Sports and leisure activities Magdalen Islands

For the ultimate vacation, L'Istorlet is a smart choice. This outdoor base specializes in nautical activities and offers boat rentals (sailboat, windsurf, wingsurf, paddleboard, sea kayak, bicycle, etc.). Guided sea kayak tours are also available, as are courses, day camps and sailing progression sessions (for ages 10 to 14). Ask about the Swallow Card (3 x 2-hour courses and 3 x 2-hour rentals).

Located between the islands of Cap aux Meules and Havre Aubert, the Havre-aux-Basques lagoon is a renowned ornithological site in the area, frequented in particular by waterfowl during the nesting season. A migratory bird sanctuary has been set up here, and it is of course forbidden to hunt within its boundaries. It's also a favorite spot for kitesurfing and other sailing sports. You'll often see improvised mini-camps set up along the dunes.

The Grande Échouerie beach is an immense stretch of sand bordered by dunes and red sandstone cliffs, accessed by an interesting interpretive trail, which leads from a stunted forest of balsam fir and white spruce to the dune held back by short-liguled ammophilia. The beach follows the southern shoreline of this reserve which juts out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, northeast of the archipelago. Good place to observe the grey seal.

It is accessed via Chemin du Sable in Havre-Aubert, and is one of the most famous beaches in the Islands. Miles of sand as far as the eye can see to the tip of the Bout du Banc, where the view of the sea and Entrée Island is simply magnificent (plan a 3-hour round trip to reach the tip). At the foot of the dune, the clear waters of the sea invite you to swim. Sandy Hook is the venue for the famous annual Sandy Hook Sand Castle Competition in August. A really great event where creativity and excesses are on the agenda.

Experience adventure with professional kiteboarders. Aerosport was the first kite school to open in the country, and enjoys a great reputation for wind sports. The traction kite develops enough power to pull a person in a buggy or surfboard. Wingsurfing courses are also available, as well as equipment rentals such as paddleboards, single and double recreational kayaks, surfboards and kitesurfing. Access to a private site at the Havre-aux-Basques lagoon.

The young company Cindy Hook specializes in paddleboarding (SUP) and recreational kayaking, whether in stand-alone mode, on guided excursions or in SUP and yoga or fitness packages. Looking for a different kind of escape? The gourmet excursion combines the sporting experience with a meal featuring the flavours of the Islands (breakfast or picnic). Cindy Hook also has an equipment boutique and a café where you can recharge your batteries while admiring the sea. An excellent reference for a breath of fresh, salty air!

The Plage de la Dune du Sud is a superb beach, bordered by red sandstone cliffs with caves and frequented by seabirds, notably herring gulls and terns. It is 22 kilometres long and is ideal for leisurely strolls, especially for watching the sunrise. It also serves as a launching site for kayaking, kitesurfing and windsurfing, provided you have the necessary skills. In high season, it becomes very busy, let's face it. Bonus: the Breton creperie Le Gaboteux is just around the corner.

Horseback riding on the beaches and dunes of the Islands is certainly a memorable experience. You can brush and saddle your frame and, of course, a small training of about twenty minutes will allow you to learn how to communicate with it. In addition to these excursions, La Crinière au Vent also offers day camps for children and teenagers (half-day with ponies), western riding lessons for all levels and ages, as well as equestrian games (challenges and friendly races) for groups of friends and families.