Entry Island, a must-see day trip

“It’s a vestige of another era, wonderfully preserved by its residents. It reminds us of what the islands could have been like several decades ago and takes a look at the double insularity, an exceptional phenomenon in Quebec!” announces Olivier Renaud, his chest bulging with pride in his adopted island.

Olivier and his partner, Laurence Oligny-Roy, are part of this breath of fresh air breathed into the block by passionate young entrepreneurs who have come to settle there. The latter has launched the magnificent Nada eco atelier, an eco-responsible shop where you can find local creations without waste, while Olivier runs the cultural café-refreshment bar La Marina Entry Island, perfect for a tasty break with a view of the port. Musical entertainment, storytelling, relaxed atmosphere, local dishes of the day…

That’s not all about the island! Nebesna Tremblay of Esprit Nature, on the other hand, offers ready-to-eat picnic meals, outdoor yoga classes and even meditation in the middle of nature. All this in the heart of the island’s school, recently renovated; The school now houses a museum retracing the history of the place, as well as brand new sanitary facilities, welcome before or after a hike.

During your scouting tour from the school to the lonely little lighthouse, you’re likely to come across free-roaming cows grazing on the vibrant greenery of Entry Island.

By the way, speaking of greens, keep an eye out, because you might spot some young fishermen playing golf (yes, they have created an unusual mini course there!).

There are also quiet beaches on Île d’Entrée that are perfect for reading at the end of the day, although the gravel is not fine. The tranquility of the place more than compensates, believe me!

Island means water, so it will take you a boat to reach the port of Entry Island, which already adds a touch of adventure to your day trip.

Several options are available to you depending on whether you prefer a self-guided crossing, a sporty outing at the level of the waves or an immersion in the daily life of the fishermen during the crossing. Here are the details of these ways to cross:

For a first visit, I highly recommend the organized tour with a guide, as it allows you to better understand the island life, marine fauna and local legends, while leaving you free time to explore.

The local service provider Sea Excursions organizes daily trips to Entry Island during the summer months, by boat or zodiac.

The excursion with the Béatrice Hubert is ideal if you are travelling with your family, with a dog or with people with reduced mobility. It is also a great last-minute option when the sun is shining, as there is often room there, but also the most financially advantageous.

The outing lasts 5h30 in total, of which 3h30 is spent on the island, which is enough to climb the Big Hill, visit the museum in the old school, have a picnic and even stroll around a bit.

If you have sea legs and love thrills, the zodiac is for you. Before disembarking, we go around the entire island, walking along the cliffs and observing the seabirds. The experience is immersive and spectacular, but shorter once there: only 2h30 on foot devoted to the island, which may leave a taste of too little for some.

Get ready for a cool ride, even in the middle of summer!

Embark with Maxime Poirier, a well-known lobster fisherman (you may have seen him in La Course folle). His company, Interprétation Pêche en mer, invites you to experience a 4-hour excursion, including 2 hours on the island. Outings take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at 12:15 p.m.

Aboard the Mécatina V, his brand new boat, Maxime shares with passion his daily life as a fisherman during the crossing. It’s a great opportunity to experience the archipelago in a different way and to have direct contact with a sailor.

It is also possible to visit Entry Island aboard the Ivan Quinn, the public ferry operated by the CTMA, departing from the port of Cap-aux-Meules, from Monday to Saturday. Two crossings are offered each day, at 7:30 am and 3 pm, with returns at 9 am and 4:30 pm. You have to allow an hour to get there and I advise you to arrive at the dock at least twenty minutes early.

This option is perfect for those who want to stay longer on the island or discover it at their own pace. Dogs are allowed on a leash and bicycles are transported free of charge.

To reserve limited seats, call 1-888-986-3278 or 418-986-3278. Note that this ferry is not designed for motorized tourists, even if it carries residents’ cars.

Proximity to the island’s inhabitants is the key element of this means of transport. Whether you get on or not, the comings and goings of residents picking up their grocery or hardware orders at the port is most intriguing!

Finally, a few lucky people sometimes go to Entry Island in other ways: by boarding with a fisherman friend, or even by helicopter when the ice prevents any other crossing.

In the past, some locals crossed with their cars by an ice bridge… A documented adventure, but one that has nothing to do with a regular means of transportation in the 21st century, alas!

Yes, and the food is even very good! As soon as you arrive at the dock, a delicious smell will lead you directly to the family snack run by Brian Josey and his family. A simple, unpretentious, but warm address, just like the island.

It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat by getting off the ferry early or for lunch before heading out. In particular, it serves a breakfast sandwich that is popular with regulars, perfect for refueling before attacking the Big Hill.

Let’s not forget Esprit Nature and La Marina Entry Island, the businesses of the young entrepreneurs mentioned earlier! We love their granita, their ice cream and the healthy options that always go well with a cold beer from the Microbrasserie À l’abri de la Tempête. A small grocery store will also allow you to find the essentials for a picnic.

To my great dismay, there is officially no tourist accommodation for rent all year round on Entry Island… And perhaps that’s precisely what makes it so charming. Here, there are no hotels, no inns, no gîtes listed on the major platforms; The island keeps its simplicity and its own rhythm, away from the crowds.

That said, if you fall under the spell (like so many others before you) and dream of spending the night there, you should know that there are some exceptions. From time to time, some homes on the island are offered on Airbnb. These opportunities are rare, but they do exist. Ask residents who will have seasonal tips for you.

For the adventurous, it is sometimes possible to camp directly on the land of some locals. Just ask nicely. This is the spirit of the islands: the welcome is often warm, as long as you arrive with openness and kindness. Note, however, that there is no official camping infrastructure, so no services such as electricity or toilets.

A dormitory project in the island’s former school, now partially transformed into a heritage museum, has been under consideration for some time. This could open up new perspectives for hikers and the curious who want to soak up even more of the tranquil magic of the island… But it’s not in place yet.

In the meantime, Maison Mer accommodations are the perfect bases for this type of excursion from the port of Cap-aux-Meules! Discover also different types of accommodation in the Magdalen Islands to help you in your selection.