Quebec: The Magdalen Islands Multi-sport
Bike, Hike, Seakayak, Kite Buggy
A seven day, relaxed adventure by bike, sea-kayak and on foot, with an introduction to kite-buggying, and options including cave swimming, kite surfing, sailing, and snorkeling with seals. Excellent for custom groups, with families, or combined with PEI adventures.
This is a relaxing adventure with pleasure and thrills in the magical Îles de la Madeleine. Connected by long, thin, sand dunes to form a crescent in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this archipelago is a summer paradise for activity, shrouded in the mystery that comes only with the isolation these islands enjoy. You will explore a new island each day, using a mix of activities. As well as the familiar cycling and walking, you will have opportunities to surf on the waves in your kayak, and to harness the wind for an exciting ride on the sand in a tiny, kite-propelled buggy! There are so many to choose from, you can also mix activities based on your whims if you prefer not to follow the plan. The adventure starts with a ferry trip from Prince Edward Island across the warm Gulf waters, in time for a wonderful introduction to the fabulous French cuisine. Your guided exploration will commence the following morning, and your days will give you an appetite for the fabulous cuisine you’ll enjoy each evening. The landscape here is wild and fragile. The people, mainly of Acadian descent, mixed with shipwreck survivors who never left, have a strong heritage: French is the first language of the majority of the Madelinots, with an Anglophone minority population, and fishing is still their predominant way of life. Honest, hardworking, and friendly, they welcome visitors to share the special pleasure of their uniquely isolated, very Acadian lifestyle. Superb food, good humour, unusual thrills, and some of the longest and nicest beaches you'll ever see, are the highlights. Come and discover the magic.
Preceding this trip with the PEI cycling adventure makes an excellent combination that flows seamlessly into one 11-day adventure. We will look after the details for you if you book both trips.
The Plan:
Day 1:
Transfer from Charlottetown at noon, or meet in Souris at 13:00 for the 14:00 ferry to Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. After dinner, visit the Café de La Grave, where the locals gather in the evening for music and laughter. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only.)
Auberge Chez Denis à François; or
Havre Sur Mer, Havre Aubert, www.havresurmer.com
Day 2: 30km/19 mi bike ride or 15km/10 mi walk, and an afternoon of kayaking
Morning ride or walk around the roads of the southernmost island, Île du Havre Aubert. The natural harbour at Havre Aubert is surrounded by round hills called "Les Demoiselles". The nearby historical site of La Grave is a fascinating highlight to a morning on quiet rolling roads, grassy seaside meadows, and sandy beaches. In the afternoon explore gorgeously red sandstone cliffs and calm lagoons by kayak. Reward yourself with a drink and pastry at a café before choosing from exquisite restaurants for dinner. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: 5km/3 mi hilly walk and island exploration, with optional alternatives
Cross to Anglophone Île d’Entrée by small boat, for exploration on foot of this hilly, emerald island. The unobstructed view from the pinnacle of the island is the finest. If you prefer, you can have a day to yourself, to play nine holes of golf, go horseback riding, go snorkelling with seals, or try swimming through sea-caves. BD
Same lodging
Day 4: 35km/22 mi bike ride and kite buggying
Ride northward to Île du Cap aux Meules with a stop in L’Étang-du-Nord for a picnic at the scenic lookoff at Cap du Phare – Lighthouse Cape. After lunch, get ready for an exciting afternoon of kite-surfing or kite-buggying. This new and increasingly popular sport will leave you wanting more, and the Magdalen Islands are the perfect spot to try it out. Kite buggies can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what level of experience, after an introduction to power kiting. Some may choose a tandem experience with an instructor. Kite surfing demands more time, strength, or familiarity. We provide the introduction, and if you are a quick learner, the start to kite buggying. It’s addictive. You will probably want more, and will have the opportunity tomorrow or the next day to have it! Tonight’s dinner options are amongst the finest of Atlantic Canada, and there are nightlife options for those so inclined. BL
Domaine du Vieux Couvent, www.domaineduvieuxcouvent.com; or
Auberge de la Petite Baie, Havre aux Maisons, www3.telebecinternet.com/auberge.petitebaie
Day 5: 40 to 100km/25 to 60 mi ride and 15km/10 mi walk
Cyclists will ride north along the beach and dunes to Ile aux Loups, Grosse Ile, and the Point de l'Est bird sanctuary. You will have a French picnic lunch in an idyllic meadow with a panoramic view, on the northernmost populated island of the archipelago. Walkers will transfer to the Point de l’Est bird sanctuary, and will spend the day walking the perimeter of the sanctuary on wide, gorgeous sand beaches, with forays into the interior to look for birds among the woods and barachois. BL
Same lodging
Day 6: Extra day for options! As you will have realized by now, this is a place to linger and savour. We include an extra day with limited structure for you to pursue whatever options make you happiest. Many want more kite buggying. Some want more cycling or beach time. Others want to re-visit their favourite café, to play in the waves and bask at the beach, or walking on the cliffs. Your inn is in a central location, within reach of most islands by bike or van. You choose; we facilitate! This can be the most enjoyable day of your holiday, and we look forward to helping make it satisfying for you. If you prefer, leave the choice to us and we will surprise you with a carefully considered combination of activities guaranteed to leave you pleasantly tired and ready for a final dinner on Les Iles. BD
Same lodging
Day 7: Early morning ferry back to PEI. After lunch on board, you will arrive in Souris by 14:00, and will commence the 45-minute drive to Charlottetown right away. Finish in Charlottetown by about 15:00. B
The Details:
| Start: | Charlottetown, PEI 12:00noon or Souris, PEI 13:00 day one. |
| Finish: | Souris14:00 or Charlottetown 15:00, day seven. |
| Guided Cost: | $2795 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, ferries, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps and route notes, sea kayaking, kite buggy introduction) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2295 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, ferries, sea kayaking, kite buggy introduction, luggage transfers, maps and route notes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $445 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Aug 27-Sep 2; Sep 3-9. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departure, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jun 25-Jul 1; Jul 2-8; Jul 9-15; Jul 23-29; Aug 6-12; Aug 13-19; Aug 27-Sep 2; Sep 3-9 . Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departure, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are mid-June to mid-September. |
| Similar Trips: | PEI: Sideroads or Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Island Multisport |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 5% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
