Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Morning departure and day on the road to head to Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Several stops are planned along the way. Installation in a Moncton hotel and free evening on site to rest.

Continue on your way to Les Îles, passing the Confederation Bridge and Prince Edward Island. You will also take the ferry from Souris to Cap-aux-Meules, an activity in itself! Take advantage of the seascape to soak up the Islands, which will soon be under your feet. Once at your destination, check in at the hotel.

In the morning, meet your local guide who will proudly show you around his part of the country in the coming days. This morning, discover the central part of the islands, made up of the municipalities of Fatima, Étang-du-Nord and Cap aux Meules. You will see, among others, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima with its stylized shape of a shell, the superb red earth cliffs at Belle-Anse as well as a church of La Vernière, the second wooden church in importance in North America in terms of its size. In the afternoon, discover a section of the western part of the islands, namely Havre-Aubert with its historic site of La Grave, testifying to the time of the settlement of the islands and the fishing industry. A visit to the former site is also planned. Come and dive into the Madelinot and Acadian culture, being warmly accompanied by Claude F. Bourgeois, a former Madelinot fisherman who transmits his knowledge and his passion through his stories and his music. An exceptional experience! In the evening, attend the (optional) show “Bienvenue chez Tante Emma!”.

Today, day two of the guided tour of the islands: Havre-aux-Maisons, Quai de la Pointe, Parc de l’Échouerie and Dune-du-Sud beach. A visit to the old smokehouse is also planned to discover a traditional smoking site. The Arseneaus have now smoked herring, mackerel, salmon and scallops for three generations. In the afternoon, you will visit the Seal Interpretation Center. Find out all there is to know about the biology, environment, migration, hunting, processing (leather, pulpit, oil), controversy and the management of the seal resource. Then browse the municipalities of Grosse-Île and Grande-Entrée.

This morning, you will see the parish of Bassin, the quai de Millerand and the shop “La Baraque”. Then the afternoon is yours! Here is our suggestion: boat trip around the islands. Along the coast, an interpreter shares his experience and knowledge with you, telling you about the history of the Islands and its particular geology. You can also take this time to stroll and shop for wonderful souvenirs or even practice a sport such as kayaking, paddle boarding or “kite-surfing”.

It’s already time to pack your bags for the return trip! Day reserved for transportation to take the ferry back to the Confederation Bridge and to spend the night in Fredericton.

In the morning, departure from Fredericton for the return home. On the way, stop at Saint-Jean-Port-Joli for a guided tour and tasting at the general store: Le Moule à Sucre. Enjoy a unique shopping experience in a general store. Taste 4 to 5 different products from today’s terroir. Take part in a quiz on the land and Quebec heritage. Relax in a rural setting on the garden terrace or on the sides of the basin. A great way to end your trip, before returning home.