Magdalen Islands, coast

(continuer en français) – Last updated: February 10, 2022

Anse-à-la-Cabane Lighthouse, Magdalen Islands, QC

The Magdalen Islands Archipelago is located 133 miles, 215 kilometres, off the coast of the Gaspé Peninsula in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and has been part of Quebec since 1774. The Islands represent the emerged part of shallow waters that caused many shipwrecks, more than 400 have been recorded. There are many stories of shipwrecked people who ended up settling on the Islands and of houses built with pieces of wreckage. The construction of lighthouses became a necessity very early on.

Magdalen Islands, QC

Cape Alright Lighthouse, Magdalen Islands, QC

The Coast at Fatima, Cape-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands, QC

All the inhabited islands of the archipelago except one, Entrée Island, are linked by long sand dunes, the Magdalen Islands have more than 190 miles, 300 kilometres, of beach.

Aerial view, Magdalen Islands, QC

Dune du Sud, House Harbour, Magdalen Islands, QC

The path to the beach, Havre-Aubert, Magdalen Islands, QC

Dunes and beaches are nowadays places associated with relaxation and holidays.

Plage de l’Ouest, Havre-Aubert, Magdalen Islands, QC

Pointe Basse, Magdalen Islands, QC

Plage de l’Ouest, Havre-Aubert, Magdalen Islands, QC

If the weather is not always ideal, there is always a way to enjoy this invigorating place. In July and August, temperatures generally exceed 20 degrees Celsius.

Plage du Havre, Havre-Aubert, Magdalen Islands, QC

Elsewhere the beaches are backed by small cliffs.

Plage de l’Echouerie, Havre-aux-Maisons, Magdalen Islands, QC

Pointe-Basse, Havre-aux-Maisons, Magdalen Islands, QC

Anse à Damase, Havre-aux-Maisons, Magdalen Islands, QC

The most spectacular cliffs have a beautiful red coloration given by the quartz covered with iron oxide. The last light of day makes the red even more intense.