This self-guided or custom trip makes an excellent combination with the Eastern or Western Prince Edward Island cycling adventure. Ferries are included. This is a short, relaxing break in the magical Îles de la Madeleine. Connected by long, thin, sand dunes to form a crescent in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, they are a summer paradise for activity, shrouded in the mystery that comes only with the isolation these islands enjoy. You can choose to explore by bicycle or on foot, or both, and to include some sea-kayaking if the desire arises. The adventure starts with a ferry trip from PEI, in time for a welcome dinner on the southernmost island.
Your guided exploration will commence the following morning, and your days will give you an appetite for the fabulous cuisine you will enjoy each evening. The landscape here is wild, empty, and fragile. The people, mainly of Acadian descent, mixed with shipwreck survivors who never left, have a strong heritage: French is the first language of the majority of the Madelinots, with an Anglophone minority population, and fishing is still their predominant way of life. Honest, hardworking, and friendly, they welcome visitors to share the special pleasure of their uniquely isolated, very Acadian lifestyle. Superb food, good humor, and some of the longest and nicest beaches you'll ever see, are the highlights. Come and discover the magic.
Preceding this custom or self guided trip with the Eastern or Western PEI cycling adventure makes an excellent combination that flows seamlessly into one 10-day adventure. We will look after the details for you if you book both trips.
Highlights: Red cliffs everywhere! French food; after dinner at Cafe de la Grave; windsurfers screaming across the central lagoon. 2006 Groups: TBA (to be announced). Contact us to find out about newly scheduled trips. Self-guided or custom groups any time. Route Notes: The activity is moderate, walking for 3-6 hours each day, or riding 32-100km (20-60mi.)/day on rolling paved roads with one gravel sections. We ride downwind as much as we can. Tour starts: Souris noon or Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 1100hrs. Tour finish: Souris noon or Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 1300 hrs.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Transfer from Charlottetown at noon, or meet in Souris at 1pm for a 2pm ferry to Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. After dinner, visit the Cafe de La Grave, where the locals gather in the evening for music and laughter. Lodging: Auberge Chez Denis à Francois, Havre Aubert.
Day 2: 60-70km bike ride, or 15km walk. Morning ride or walk around the roads of the largest island, Île du Havre Aubert. Afternoon options include sea-kayak exploration of sea-caves and grottoes, sea cliffs, and beaches; windsurfing; and relaxing around your hotel or at the beach. The natural harbor at Havre Aubert is surrounded by round hills called "Les Demoiselles". The nearby historical site of La Grave is a fascinating highlight in a day full of exploring quiet rolling roads or grassy seaside meadows and along sandy beaches. You can sample the fare at one of the French cafes or one of the exquisite restaurants for dinner. Lodging: same as day 1.
Day 3: 5km hilly walk. Today you will cross to Île d’Entrée (it’s an Anglophone community, on Entry Island) by small boat, for exploration on foot of this hilly, emerald island (the view from the middle of the island is the finest). Lodging: same as day 1.
Day 4: 30km. Ride northward to Île du Cap aux Meules. After our picnic at the scenic look off at Cap du Phare – Lighthouse Cape – you can test the water at the beach, or explore the myriad paths and lanes in the island’s interior. Tonight’s dinner options are amongst the finest, and there are nightlife options for those so inclined. Lodging: Auberge de la Petite Baie.
Day 5: 40-100km ride, or 15km walk. Cyclists will ride north along the beach and dunes to Ile aux Loups, Grosse Ile, and the Point de l'Est bird sanctuary. You will have a French picnic lunch in an idyllic meadow with a panoramic view, on the northernmost island of the archipelago. Walkers will transfer to the Point de l’Est bird sanctuary, and will spend the day walking the perimeter of the sanctuary on wide, gorgeous sand beaches, with forays into the interior to look for birds among the woods and barachois. Return along half the length of the archipelago, by van or bike (wind-dependent!), retiring to your inn for an exceptional dinner. Lodging: Same as day 4.
Day 6 Early morning ferry back to PEI. After lunch on board, you will arrive in Souris by 2pm, and will commence the 45-minute drive to Charlottetown right away. Finish in Charlottetown by about 3pm.
Testimonials:
"…a wonderful experience…the best vacation we’ve ever had!"
(The Silberlicht family, NY)
"If it had not been for your brochure we may never have heard of the Îles de la Madeleines and discovered the incredible beauty of these remote French Islands. The photos we enclose only touch on the amazing sights we saw during our travels there. The isolated location of these islands only added to the incredible memories that we will always cherish. The French hospitality was wonderful and the food was absolutely “out of this world” delicious."
(Mike P & Leanne Y)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $2095 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, ferries, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps and route notes, sea kayaking, kite buggying, and sea cave exploring)
Self-Guided Cost: $1895 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, ferries, sea kayaking and kite buggying, luggage transfers, maps and route notes)
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Quebec
Bicycle Touring
Walking Tours
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