14 mistakes to avoid on your first visit to the Maggies

Alas, as in many popular destinations, accommodation on the Magdalen Islands fills up fast in summer. Arriving in high season without a reservation means looking for trouble, as they say, because there may be nothing available.

If there are any accommodations left at the last minute due to cancellations, you’ll have to compromise and will most likely pay more than budgeted. If you like everything “set in stone”, booking transportation, lodging and car rentals is the only way to come during high season!

The above remains true, but you don’t always have to book a year in advance if you’re flexible. First of all, cancellations do happen, so subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out on any spontaneous announcements.

You should also be aware that night crossings are added in May-June, so the ferry sells out quickly before then. If you can live with a little uncertainty, it’s a 2nd wave of bookings possible for summer plans.

Contact our concierge too; if you’re flexible, we can often arrange something for you! From time to time, we add new homes to the Maison Mer collection, opening up new possibilities for your stay. We can also help you find a rental car with a few Madelinot tips, whenever possible!

Transportation is an important factor in planning a trip to the Magdalen Islands. Ferry bookings open in two phases, fall and spring. So it’s best to plan your transportation in the fall to catch the first daytime crossings.

As for air travel with Pascal, PAL Airlines and Air Canada, it’s easier to find tickets even a few days in advance. The risk is that you won’t be able to find transportation or accommodation, so be on the lookout before you book.

Added to this is the need to have a plan B if wind, weather or delays/cancellations disrupt your itinerary (especially out of season). If you’re traveling by bike or scooter, you’ll also need to think about the Islands’ notorious wind!

The archipelago abounds in treasures and landscapes year-round for those who know how to explore them! Whether it’s cocooning in winter, hiking in autumn or cage launching in May, you don’t need to be in the summer to enjoy this destination.

Off-season travel lets you discover exceptional homes at lower prices, avoid crowds in restaurants and, above all, enjoy relaxed Magdalen Islanders. They’ll have more time to chat with you. In my opinion, that’s the real reward of a trip to the Islands!

How often people arrive in the Islands and are surprised by the distances! It’s unrealistic to think you can do everything on foot or even by bike. Route 199 stretches from Havre-Aubert to Grande-Entrée for some 85 kilometers, crossing all kinds of landscapes. Then there are the side roads, buttes and dunes as far as the eye can see.

So it’s best to draw up an itinerary to explore one island at a time, and avoid the many time-wasting round-trips in a day!

Summer and winter alike, the wind blows in the Islands. So don’t forget to bring a windbreaker even when the sun heats up your skin, and a light jacket in the evening. You can also adapt your luggage using the onion-skin technique, as the weather changes rapidly on the Islands, sometimes in the space of minutes.

This famous wind also changes the way you enjoy the beaches, which change their atmosphere according to the wind’s direction. The weather can also force you to cancel or reschedule marine activities (kayaking, SUP, crossing to Entry Island, etc.). These are often confirmed at the last minute, so you need to be flexible and take your time.

If you choose to visit the archipelago in summer, you should be aware that most restaurants require reservations well in advance (some as early as April).

You’ll find it hard to eat on the go at any of the restaurants, and in the off-season, some close altogether or operate on reduced hours.

That said, restaurants aren’t the only place to get your fill! Opt for fresh produce from Fromagerie du Pied-de-Vent, Fumoir d’Antan, Boucherie Côte-à-Côte,Épicerie Jalco, Boulangerie Madelon, various local COOPs and more!

Although the Îles de la Madeleine are a natural paradise, there are a few safety rules to follow for a great vacation:

Trying to do everything in 3 days is simply impossible. If your vacation is short, target specific areas instead of trying to do everything. On the Islands, you don’t have time, you have time. You’ll hear that a lot. Running is not doing this place justice. Remember to make time to just be.

Bring a light or windproof coat even in summer, as well as warmer layers for cooler evenings. Sunscreen and lip balm are a must, as is moisturizer, as the wind is extremely drying. A cap also comes in handy against sunburn.

Since free access to nature is a matter of course in the Islands, it’s important to respect the environment:

There’s no need to bring your pet; the Islands are very dog-friendly. The ferry is perfect for larger dogs that don’t travel as well by plane, and we offer several dog-friendly accommodations.

There’s more to see than La Grave and Cap-aux-Meules! Go to the Coop and the mall like the locals, then meet the locals. Ask people you meet what to do in their townships. They’ll be happy to guide you.

Chat with the fishermen on the docks, talk to the people around you at the café. This is where you’ll discover little-known places that will take you out of the Instagrammable spots.

On your first trip, you want to see it all, do it all, experience it all. It’s during this trip that you realize it’s impossible, and you learn not to worry. And why? Because you fall in love with the archipelago every time.

Visiting the Magdalen Islands for the first time means accepting to slow down, adapt and let the wind take you, literally and figuratively. By avoiding these few common pitfalls, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother and, above all, more memorable stay.