Getaway

The multi-hued islands

The Îles-de-la-Madeleine are six islands connected by sand dunes and a main road. They also include the Île Brion and Rocher-aux-Oiseaux ecological reserves, and Île d’Entrée, the Scottish and Anglophone bastion of the archipelago. This unique composition enhances the islands’ scenic beauty. The Îles-de-la-Madeleine are a perfect blend of three of the four elements: earth, air and water.

The islands in technicolour

Upon arriving at Cap-aux-Meules, you’ll be astonished by the yellows, reds, dazzling whites and greens that greet you. The Islanders are anything but dull! To brighten up their surroundings, the locals have peppered their land with wooden homes painted in lively colours. It’s as if the St. Lawrence River were spouting rainbows! Earthy ochre tones, brilliant turquoises and sky blues intensify these contrasts and add a finishing touch to the portrait begun by Mother Nature. The end result is a completely "Madeleinian" look!

Enjoy a gust of fresh air...

The Îles-de-la-Madeleine are the ideal spot for surfing or for being carried by a giant kite or rocked by waves during a unique excursion. If water’s not your thing, why not simply hop on your bike and make your own adventure?

The ever-present wind swirls about the archipelago like a gentle caress and offers the ideal excuse for "taking off." Windsurfers will experience a tough challenge, and sailors will see their skills put to the test by the bays, lagoons and high seas.

And then there’s kiting -- an activity no longer reserved for children. The Islanders have tamed Aeolus, the god of the winds. When his gusts hit the shores of the archipelago, extreme sports enthusiasts can take full advantage of the conditions to kitesurf among the waves or attain dizzying speeds travelling along the dunes in a kite buggy. You can even try speed sailing -- windsurfing on wheels! A number of companies offer the training required to operate these machines and, naturally, rent them out. At the end of August don’t miss the Rendez-vous Aventure (2007 edition--cancelled), a major event that attracts America’s top kitesurfers and windsurfers.

300 km (186 mi.) of beaches...

And nothing less! It’s no surprise that, every year, more than a hundred architects-for-a-day invade the beaches for a friendly sandcastle competition. No castles in the sky these, but real albeit ephemeral -- palaces that will live in your memory long after the sea has reclaimed them!

Yours is not the soul of a master builder? No problem! In August, the watery depths of the lagoons and bays can reach 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) and, with 300 km (186 mi.) of sandy beaches, the islands are a paradise for swimmers of every stripe. Picture yourself lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun’s rays...

A fantasy week

In Québec, "going to the islands" means only one thing: going to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine! It’s a complete change of scenery that’s sure to do you good! With the sea as the only horizon, a culture preserved from time and the charm of a vocabulary from another era, these islands are certainly worth the detour.

The undisputed realm of great dining revolving around Neptune’s harvest, the archipelago boasts numerous bistros and restaurants where scallops, lobster and shellfish adorn your plate and please your palate. To accommodate temporary Islanders, a comprehensive tourism infrastructure that respects the unique character of an environment guarded by locals for centuries has been set up. Add to this the warm welcome you’ll receive from the islands’ inhabitants and you’ll have an island stay that would please even Robinson Crusoe!

Address book

ACTIVITIES Aérosport Carrefour d’Aventure Kitesurfing: talk about simple - a surfboard and a kite. You’ll feel as though you have wings! Centre nautique de l’Istorlet Windsurfing classes and rentals, snorkelling with seals and much more! ATTRACTIONS Aquarium des Îles A must-see site! All there is to know about the sea life that populates the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Musée de la Mer (sea museum) The history of the islands from A to Z. Réserve écologique de l’Île-Brion (ecological reserve) This site offers the widest ecological diversity and the best example of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine in their natural state. The number of visitors is restricted. Excursions to this island are offered by two companies: Excursions en mer and Vert et Mer. Réserve nationale de faune de la Pointe-de-l’Est (wildlife reserve) 684 hectares (1,690 acres) featuring typical aspects of the islands’ environment. FLAVORS & SOUVENIRS Au Gré du Vent - 499, chemin Boisville-Ouest, Place du Marché, Étang-du-Nord. (418) 986-5069 Have you been bitten? This shop specializes in kites and even offers kite-making workshops to satisfy the Lindbergh in you. Économusée du sable Sand is a cottage industry on the islands. Those who craft it have an abundance of imagination and are waiting to teach you all about sculpting techniques. Verrerie La Méduse (glassware) Sand yet again, but this time it’s white hot and shaped into incredible vases and sculptures. Observe glass blowers as they practice their craft. L’Anse aux Herbes - 187, chemin Belle-Anse, Fatima. 418 986-3936 The flavours of the island can be found at this herb producer. Featured product: Mer et Terre seasoning, a delicate blend of island salt and fine herbs that, when added to the dishes you prepare at home, will bring back fond memories. Fromagerie du Pied-de-Vent Local cheese manufacturer where raw milk takes centre stage MARITIMES LINKS CTMA Vacancier This cruise leaves Montréal once a week for Cap-aux-Meules, with stopovers in Québec City and Matane, and takes two days to make the crossing. Ferry from Souris (Prince Edward Island) to Cap-aux-Meules Reservations mandatory

André Quenneville
2009-05-18