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Duration
7 days
Activities
  • 5 days self-guided hiking
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotels
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

$1560USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
Read More

Trip Code: MGD

Overview

Trip highlights

  • Lovely beach walks with magnificent coastal views
  • Weather-worn red sandstone cliffs and dunes
  • Artisans with open doors and fine local products
  • A lively fishing culture and heritage
  • Hilltop panoramas amidst forest and wind-swept fields
  • Scattered colourful houses with rural charm

The Magdalen Islands are a small and pristine archipelago that was initially settled by the Acadian people, whose vibrant, artistic culture lies at the roots of the communities that exist there today. Locals have recently created a long-distance hiking trail of 230 km throughout the archipelago where artisans will open their doors to passing travellers to share in their art, music, and culture. The full walking trail portrays the beautiful landscapes of each island haven that comprises the archipelago; featuring everything from long beach stretches to wind-swept fields of grass and flowers, to a small, pristine forest with a peaceful and enchanting lake, to the lively maritime communities that call it home. You will find that the art of the maritime island culture also extends to the local food and drink. You can still visit artisanal cheese makers and their ‘fromageries’, vineyards, honey producers and one remaining smokehouse that smokes the catch provided by the island’s many fishing vessels over maple-wood fires.

Activities:
Grading:
4

Introductory to Moderate

More info about grading system

Expand all | Collapse all

Welcome to Cap-aux-Meules Island, the gateway to the Magdalen Islands. Upon arrival you’ll make your way to your accommodations in the village of Cap-aux-Meules. Even serving as the center of the Islands’ services and administration, nature is never far away and plays a prominent role in island life on the archipelago. There are many paths along the coast and through the forest park near town. In case you’ve arrived with enough time to spare we’ve included directions for a lovely beach walk near your accommodations.

Meals:  Nil

After your morning trailhead transfer, you will be hiking on one of the most beautiful islands of the archipelago, the island of Havre aux Maisons. The island offers a treeless but colourful landscape where worn red cliffs, windswept meadows and brightly painted houses are prominent. It hosts a variety of trades and activities such as fishing and the smoking of herring, farming and apiculture (the science and art of raising honey bees!). We recommend visiting any of the island's locations that offer tours or little shops where you can purchase or sample some of the local goods. At the end of the day a transfer and a gourmet restaurant experience awaits, with locally sourced ingredients.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's hike begins at the Site de La Côte, where you will encounter an iconic sculpture dedicated to the lives of hardworking maritime fishermen, the Monument aux pêcheurs. From here you will walk along the shoreline to Cap Hérissé where views of the area's lighthouse and the imposing cliffs of Belle-Anse await. After a walk through the townships of Fatima and Cap-Vert, the full hike runs through a diverse wetland area with salt marsh and freshwater marsh known as the Barachois on the way to l'Anse-aux-Baleiniers. At l'Anse-aux-Baleiniers you will find a beautiful beach and wooden walkways before being picked up and returned to your hotel.

Meals:  B,L,D

Start your hike today by walking the 'Sentier du Littoral' and climbing the stairs to the viewing area near the port in Cap-aux-Meules to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Magdalen Islands. After walking along some quiet back roads you will reach the golden sands of the scenic 'La Martinique' beach. This extensive stretch of beach is host to a fragile living sand dune ecosystem which is essential to the stability of the dunes themselves. We ask that you avoid walking on the dunes themselves by using marked paths and access routes. After you are done exploring this diverse area, an ideal nesting habitat for the nationally endangered Piping Plover and other species of birds, there are various access routes that will lead to designated pick-up locations nearby.

Meals:  B,L,D

Start out the day with a hike of 'Les Demoiselles' Nature Reserve. 'Les Demoiselles' consists of a set of bald, windswept hills with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Your descent will take you past the historic site of La Grave and on to Du Havre Beach. This famous beach, also known as Sandy Hook, is the site of the archipelago's annual sand castle contest and features kilometres of golden sand between Bout du Banc Point and the edge of the lake known as Le Bassin. Our routing leads towards the lake before turning inland to follow the backroads and trails back to your accommodations.

Meals:  B,L

This day's hike starts by joining the scenic Lighthouse Path from your hotel. Here you will pass the Anse à la Cabane Lighthouse and William-Cormier Heritage Park. The park is a terrace in the shape of the Magdalen Islands that presents the proud history of the archipelago's seven lighthouses. Step onto the viewing platform nearby to take in the Gulf's expanse to the south before descending to Jean de Calcuta Beach. A short beach walk takes you to the harbour nearby before turning north to the heights of Butte à Willie, a small mountain or hill with spectacular views overlooking Havre-Aubert Island. Atop the hill we recommend following a short detour to the only alpine lake of the Magdalen Islands before descending back to your accommodation.

Meals:  Nil

Services conclude with a transfer back to your point of departure. We hope you enjoyed your stay on 'the Maggies' as the locals call them.

Meals:  Nil

Expand all | Collapse all

Welcome to Cap-aux-Meules Island, the gateway to the Magdalen Islands. Upon arrival you’ll make your way to your accommodations in the village of Cap-aux-Meules. Even serving as the center of the Islands’ services and administration, nature is never far away and plays a prominent role in island life on the archipelago. There are many paths along the coast and through the forest park near town. In case you’ve arrived with enough time to spare we’ve included directions for a lovely beach walk near your accommodations.

Meals:  Nil

After your morning trailhead transfer, you will be hiking on one of the most beautiful islands of the archipelago, the island of Havre aux Maisons. The island offers a treeless but colourful landscape where worn red cliffs, windswept meadows and brightly painted houses are prominent. It hosts a variety of trades and activities such as fishing and the smoking of herring, farming and apiculture (the science and art of raising honey bees!). We recommend visiting any of the island's locations that offer tours or little shops where you can purchase or sample some of the local goods. At the end of the day a transfer and a gourmet restaurant experience awaits, with locally sourced ingredients.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's hike begins at the Site de La Côte, where you will encounter an iconic sculpture dedicated to the lives of hardworking maritime fishermen, the Monument aux pêcheurs. From here you will walk along the shoreline to Cap Hérissé where views of the area's lighthouse and the imposing cliffs of Belle-Anse await. After a walk through the townships of Fatima and Cap-Vert, the full hike runs through a diverse wetland area with salt marsh and freshwater marsh known as the Barachois on the way to l'Anse-aux-Baleiniers. At l'Anse-aux-Baleiniers you will find a beautiful beach and wooden walkways before being picked up and returned to your hotel.

Meals:  B,L,D

Start your hike today by walking the 'Sentier du Littoral' and climbing the stairs to the viewing area near the port in Cap-aux-Meules to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Magdalen Islands. After walking along some quiet back roads you will reach the golden sands of the scenic 'La Martinique' beach. This extensive stretch of beach is host to a fragile living sand dune ecosystem which is essential to the stability of the dunes themselves. We ask that you avoid walking on the dunes themselves by using marked paths and access routes. After you are done exploring this diverse area, an ideal nesting habitat for the nationally endangered Piping Plover and other species of birds, there are various access routes that will lead to designated pick-up locations nearby.

Meals:  B,L,D

Start out the day with a hike of 'Les Demoiselles' Nature Reserve. 'Les Demoiselles' consists of a set of bald, windswept hills with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Your descent will take you to Du Havre Beach. This famous beach, also known as Sandy Hook, is the site of the archipelago's annual sand castle contest and features kilometres of golden sand between Bout du Banc Point and the edge of the lake known as Le Bassin. Our routing leads east before turning inland towards the historic site of La Grave.

Meals:  B,L,D

This day's hike starts by joining the scenic Lighthouse Path on Havre-Aubert Island. Here you will pass the Anse à la Cabane Lighthouse and William-Cormier Heritage Park. The park is a terrace in the shape of the Magdalen Islands that presents the proud history of the archipelago's seven lighthouses. Step onto the viewing platform nearby to take in the Gulf's expanse to the south before descending to Jean de Calcuta Beach. A short beach walk takes you to the harbour nearby before turning north to the heights of Butte à Willie, a small mountain or hill with spectacular views overlooking Havre-Aubert Island. Atop the hill we recommend following a short detour to the only alpine lake of the Magdalen Islands before descending back to your transfer pick-up location.

Meals:  B,L,D

Services conclude with a transfer back to your point of departure. We hope you enjoyed your stay on 'the Maggies' as the locals call them.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
  • 6 nights accommodation at double occupancy with private ensuite facilities
  • Shuttles between accommodations and the airport or ferry terminal
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece per person, not exceeding 45lbs/20kg)
  • Transfers to/from trailheads as indicated in itinerary
  • Navigation APP inclusive of detailed route notes and points of interest (available offline while hiking)

  • Travel to/from the Magdalen Islands
  • Guide (this is a self-guided tour)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Unscheduled transfers requested during the trip
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory)
  • Gratuities for your service providers
  • Applicable taxes

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

Introductory to moderate. Daily walks are between 8km and 22km with flexible distances that can be shortened as needed when you arrange your pick-up with your transfer providers at the end of each daily hike. The well-marked trails go around the islands over natural and groomed trails with some back roads and long stretches of beaches. Trail ranges over diverse terrain from relatively flat to short, steep sections near isolated hills. Avoid approaching any coastal cliffs whose overhangs can be unstable or treacherous. You should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters and rolling ankles. This is not a trip for breaking in new hiking boots! Be sure you have tried and tested your boots in wet conditions and over uneven terrain. Route finding will be reasonably straightforward (refer to information regarding self-guided adventures) but days are long and weather conditions will be variable, likely windy. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all the views, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Self-guided walking requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self-guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if as the vast majority of our first-time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide local contact information in the event of any problems. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self-guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self-guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.

Departure dates

Daily from mid-May through mid-Oct

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Priceper person from

$1560USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Secondary Itinerary - Double OccupancyUSD$290
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$880
  • Single SupplementUSD$880
  • Secondary Itinerary - Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$1270
  • Secondary Itinerary - Single SupplementUSD$1270
* Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

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Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

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Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

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