Havre-aux-Maisons Island Highlights
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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)
$190
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Havre-aux-Maisons Island is remarkable for its bare landscape; the scarcity of trees is due to extensive forestry during the 20th century. The island's smooth landscape stands out sharply against its startling red cliffs. The settlement of Havre-aux-Maisons is one of the most beautiful in the archipelago, with a charming rural character, winding roads, and pretty wooden houses scattered about like pebbles.is remarkable for its bare landscape; the scarcity of trees is due to extensive forestry during the 20th century. The island's smooth landscape stands out sharply against its startling red cliffs. The settlement of Havre-aux-Maisons is one of the most beautiful in the archipelago, with a charming rural character, winding roads, and pretty wooden houses scattered about like pebbles.
Visit the Culture du Large Oyster Farm & Interpretive Centre, entering under the sea corridor. Here, you head out onto the high seas and discover the oyster cages at the breeding site. Then, you'll take part in the popular activity of wearing a virtual reality helmet that takes you "aboard" the Marie-Gabriel I to discover lobster fishing. You will learn about lobster fishing, the mussels' culture and the oysters' culture. A degustation of the oyster La Trésor du Large is included with the visit.
Then, the roadside rest area at Dune-du-Sud gives access to a beautiful beach. Red cliffs sculpted by the sea shelter on one side of the beach and there are numerous holes and caves to explore.
Next, Cap-Alright Lighthouse 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.
Finally, the journey along Chemin Pointe-Basse Road is peppered with many examples of traditional local architecture, including simple houses and barns painted in a variety of bright colors, reflecting the Acadian and French origins of many of the islanders. Details include enclosed porches, corbels, verandas, and painted or stained cedar shingles.
Please note: Limited tourism infrastructure is part of Cap-aux-Meules' charm; transportation may be more basic than in other ports (school bus or similar).