Highlights along the Trans Canada TrailLearn More
Duration
7 days
Activities
  • 5 days self-guided hiking
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotels
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

$1760USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
Read More

Trip Code: MGD

Overview

Trip highlights

  • Lovely beach walks with magnificent coastal views
  • Weather-worn red sandstone cliffs and dunes
  • Artisans with open doors and fine local products
  • A lively fishing culture and heritage
  • Hilltop panoramas amidst forest and wind-swept fields
  • Scattered colourful houses with rural charm

The Magdalen Islands are a small and pristine archipelago that was initially settled by the Acadian people, whose vibrant, artistic culture lies at the roots of the communities that exist there today. Locals have recently created a long-distance hiking trail of 230 km throughout the archipelago where artisans will open their doors to passing travellers to share in their art, music, and culture. The full walking trail portrays the beautiful landscapes of each island haven that comprises the archipelago; featuring everything from long beach stretches to wind-swept fields of grass and flowers, to a small, pristine forest with a peaceful and enchanting lake, to the lively maritime communities that call it home. You will find that the art of the maritime island culture also extends to the local food and drink. You can still visit artisanal cheese makers and their ‘fromageries’, vineyards, honey producers and one remaining smokehouse that smokes the catch provided by the island’s many fishing vessels over maple-wood fires.

Activities:
Grading:
4

Introductory to Moderate

More info about grading system

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Welcome to Cap-aux-Meules Island, the gateway to the Magdalen Islands. Upon arrival you’ll make your way to your accommodations in the village of Cap-aux-Meules. Even serving as the center of the Islands’ services and administration, nature is never far away and plays a prominent role in island life on the archipelago. There are many paths along the coast and through the forest park near town. In case you’ve arrived with enough time to spare we’ve included directions for a lovely beach walk near your accommodations.

Meals:  Nil

Your first hike begins at the Site de La Côte, where you will encounter an iconic sculpture dedicated to the lives of hardworking maritime fishermen, the Monument aux pêcheurs. From here you will walk along the shoreline to Cap Hérissé where views of the area's lighthouse and the imposing cliffs of Belle-Anse await. After a walk through the townships of Fatima and Cap-Vert, the full hike runs through a diverse wetland area with salt marsh and freshwater marsh known as the Barachois on the way to l'Anse-aux-Baleiniers. At l'Anse-aux-Baleiniers you will find a beautiful beach and wooden walkways before being picked up and returned to your hotel where a gourmet restaurant experience awaits, with locally sourced ingredients.

Meals:  B,L,D

Start out the day with a transfer to Du Havre Beach. This famous beach, also known as Sandy Hook, is the site of the archipelago's annual sand castle contest and features kilometres of golden sand between Bout du Banc Point and the edge of the lake known as Le Bassin. Your hike takes you to an ascent of 'Les Demoiselles' Nature Reserve. 'Les Demoiselles' consists of a set of bald, windswept hills with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. After taking in the views, you descend towards the historic site of La Grave. La Grave showcases the authentic past of the isles, portraying the maritime culture of the old port town through a variety of activities and businesses. The various restaurants, cafés, stores, and cultural sites will immerse you in islander life.

Meals:  B,L,D

After your morning trailhead transfer, you will be hiking on one of the most beautiful islands of the archipelago, the island of Havre aux Maisons. The island offers a treeless but colourful landscape where worn red cliffs, windswept meadows and brightly painted houses are prominent. While the island itself hosts a variety of trades and activities such as fishing and the smoking of herring, farming and apiculture (the science and art of raising honey bees!), you'll be dropped off at the more remote north end of the island for a stunning walk of Dune du Sud Beach.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your day kicks off with a shuttle to West Bassin Beach on Grande Entrée Island. From here you set off on a short out-and-back hike to Boudreau 'Island' (which is actually just a peninsula off Grande Entrée Island). This scenic peninsula is less crowded and is limited solely to hikers. As a result it typically makes for some of the most unspoiled coastal views that you will experience during your stay. After turning around, you will hike west on a coastal and beachside trail with interesting red sandstone formations until you loop to the north and observe the coast from the opposite side of this island. Today you'll be hiking right back to your accommodation where a 4-course dinner awaits.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you'll be hiking to Old Harry Beach and the coastline section that forms the East Point National Wildlife Reserve. Seals are known to frolic and play in the waters at the end of the beach. This extensive stretch of beach is host to a fragile living sand dune ecosystem which is essential to the stability of the dunes themselves. We ask that you avoid walking on the dunes themselves by using the marked path and access routes. After you are done exploring this diverse area, an ideal nesting habitat for the nationally endangered Piping Plover, the horned grebe, and other species of birds, there is specific route that will lead to your designated pick-up location nearby.

Meals:  B,L,D

Services conclude after your breakfast with a transfer back to your point of departure. We hope you enjoyed your stay on 'the Maggies' as the locals call them.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
  • 6 nights accommodation at double occupancy with private ensuite facilities
  • Shuttles between accommodations and the airport or ferry terminal
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece per person, not exceeding 45lbs/20kg)
  • Transfers to/from trailheads as indicated in itinerary
  • Navigation APP inclusive of detailed route notes and points of interest (available offline while hiking)

  • Travel to/from the Magdalen Islands
  • Guide (this is a self-guided tour)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Unscheduled transfers requested during the trip
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities for your service providers
  • Applicable taxes

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

Introductory to moderate. Daily walks are between 7km and 16km with flexible distances that can be shortened or lengthened as needed when you arrange your pick-up with your transfer providers at the end of each daily hike. The well-marked trails go around the islands over natural and groomed trails with some back roads and long stretches of beaches. Trail ranges over diverse terrain from relatively flat to short, steep sections near isolated hills. Avoid approaching any coastal cliffs whose overhangs can be unstable or treacherous. You should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters and rolling ankles. This is not a trip for breaking in new hiking boots! Be sure you have tried and tested your boots in wet conditions and over uneven terrain. Route finding will be reasonably straightforward (refer to information regarding self-guided adventures) but days are long and weather conditions will be variable, likely windy. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all the views, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Self-guided walking requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self-guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if as the vast majority of our first-time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide local contact information in the event of any problems. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self-guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self-guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.

Departure dates

Daily from mid-May through mid-Oct

Dates or itinerary don't fit?

Create a custom made itinerary for the perfect adventure. Choose when you travel, what you see and where you go.

Priceper person from

$1760USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$850
* Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

Innovative Itineraries

We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in Canada, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.

ECO Friendly

We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.