Itinerary

DAY 1     Iles de la Madeleine, QC
Arrivals to the Magdalen Islands in the afternoon, check-in is after 3 p.m. Registration and orientation and time to get settled into your rooms. Learn a bit about the local language and some useful words and expressions to help you get along in French. After dinner you will enjoy a presentation on the "History of Magdalen Islands", learn about the French Acadian and the English community, their history, the evolution of fisheries and life on the islands.
Accommodations: La Salicorne

DAY 2     Iles de la Madeleine, QC
Today we travel by boat to Entry Island part of the Magdalen Islands accessible only by water. Visible as the first island when travelling by ferry from mainland, it can be identified by its lavishly tinted cliffs, the highest of which rises 559 feet from the sea, and is the highest point of land in the archipelago. Less than 130 residents of Scottish and English origin inhabit this unique island. After a picnic lunch our exploration of Entry Island continues and we learn more about the island and its inhabitants. Visit All Saints Community Church with its huge bronze weathered bell and handcarved wooden pulpit that came from the old Anglican church in Havre-Aubert, which was torn down in the early 1900's. The pulpit is over 100 years old and only two others like it are known to exist in Canada. At the museum, view artifacts and photographs depicting the islands' past and distinctive culture. Dinner at the inn is a traditional dish from the Magdalen Islands - Chiard (or salt meat stew) consisting of salt beef simmered with vegetables
Accommodations: La Salicorne

DAY 3     Iles de la Madeleine, QC
Experience Grand Entree and learn about today's fisheries with a retired fisherman. Everyone is to some extent a fisherman, or the wife or daughter of a fisherman, and not only does this activity generate the majority of the income on the islands, but it also shapes the lives of the population. Carpeted by meadows, the Île de Grande-Entrée is one of the greenest islands of its archipelago, and was the very last to become inhabited. Discover the largest fishing wharf in Quebec (the islands are part of the province of Quebec). This fishing port is crucial to the islands' economy, with a large fleet that catches more than half of the lobster necessary for the season. It has been referred to as Quebec's Lobster Capital.

This afternoon learn the history of the Bar Clams as well as the traditional clam digging procedure that the Madelinots have used for many years. Then try your hand at digging some clams for dinner. On the Magdalen Islands there are few species that people don't need to have a permit to fish. Clam digging is one of those species. All you need is a digging tool and a bucket to carry the clams ashore. (Time dependent on the tides). Enjoy a traditional lobster supper at the inn and learn the Madelinot way to eat lobsters. In the evening you will be captivated by our guest speaker, a story teller and sea captain who discusses traditional fishing skills such as making nets and lobster traps.
Accommodations: La Salicorne

DAY 4     Iles de la Madeleine, QC
Today we will discover some of the island's unique villages - from Point-aux-Loups to Cap-aux-Meules. It is the color that first strikes the visitor: the red cliffs, green hills, blue waters and the charming houses in rainbow hues! While passing through the various communities, discover the history of the Islands different accents, the landscapes, the island houses and the magical corners of our islands. After lunch we will visit La Grave, the arrival place of the Acadians. This unique historical site with its traditional character and architecture is a fascinating testimonial to the past. Extending over and around its pebble beach, La Grave was the site of the Islands' first settlement as well as the beginning of the archipelago's fishery. Learn about the history of these early settlers, meet the artists and craftspeople, visit a salt works, experience our history at the Musée de la Mer, discover our marine species at the Aquarium and take a stroll down the pedestrian footpath. See first hand the magic of sand as you discover the incredible art of Les Artisans du Sable. Our next stop is at L’'Etang du Nord for a look at the Côté "light du borgot", a beacon for boats in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This evening you will have an opportunity to take beautiful pictures of the maritime landscape and the glow of the setting sun on the ocean.
Accommodations: La Salicorne

DAY 5     Iles de la Madeleine, QC
Set out on a discovery of Old Harry and Grosse-île. Old Harry is a small hamlet on the north most island of the archipelago. Discover the English community in Old Harry and their rich environment. It has the oldest Anglican Church on the islands and is home to the National Wildlife Reserve of East Point, the islands largest natural reserve. Learn about the history of the walrus (seacow), the legendary shipwrecks and the Old Harry beach. At the Bassin, enjoy the 100% natural Mud Mask with the fine red mud dug on the island that rejuvenates your skin and leaves you feeling 10 years younger. If you allow the mud to dry in the sun, it washes off leaving your skin smooth and tingling. Discover the enchanting landscape of Boudreau Island and learn about the geology and formation of the Islands. Red sandstone, sand, beaches, sand dunes, and mobile dunes are prominent features of the Islands’ geology. On our final evening together we will begin with a clam tasting followed by our farewell dinner which will be Madelinot-style, pot-en pot (sea food pie) at the hotel. Enjoy an evening of live music and Island musicians. Learn the Island music; aing along to the Islands tunes as well as different tunes that you know.
Accommodations: La Salicorne

DAY 6     
We say our farewells after breakfast. Transfers to airport or ferry for those who made arrangements. Check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

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