Whether you’re travelling with a baby, curious young children, adventure-hungry teenagers or even several generations at once, the islands offer a multitude of activities adapted to each age. Between safe beaches, gourmet discoveries, outdoor excursions and moments of pure letting go, each member of the family will find what they are looking for.
To get the most out of the experience, plan a stay of at least one week, ideally two. The summer months are perfect for swimming and water activities, but late spring and early fall reveal a quieter and more intimate atmosphere, perfect for exploring and enjoying the islands in a different way!
First, why are the islands ideal for families?
Parents and children alike love this territory because everything here invites you to slow down and enjoy the present moment. After all, on the islands, “we don’t have the time, we have time!” The destination stands out for its slower and definitely soothing pace of life, as well as its wide open spaces where young and old can run, play and breathe deeply.
Surrounded by the sea, the Îles de la Madeleine with your family offer a safe horizon and an unparalleled natural playground at all times. Since there is little traffic, getting around is simple and pleasant, even with young children.
Finally, the maritime climate makes summers mild and comfortable: warm enough to enjoy the beach and outdoor activities, but far from the oppressive heat waves of the mainland.
What is the best beach in the Magdalen Islands with your family?
As a family in the Magdalen Islands, each beach has its own charm and some are particularly suitable for the age of the children and the type of experience they are looking for. Here are our suggestions:
Belvedere Beach (Basin)
A small, discreet beach with a well-kept secret, Belvedere Beach is perfect for young children thanks to its gentle waves and gradual entry into the water.
Access is easy by car with parking nearby, ideal even with a stroller. Note that there are few services on site, so bring snacks, water and umbrella. This island beach is suitable for all ages of children.
Insider tip: Settle in the morning to enjoy the calm and golden light before the zenith can redden your skin.
South Dune (Havre-aux-Maisons)
Famous for its red cliffs and natural caves that provide shade and shelter from the wind, the Dune du Sud offers a beach that is very popular with families.
There is a large parking lot where a succulent pancake restaurant is located, then toilets near the accessible descent to the sand.
Insider tip: plan your visit at low tide to easily enter the caves and enjoy a larger beach area!
Variation: the Cormorandière beach, a little further away, is quieter, but it does not have caves.
Dune du Nord/Anse aux Baleiniers (Fatima)
A large family beach known for its playground, the Dune du Nord is always a hit with young and old alike.
Not only does the beach stretch for several kilometers of “holy peace”, it is bordered by dunes at the foot of which to rest. The slow descent of the seabed also allows the youngest to have fun in complete safety while the parents relax.
The parking area offers direct access to the beach, but also washrooms, a snack bar, an ice cream parlour and even a bar where you can sip a cocktail while the kids have fun in the park.
Insider tip: in the late afternoon, the light is beautiful and the wind often drops a little, perfect for extending the swim until the spectacular sunset.
Sandy Hook (Havre-Aubert)
A must-see for creative families, Sandy Hook Beach has been hosting the sandcastle contest for the past few decades (edition to be confirmed for 2026). Do not be afraid if you come at any other time; Even without this famous event, children love to have fun with the fine, white sand.
With direct access to the beach from parking lots and endless miles of white sand, the place is suitable for all ages, but especially for those who don’t want to share their piece of sand. You only have to walk a few minutes to be alone in the world.
Insider tip: Walk to the point to take in one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Islands; it’s called the End of the Bench and it’s even possible to get there by tractor!
What are the must-do activities for children?
The archipelago is full of experiences to live, rain or shine, twelve months a year. Here are some of our favourite activities to do in the Magdalen Islands during a family trip.
With toddlers and young children
After the beaches above that the little ones love, I would recommend you to put on your walking boots and go explore the different trails of the islands.
Put on your baby carrier or take out your stroller to go for a walk in the fresh air. Think of an easy hike to the Butte du Vent or L’Échouerie. Birds will make babies chirp, capes will impress parents, and wind will make your offspring sink into a deep outdoor nap!
Then come and see the little goats near Bassin, at the Fromagerie Les Biquettes à l’air, or the Wild Boars at Aucoin des Sangliers in Fatima.
End the day with a breathtaking sunset at the light du Borgot on the island of Cap-aux-Meules or at the Dune de l’Ouest in Bassin!
For the most active
If you’re more of a cycling enthusiast, think of the tour of the Bay or the Petite Baie, a segment of the Quebec Route verte or the east of the islands, for the older ones. You can find several tour suggestions here.
Didn’t bring your bikes? Our partner Vélo Évasion rents it and you even get a 10% discount as well as free delivery to your Maison Mer accommodation!
For children who love water
In the heart of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, there is no shortage of outings on the water! Here are two favorites:
- Hop aboard a kayak or a SUP in the Petite Baie de Havre-aux-Maisons at Cindy Hook Sports Aventure or head to the caves at Parc de Gros-Cap.
- Let a captain from Excursions en mer reveal the surprises of the Magdalen Islands coasts during a boat or zodiac trip that children will love. Who will see the seals first?
To learn and play with the family
Aeolus is king in the islands and kites are ideal accessories to furnish family afternoons! Stop by Au Gré du Vent in L’Étang-du-Nord to get one and, why not, take part in an activity to make your own flying object!
Another must-see of the islands is to take advantage of the hundreds of miles of sand to hone your sandcastle-building skills. Workshops offered at the Parc de Gros-Cap will teach you the basics of this activity, as well as the basics of cockle fishing. This sand hunt for molluscs will keep kids entertained for hours on the vast flats of the islands!
On the island of Le Havre aux Maisons, feel like a beekeeper during a workshop with the bees at Miel en mer during which you will be able to put on the white suit of the trade and live an original moment among the insects. Bonus: one of the most beautiful views of the archipelago!
A few minutes away, slightly older children will enjoy a visit to the brand new Lobster Interpretation Centre , which popularizes this fishery, which is so important for the islands, but also explains its reproduction. You will be able to see the different stages of growth through a microscope and in the growing tanks!
What to do in the Magdalen Islands with children when it rains?
We’ve put together a great list of suggestions for raining in the archipelago, but these favorites will especially appeal to kids:
- Play board games at Olyve in L'Étang-du-Nord, a game library with an alcohol-free bar to keep you hydrated.
- Take a tour of the Musée de la Mer at the historic site of La Grave, a must to understand the Magdalen Islands of yesterday and today.
- Discover the seals or seals that inhabit the Gulf of St. Lawrence in droves at the Seal Interpretation Centre in Grande-Entrée.
Favourite activities of teens and young adults
Are you visiting the Magdalen Islands with teenagers or young adults and wondering what to do with your family? Here are a few activities and attractions to please them!
- · There's nothing like launching yourself at the bottom of sandstone caves to experience the sea of the islands to its fullest! The activity of the Salicornia caves has something to keep its participants aged 14 and over on the edge of their seats; A day you won't soon forget!
- Do your teens love fishing? Go with Maxime from Interprétation Pêche en mer to titillate mackerel or learn the basics of lobster fishing! Otherwise, visit the Site of the Past to hear about the local palaver and the traditions of our sailors.
- Sign up the adults for a kitesurfing initiation with Plein Vent les Îles or Aérosport to tame the waves and gusts.
- Climb the Big Hill on a trip to Entry Island and tour this idyllic islet.
What restaurants are suitable for families?
It’s a well-known fact that Magdalen Islanders know how to enjoy good food and share it with travellers exploring the territory. Little eaters are not left out and we have put together a list of some kid-friendly restaurants to start your itinerary of the Magdalen Islands with your family:
- Pizza d'la Pointe (Havre-aux-Maisons) – pizza, seafood, family atmosphere
- Hook Café (Havre-aux-Maisons) – sandwiches, smoothies and coffees with beautiful, kid-friendly patio
- L'Îlot Café-Buvette (Cap-aux-Meules) – eco-responsible vegan café, appetizers and friendly terrace
- Wild Boars' Corner (Fatima) – snack bar near the beach and children's park
- Les Araynes (Havre-Aubert) – brunch, lunch, dinner
- Effet Mer (Havre-Aubert) – lobster rolls, fish & chips, family terrace
- Café de la Grave (Havre-Aubert) – festive and musical atmosphere, varied menu
- Cap Dauphin Fish Shack (Grosse-Île) – snack bar and fresh seafood on the terrace
Takeaway Addresses
- Boucherie Côte-à-Côte (Cap-aux-Meules) – daily specials, marinated meats, terrines and rillettes, charcuterie
- Boulangerie La Maisonnée (Cap-aux-Meules) - daily specials, pastries, salads and sandwiches, frozen meals
- Marché La Grande Bouffe (L'Étang-du-Nord) - frozen and ready-to-eat meals
- Fruits de mer Madeleine (L'Étang-du-Nord) – fresh lobster, cod cakes and various seafood
Sweets, desserts and delicacies
- Hélène des Îles (Havre-aux-Maisons) – artisanal pastries, homemade pastries
- O'Glaces (Havre-Aubert) – frozen yogurt and local ice cream, varied choice
- Grandma's Bakery (Old Harry) - bread, cookies and desserts from our grandmothers
Our family-friendly services
As you can see, the Magdalen Islands are a perfect destination for family trips. Maison Mer also offers a host of advantages for a stay with children, including personalized advice before arrival to choose your accommodation according to your needs. You’ll also have direct access to a concierge to book activities and help you plan your trip.
Some of our accommodations have even been designed specifically for families! Here are some of them:
Most of our accommodations include playpens, high chair and booster, stroller, children’s crockery, board games, various baby equipment, inflatable pool, outdoor toys, etc. Ask us which ones have the equipment you will need to have a perfect stay in the archipelago!
In the Magdalen Islands, every day with the family becomes a simple and memorable adventure! Between endless beaches, gourmet discoveries and a warm welcome, you will leave with a full heart and a light mind.
See you soon!
Dream vacation in the Maggies
The Maison Mer collection brings together inspiring and elegant addresses, where every detail has been thought of to make your stay a truly enchanted interlude. Each location has been hand-picked with care and attention!
