A Taste of Iles de la Madeleine
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Port
Cap-aux-Meules, Iles de la Madeleine, Quebec, Canada
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
12,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$220
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Go beyond the ordinary to experience the culinary delights of both Havre-aux-Maisons Island and Cap-aux-Meules Island.
Havre-aux-Maisons Island is remarkable for its bare landscape -- the scarcity of trees is, for the most part, due to the clear-cut forestry practice of the last century. The island's smooth, green landscape stands out sharply against its careworn red cliffs. You'll notice a sweet rural character here, underscored by winding roads and timber houses dotted about the countryside.
Enjoy a tasty visit to the Pied-de-Vent Cheese Factory, where raw milk is used to produce Pied-de-Vent and Tomme des Demoiselles cheese. The latter is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese -- what do you think of it?
Next, you'll drive along Chemin Pointe-Basse -- a road peppered with many examples of traditional local architecture that reflect remnants of French, Acadian and New England influence. Pause at the Dune-du-Sud rest area to explore the beach, sheltered on one side by red cliffs sculpted by the elements.
Visit the Fumoir d'Antan Museum -- a typical smokehouse that showcases what was once an important industry in the region. As you taste salty smoked herring, you'll appreciate the island's passion for perfectly smoking and drying savory seafood. Herring, mackerel, salmon and scallops have been produced here for more than three generations.
Finally, you'll take photos at Cap-Alright Lighthouse, which offers a spectacular view over grey cliffs, Plaisance Bay and the outline of Entry Island. The lighthouse is the last one built on the islands, and it has changed little since its construction in 1928.
Please note: Limited tourism infrastructure is part of the charm here; transportation may be more basic than in other ports (school bus or similar). Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair.