Things to do in the Magdalen Islands when it rains

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Magdalen Islands with a visit to the Musée de la Mer. This captivating museum will take you through the region’s rich maritime past, with interactive exhibits, marine artifacts and stories of famous shipwrecks. It’s a perfect activity for history buffs and families alike, offering an educational opportunity while remaining sheltered from the elements.

For a taste of local life, head for the Place des Îles shopping center. What’s special about this mall, unlike those found on the mainland, is that many of the businesses it houses are local, rather than multinational chains. So it’s a great place to do some shopping and support Magdalen merchants while staying out of the rain.

The Magdalen Islands offer a multitude of charming boutiques where you can find local products, crafts, clothing and much more. Discover our favorite boutiques in the Coups des Coeur list.

What better way to brighten up a rainy day than with a good craft beer? The À l’abri de la Tempête microbrewery is the ideal place to sample unique local beers, made with ingredients from the archipelago. Enjoy the warm atmosphere of the brewery while learning about the beer-making process. You can even take a few bottles home as a souvenir!

The borough of Bassin, on the island of Havre Aubert, is full of artists’ studios to discover. Starting at Maison Papier, an art boutique/gallery offering paper reproductions of works by Magdalen artists, you can move on to ceramist Patrick Leblond‘s studio, or Julien Livernois’ La mémoire et la Mer gallery. This tour, also known as the Canyon Loop, is an excellent way to meet the artists, understand their inspirations and leave with a unique souvenir of the Magdalen Islands.

There are a growing number of cafés on the islands, so take your pick and order a hot drink! On Île du Havre Aubert, you can visit Raméa, Maison Papier (the boutique of the Petit hôtel de la Montagne) or Café de la Grave. On the central island you will find Café des Lupins, Theresa or L’Îlot, not to forget Olyve, a perfect spot for board game enthusiasts.

The Centre d’interprétation du phoque in Grande-Entrée offers a fascinating look into the world of seals — their habitat, their role in Madelinot culture, and the issues that surround them. A must-visit to better understand the deep connection between the people of the Islands and the sea.