Southwest Sights
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Port
Cap-aux-Meules, Iles de la Madeleine, Quebec, Canada
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$159.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
A visit to Le Site d'Autrefois village is a chance to discover the traditional fishermen's lifestyle of Madeleine. Meet Claude Bourgeois -- a former captain who started fishing at the age of 15 with his father. In 1990, his lobster fishing vessel sank in a storm. Claude pivoted to a landside career, opening Le Site d'Autrefois, inviting visitors into his passion for fishing, telling his story, demonstrating how to make nets and fish traps, and explaining the evolution of the fishing industry in the Islands. Step inside the many different buildings in this time-warp traditional settlement.
In the village of l'Étang des Caps, your guide points out the Dead Man's Islands -- site of many shipwrecks. A panoramic drive takes you past red sandstone cliffs and colorful houses dating back to the 19th century.
La Grave, in the southwestern Havre Aubert Islands, is a fascinating testament to the past and the Islands' first settlement. Today, restaurants, cafés, shops, museums, and a marina huddle here, near the beach.
The Atelier Cotier is a one-of-a-kind studio where sand from the Islands is transformed into unique sculptures. The Iles de la Madeleine sandcastle contest is held here every year in August. An artisan builds a sandcastle outside and happily shares the best tips and techniques with you, nudging you closer to "wow" in your castle-building future.
Spectacularly steep and jagged cliffs indent the north coast of the island. The Borgot Lighthouse sits prettily atop a striking examplar.
Notes:
Limited tourism infrastructure is part of the charm of Cap-aux-Meules. Transportation is by school bus; participants must be able to climb steep steps to (dis)embark the bus. Wear comfortable walking shoes.