Pink cliffs drop into deep waters. Golden seashores stretch for miles. Often referred to as Îles de l. a. Madeleine, the far flung Magdalen Islands are a part of Quebec Maritime and feature a novel and scrumptious meals tradition.
It’s now not simple to give an explanation for the Magdalen Islands, it’s the place isolation created one thing magical.
I’ve been chatting with media family members at Quebec Maritime for years about operating in combination as a result of I used to be loss of life to peer it for myself!
However as they are saying persistence is sour, however its fruit is good. This submit is in partnership with Le Québec maritime. It’s my favorite partnership genre as there used to be no itinerary, most effective tips as a result of they knew I didn’t wish to fail to see the most productive meals within the Magdalen islands.
Those Quebec Islands Have the Maximum Fascinating Tales
Often referred to as the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, this archipelago sits within the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 280 kilometers from the closest mainland. This remoteness formed the whole thing right here, together with the meals.
The Mi’kmaw Country knew those islands lengthy ahead of Europeans arrived. They referred to as the islands Munagesunok, that means “islands beat by means of the waves”. Archaeological proof displays Indigenous peoples used those islands seasonally for six,000 to ten,000 years, basically for summer season fishing.
Basque sailors got here subsequent within the sixteenth century, searching walrus. Then Jacques Cartier visited in 1534. Samuel de Champlain adopted in 1629. Every crew left its mark at the native meals tradition.
Then got here the Acadians, and their tale shapes the whole thing about those islands lately.
In 1755, the British started the Grand Dérangement, forcibly eliminating Acadians from their Maritime houses.
Some escaped the deportation and located shelter right here below harsh prerequisites, operating for service provider Richard Gridley. They hunted walrus and ran fisheries to live to tell the tale.
Extra Acadians arrived in 1789 after the French Revolution, this time from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Those households introduced their recipes, their French dialect, and their deep connection to the ocean. Lately, maximum Madelinots hint their roots to those Acadian settlers.
Strolling in the course of the villages, I noticed this isolation created a novel meals identification. Native chefs needed to paintings with what the ocean and land equipped.
The Madelinots, as locals name themselves, created one thing stunning right here. Let me display you what they’re cooking.
Magdalen Islands Meals Information
Despite the fact that this archipelago is a part of Quebec, it’s positioned within the Maritimes and so issues really feel acquainted and but are slightly other.
There’s some overlap with Nova Scotia meals and PEI meals with seafood, whilst having utterly other dishes as a result of its historical past.
Not anything is simply too some distance away on Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Course 199, the principle highway is most effective 85 kilometres (55 miles) lengthy.
So that you frequently cross from one island to the following with out understanding, with the exception of the panorama adjustments from island to island – reminding me of the Galapagos.
I visited the remaining week in Might simply ahead of many eating places within the Magdalen Islands opened for the season. I like off season shuttle without having for reservations, no visitors and other folks have extra time to talk.
The disadvantage is that now not the whole thing is open.
However on the finish of each and every island recap I’ll come with suggestions from my Quebecois good friend Jennifer from the Quebec shuttle information Chasing Poutine as she all the time is aware of the most productive puts to consume.
Havre Aubert
The southernmost island is the place historical past lives. That is the place the primary Acadian households landed and the place you’ll to find the islands’ ancient museum.
The fishing village really feel right here is powerful, with weathered docks and the type of seafood shacks which have been serving the similar households for generations.
Don’t skip the ancient house, Los angeles Grave, there are incredible retail outlets promoting native merchandise. And now not some distance from there you’ll to find Verger Poméloi tasting room with native cider and gin.




Cafe de l. a. Grave
Cafe de l. a. Grave appears like moving into anyone’s comfortable lounge full of outdated books and antiques. This picket café in Los angeles Grave on Havre Aubert packs tables into each nook as a result of locals and guests each love coming right here.
Are living tune fills the air maximum evenings with piano avid gamers and native singers developing an original island surroundings.
The menu levels from nachos to cod muffins, however you want to reserve the pot en pot. This conventional Acadian dish serves up a seafood chowder loaded with lobster, shrimp and scallops, all crowned with flaky pastry crust.
The parts are large and the seafood is extremely recent. Make reservations throughout top season as a result of this position fills up speedy.
Café de l. a. Grave
969 Chem. de l. a. Grave, Havre-Aubert, QC G4T 9G2
Chez Denis à François
Vintage French dishes at the menu with stunning paintings within the eating room overlooking gulf perspectives in Havrew Aubert. Seafood is a primary characteristic right here with crab verrine, scallops and conventional elements like seal.
Chez Denis à François
404 Chem. d’en Haut, Havre-Aubert, QC G4T 9A8
Cap aux Meules
That is your arrival level if you are taking the ferry from Prince Edward Island, making it the busiest island.
House to the principle fishing heart of L’Étang-du-Nord, which were given its first citizens round 1830. You’ll to find essentially the most eating places and markets right here, plus the islands’ most effective faculty campus.
There are nice cafes right here: I had a Canadiano at L’ilot Cafe-Buvette. A buvette is a Québécois time period to explain a comfortable position that serves alcohol, mild foods and snacks.
Subsequent door is Salomia SME Coeur d’Herboriste, an improbable tea room with outside seating. Pop in for some tea and the looseleaf blends are the very best memento. DUNE is a smart mix with elements from the island.
Don’t leave out À l’abri de l. a. Tempête for native craft beer, they have got choices on faucet you’ll’t to find somewhere else. Body of workers is pleasant and keen that will help you select one thing in your style.
You’ll to find it’s most commonly locals on Friday nights.






Quai 360
Considered one of my first and favorite foods, locals will let you know it’s where to e book on your particular dinner at the islands.
However don’t let it intimidate you. The decor and dish plating are stunning however Quai 360 is all about island hospitality serving the most productive of Magdalen Islands seafood. You’ll see locals in denims and servers explaining dishes to rookies along tables celebrating.
I in point of fact liked that they acknowledge now not everyone seems to be up for uncooked oysters. I like them however used to be so glad I opted for the flash-fried oysters in parmesan cream. Fingers down the most productive cooked oysters you’ll have, that they had a delicate crunch and scrumptious parmesan umami.
The island lamb ribs with spiced honey had been so excellent even my mom who thinks she doesn’t like lamb used to be swayed to the scrumptious aspect.
And whilst we’ve had quite a lot of Digby scallops, the subtle stability of carbonara used to be so excellent it’s price visiting the islands simply to check out this dish.
Quai 360
360 Chemin du Quai, Cap-aux-Meules, QC G4T 3J4








Eating place Eva
Eating place Eva sits at Website online de l. a. Côte in L’Étang-du-Nord with stunning perspectives of fishing boats coming and going from the harbor.
This bistro-style eating place is very best past due afternoon with the golden mild from sundown and seasonal dishes. The menu adjustments in keeping with what’s to be had from island manufacturers, which assists in keeping issues thrilling.
The seal tataki sticks out as a signature dish that showcases the normal elements of the islands. And I should admit I used to be overjoyed to check out asparagus in season. However what made the meal particular used to be that I instructed my server Vanessa I used to be riding and so introduced to make a mocktail, that used to be stunning.
I in point of fact love eating places that include non-alcoholic choices they usually aren’t an afterthought.
Eating place Eva
499 Chem. Boisville O, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3J8


Boulangerie Madelon
Boulangerie Madelon packs with locals by means of 11:30 am because it’s probably the most absolute best spots for do-it-yourself, conventional island meals.
Their tchaude aux palourdes (clam chowder) comes thick and loaded with recent clams, potato, carrot and onion with simply the correct amount of taste. Chances are you’ll even spot a bit lobster sneaking into the bowl.
The date and nut sourdough bread is very best for dipping into that wealthy chowder and tastes implausible by itself.
Get there early as a result of the good things sells out speedy.
Boulangerie Madelon
355 Chem. Petitpas, Cap-aux-Meules, QC G4T 1E3
Mon P’tit Bonheur aux Îles
This tiny bakery proves that the most productive discoveries occur whilst you apply your nostril. interprets to “My Little Happiness at the Islands” and that title captures precisely what you’ll to find within.
This artisan bakery and pastry store focuses on small cuisine that show off native island flavors along vintage French pastry ways. The choux pastry right here merits particular point out with its cloud-light texture and wealthy cream filling that almost melts to your tongue.
However this spot is going past simply baked items. You’ll uncover native artisan merchandise lining the cabinets together with island-made wine, mead and honey that make very best souvenirs or picnic additions.
Mon P’tit Bonheur aux Îles
685 Chem. du Gros Cap, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3M5




Le Resto de l’île
This true native spot attracts island citizens for some of the conventional meals you’ll to find right here. Beignets are an island staple that pairs completely with black espresso to stability the beauty.
We ignored out and ordered a normal breakfast and later learned locals accumulating round tables had been consuming those vintage fried pastries which have been a part of Magdalen Islands tradition for generations.
Le Resto de l’île
1011 Chem. de l. a. Vernière, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3C8


Au P’tit Capitaine
This greasy spoon joint focuses on fast foods that keep on with Quebec culinary custom whilst serving vintage seafood along native favorites.
The locals love this position such a lot you’ll to find your self ready in line nevertheless it strikes speedy.
The ambience appears like a local canteen the place we all know each and every different and conversations flows whilst looking ahead to take out. Everybody used to be ordering hamburgers so it used to be a very easy selection however throughout vacationer season lobsters rolls are highly regarded.
Au P’tit Capitaine
1244 DE LA, Chem. de l. a. Vernière, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3E6
Highest Spots I Neglected
Havre aux Maisons
Referred to as the gourmand island due to its remarkable meals scene. Well-known for its purple sandstone cliffs and rolling hills dotted with colourful properties.
That is the place lots of the islands’ absolute best cooks arrange store, drawn by means of the non violent atmosphere and get admission to to the most up to date elements.
There are such a lot of small superb small manufacturers right here which might be should visits:
Les Culmination de Mer Madeleine
This operating fish store doubles as probably the most absolute best puts to style the islands’ well-known seafood.
They procedure the whole thing from snow crab and lobster to scallops and floor fish proper on website, this means that you’re getting the most up to date conceivable elements.
Past their very own merchandise, the store shares different native artisan items that make very best souvenirs or picnic additions.
The lobster roll right here earned severe reward from my mom who referred to as it probably the most absolute best she’s ever tasted.
Les Culmination de Mer Madeleine
29 Chem. de l. a. Pointe, Havre-aux-Maisons, QC G4T 5A2




Le Hook Café
This distinctive spot combines the most productive of each worlds – high quality espresso and outside journey.
Cindy Hook is going past simply cafe carrier by means of providing journey sports activities apparatus leases that assist you to revel in the islands from a fully other viewpoint.
Their direct get admission to to a shallow lagoon makes it the best position to be informed water sports activities in whole protection.
Whether or not you want paddleboards, kayaks or different tools, they have got the whole thing arrange that will help you connect to the islands’ surprising coastal landscapes.
Le Hook Café
10 Chem. de l. a. Pointe, Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC G4T, Canada
Highest Spots I Neglected
Grosse-Île
House to the islands’ English-speaking network, the place citizens are essentially fishermen and fish plant staff.
This island additionally hosts the large Seleine salt mine, which produces over one million tonnes of highway salt yearly. The English heritage right here method relatively other cooking traditions from the remainder of the archipelago.
Los angeles Boulangerie de Grandma’s Bakery
You’ll to find this candy spot tucked within the ancient Little Pink Faculty Area on Grosse-Île. Grandma’s Bakery creates superb treats produced from heritage recipes which have been handed down thru generations of the English talking network.
Their cinnamon rolls are mythical with locals, that includes a wonderfully crispy external and comfortable, fluffy heart. You’ll be able to additionally check out distinctive island specialties like Queen Elizabeth squares and molasses crinkles that you just gained’t to find any place else.
Los angeles Boulangerie de Grandma’s Bakery
787 Chem. Major, Grosse-Île, QC G4T 6B5
Highest Spots I Neglected
Cap Dauphin’s Fish Shack has highly regarded lobster rolls
Grande Entrée
Quebec’s lobster capital, with over 100 fishing boats operating those waters.
Whilst Grosse Île is English-speaking, Grande Entrée is French-speaking, even though each islands are hooked up and percentage the similar fishing-focused financial system.
If you wish to see lobster fishing at its maximum intense, that is your island.
Buvette de l. a. Sirène
This marina eating place attracts equivalent numbers of islanders and vacationers, particularly at evening when locals take over the eating room.
The menu is so tough as a result of you wish to have to reserve one in all the whole thing however I’d learn sparkling critiques of the fish and chips, for a excellent explanation why.
The fish and chips smells implausible ahead of it even reaches your desk with completely recent cod that used to be stuck proper out of doors the door. You’ll be able to style the sea in each chunk and the fish is so flavorful you slightly want the tartar sauce.
Past the superb seafood, they serve freshly made muffins together with a standout coconut pineapple cake that makes the force to Grande-Entrée profitable by itself.
The site places you proper at the water the place you’ll watch fishing boats heading out ahead of break of day or returning with their day-to-day catch.
Buvette de l. a. Sirène
898 QC-199, Grande-Entrée, QC G4T 7B1






Madelinot Eating place – Los angeles Salicorne
This community-based eating place appears like coming to anyone’s house. They provide nightly particular dinners to choose between two choices, on a theme of native elements and conventional meals.
I liked the lobster poke which delivered a completely insane quantity of unpolluted lobster. However I used to be maximum concerned about the seal dinner with 3 other arrangements.
It is a particular spot and it’s price staying a couple of nights to revel in native hospitality.
377 QC-199, Grande-Entrée, QC G4T 7A5
Magdalen Island Lodging
Motel L’Archipel
Motel L’Archipel provides relaxed rooms proper within the center of Cap aux Meules at L’Étang-du-Nord.
You’ll to find this family-run motel completely located to discover the islands with out breaking the financial institution. Blank rooms, pleasant carrier and simple get admission to to the island’s absolute best eating places make this a wise base.
547 Chem. du Gros Cap, L’Étang-du-Nord, QC G4T 3M1
Château Madelinot
Château Madelinot sits proper at the water in Fatima with surprising perspectives of the harbor and fishing boats. This waterfront resort places you steps clear of one of the crucial islands’ absolute best seafood eating places and native retail outlets.
The rooms be offering relaxed lodging with many that includes direct water perspectives. The central location makes it simple to discover Cap aux Meules whilst the waterfront atmosphere offers you that original maritime revel in.
323 QC-199, Fatima, QC G4T 2H6
Los angeles Salicorne
You gained’t to find many puts like Los angeles Salicorne any place else in Canada. This community-owned inn sits on Grande Entrée, the easternmost island that the majority vacationers skip.
What makes this position particular is going some distance past the rooms.
Los angeles Salicorne employs 160 other folks from the area people. That’s large for an island with most effective 600 citizens overall. They constructed this as community-based tourism the place you get lodging, day-to-day actions and eating place foods multi functional bundle.
377 QC-199, Grande-Entrée, QC G4T 7A5