Brunnich and guillemots, try dactyl gulls, etc. Despite the automation of security installations first lit in 1870, a small lighthouse, the house of the guards and some dependencies remain. Although inaccessible, the Rocher aux Oiseaux refuge remains one of the birdwatching places in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

2. Brion Island Ecological Reserve

An ecological reserve since 1984, Brion Island is 16 km from Grosse Île. Brion Island, seven kilometers long by two kilometers at its widest point, has been uninhabited for about fifty years. This island has been inhabited for over a century by some families. Difficult to access, especially on strong winds, there are the greatest ecological diversity and the best evidence of the primitive state of the Magdalen Islands. Brion Island is divided into two main parts. One of them being the ecological reserve part, the largest with nearly 650 hectares. The other part, off-reserve which houses the lighthouse and a small beach, also allows the observation of rich flora and many species of birds, including the puffin monk.

3. Pointe-De-L'est National Wildlife Area

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This National Wildlife Area, located in the Grosse-Île area, is the remnant of a unique ecosystem in Quebec. Its 684 hectares include the typical landscape elements of the Magdalen Islands archipelago. This territory, protected and administered by Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service, is part of a network of eight National Wildlife Areas in Quebec. For many species of ducks and shorebirds, the reserve is an important staging area. During the nesting season, the presence of the Piping Plover and Horned Grebe is one of the major reasons justifying the protection of Pointe-de-l'Est's habitats, since they are part of the list of endangered birds.

4. Observation of White Coats

The harp seals come around the islands to give birth. Going to meet them will transform your life. Every year in early March, on the ice of the Gulf, hundreds of thousands of harps seals give birth to their pups, known as whitecoats, on the pack ice surrounding the Magdalen Islands. A panoramic landscape of ice and snow animated by the presence of this huge flock is breath-taking. It is the discovery of the Islands in a winter setting. You will be able to relish the tranquility of the pack ice, the silence of the winter broken by the song of these seals and their little ones all around you. You will never experience such an experience somewhere else.

5. Entry Island

The population of Entry Land is made up of some forty anglophone families. This is a small paradise for nature lovers. This is also where the highest peak of the islands, Big Hill, is located. From here you have a majestic view of the whole archipelago. It is important to mention for people who want to hike on the island that it is imperative to respect the private properties. Only the Ivan Quinn Trail, as well as community grazing, are accessible for bird watching. The only forest on the island is near the school. You can then stop there to see if there is any surprise, as this is a great place for spring and fall stopovers.

6. Boudreau Island

With an area of approximately 23 hectares, Boudreau Island is located on the southern part of Grande Entrée Island. It is actually a peninsula since it is accessible at all times by way of the West Basin and the beach of Bluff (2 km), and at low tide by the beach of the East Basin (3 km). It is in order to remove it from all forms of exploitation incompatible with its conservation that the Magdalen Islands Conservation Society has acquired it.

7. Nature Reserve of Demoiselles

Photo by CarlInP1ktur/shutterstock.com

Several beaten tracks crisscross these bald and rounded hills that overlook the sea and offer you breath-taking views of La Grave, Plaisance Bay, Entry Island and the endless blue sea. Go at sunset; you will not regret your walk-in nature. Nature Reserve is owned by the Magdalen Islands Conservation Society. If you go off the beaten track, stay away from the cliff. It descends steeply into the sea.

8. Ivan Quinn Trail

Photo by Angelique clic/shutterstock.com

The Entry Island charm you with its untouched nature, its landscapes with shimmering colors and hills. The Big Hill, the highest point of the archipelago with its 174 m high, will allow you to admire a breath-taking panorama. The trail leading to the top of the Big Hill was named in honor of Ivan Quinn, village mayor, grocer and musician, a colorful character who passed away in 2002.

9. Park of Havre Aubert Island

This trail is located at the back of the multifunctional center of Île du Havre-Aubert. Made up of short sections of forest trails, this 2.2 km network will allow you to appreciate the impressive plant diversity available in the Islands. You can take a wooden footbridge that cuts through a pretty swamp teeming with cattails and life. If you are serendipitous, you will meet a snowshoe hare, a species that has been on the islands in the past and whose population has been decimated. In 1994, it was the subject of a reintroduction project on the island from Havre Aubert.

10. Historical Museum of Entry Island

This museum was born following an introduction to the Heritage Committee of Entry Island. Housed in an old heath, the museum with its warm atmosphere owes its existence to the generosity of each member of the small community of the island who donated personal items.

◎Closing

For a complete change of scenery and holidays at a really different pace, nothing beats the Magdalen Islands. Whether you go there to play with the sea and the wind or to discover all the cultural wealth of an island people inhabited by the sea, you will come back the head full of memories and will have only one desire: to return!

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