Winter in the Islands: A Natural Ballet on the Ice Floes

In the heart of winter, the Magdalen Islands transform into a magical landscape, where nature offers a spectacle of rare beauty. The Greenland seals, nomads of the seas, migrate south and return each year to give birth to their pups on the vast ice floes surrounding the archipelago. It’s a magical moment when marine life reveals itself in all its splendor. The seal pups, still covered in their soft white fur, move underwater with incomparable grace, offering observers an aquatic dance akin to a ballet.
The winter scenery is breathtaking: tall red sandstone cliffs rise proudly above the vast, pristine ice floes, while snowy hills and valleys invite contemplation. Life slows down here, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the Madelinots, renowned for their hospitality. Local festivities, such as the Mi-Carême carnival, add a touch of warmth and joy to the winter season.

Spring in the Islands: The Awakening of Nature and Community

Spring in the Magdalen Islands is a season of renewal, where nature and the community awaken together. Fishermen return to the sea, landscapes regain their vibrant colors, and the fresh sea air promises the first catches of the season. It’s a time of abundance and freshness for seafood, with the first lobsters of the province being fished in these rich waters.
For birdwatching enthusiasts, spring is also an opportunity to see hundreds of migratory bird species that stop at the Islands. From little auks to black-legged kittiwakes and thick-billed murres, bird lovers will be captivated by the diversity of species. Spring in the Islands is when life returns, and you can feel the energy of nature and the residents revive with the return of sunny days.

Fall in the Islands: A Season of Color and Camaraderie

Fall in the Magdalen Islands is a season where nature seems to dress in its finest. The autumn colors are more vivid here than anywhere else in Quebec, offering a stunning visual display. The soft, golden light typical of the season creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for gathering.
It’s also the ideal time to enjoy off-season activities that make this period so special.
Here are some of our favorite activities to experience during your visit:

• La Buvette Crabe-Phare: An iconic spot where you can savor fresh, local products in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Boldly, the owners chose to only open during the off-season, reserving summer to recharge and stock up on fresh products and energy.
• Improv at Flotille: The Madelinot Improv League takes over the Flotille bookstore. This event, which has become a tradition, transforms the bookstore into a festive space where literary improvisation comes to life. Come explore the literary world through colorful improvisations while sipping a drink at the bar.
• Seal Feast Rendezvous: In March, this event celebrates this rare and prized dish, prepared both traditionally and in modern ways. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of the Islands and enjoy a gourmet moment in the heart of the off-season.
• Stormy Day Gatherings: Enjoy cozy evenings of board games and chats, where you take the time to reconnect and share.
• Eel Fishing: A winter fishing tradition, practiced when the ice is thick enough, using a harpoon that’s 5 to 8 meters long. The eel, a delicacy, delights connoisseurs and represents a unique winter tradition in the Islands.

These exclusive activities, steeped in local culture, will make your stay in the Magdalen Islands unforgettable, no matter the season.

Check our off-season availability—we’re waiting for you!