Îles de la Madeleine
You don’t have to go to the Caribbean to find a secluded white-sand beach. Quebec’s Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence offer several kilometres of white sand and sandstone cliffs, a peaceful retreat of eight major islands. Visitors discover the archipelago by hiking and biking the trails; taking to the sea with fishing, kayaking, windsurfing and boat tours; and learning about the region’s Mi’kmaq ancestry.
Must-do: It’s impossible to visit Îles de la Madeleine and not become engrossed in the area’s art galleries, craft studios and ceramic workshops. As well, you get in on some of the best home cooking you have ever tasted.
Best route: Air Canada flies to the islands during the summer, and the regional PAL Airlines makes regular flights in from destinations in Eastern Canada.
