I've been feeling the travel bug pretty strongly as of late. Les îsles de la Madeleine star in my daydreams. I first heard about these islands back when I visited the Maritimes as a teenager but my interest has resurfaced. This archipelago is part of Quebec but sits closer to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. From my research, the land seems nearly untouched, bright houses dot the landscape, wildflowers abound, and lobster is the meal of choice. The original settlers arrived via shipwreck. I am fascinated. Do any of my readers live there or has anyone visited? I'd love to hear more about it!
Photos: 1,2 by loicmoreau on Flickr. 3 by Cynthia Dunsford on Flickr. More favorites here.
Idyllic!
Yeah we have more interest to hear about it.. Really very pretty..
Iles de la madeleine are wonderful! So pretty and if you are into little museums (sand museum, seal museum, etc.), long walks on the beach, sea food and super cute houses…it is the place to go. Pretty difficult to find a place to stay in summer if you are last minute (well, if you want to stay in a “wow” house). We are thinking about going this summer with our baby girl (it will be her first trip). You can go by car+boat or by plane (it is a little $$$). Let me know if you go 🙂
that HOUSE!!!! who would have known yellow trim could look so amazing.
I’ve never been, but of course this just adds to my Canadian coast trip fantasy. Gorgeous pictures!
They are wonderful little islands. My cousin and I biked around them about 10 years ago. The restaurants were amazing. If you asked my cousin to sum up the trip in a few words, she would say “let them eat cake”. And we did.
Never been there, but I have a few friends who are Madelinots… They say it’s a land of wind and sea, and their eyes are all bright when they talk about their hometown. Everyone seems to play an instrument there, too, and apparently they like to get together in a cafe/bar to jam. They always tell me I should go. Seems both peaceful and inspiring.
Have you ever seen the French film, Le Veuve de Saint-Pierre (or the Widow of Saint Pierre)? It takes places in islands in Quebec, though I believe they are different that these iles. Still, it’s amazing.
oh it looks lovely!! perhaps jed and i can hop on over while we are on our honeymoon (going to pei!!)
I want to come with you!!
dear chelsea, i do not think you will be dissapointed.
it is lovely and there is kindness every where, it simple at its best.
i would bring a few good books, a blanket to sit by the sea, a note book to scribble ideas( you will be inspired) and of course a camera.
i have heard that reservation a made way in advance but i am sure there is tiny room with a sea side view just waiting to be found.
I live in Nova Scotia and have never been here! It looks beautiful though and one of those places I would definitely visit if have the time or money sometime. Most places here (PEI and NS included) book up pretty heavily in the summer with tourists, so may not be in the cards for this summer, but hope to go sometime! Lots of hidden gems around here!
What! That’s hilarious! I thought no one knew about it! Shucks, now the tourists will come in droves… Just kidding. It really is one of the prettiest places in the world. We used to go every summer and bike all day, around the island(s). It is very windy, at times possibly too busy to camp, but the lobster is the best and the solitude you can luxuriate in is akin to being on a yoga retreat, but you can engage with the locals if you want. They’re very nice and social.
I hope you make it!
Just a Silhouette
So beautiful! I’ve always wanted to visit Nova Scotia. Now I’ll have to make sure to set aside a day or two to go out to the Isles.
Oh, how dreamy! I’m re-reading my Anne books, so I have PEI on the brain right now, but this is lovely, too! I’ll have to add it to my destinations for when I go to Canada…one day. 🙂
oh wow! how beautiful it looks! i don’t really ever like to leave the city, but i’m always tempted by the seaside! 🙂
This is so beautiful. I love the little trim on that house. The whole place looks so peaceful.
We’re going there this summer. We’re taking our parents with us and will spend a week going from island to island. I can’t wait! As a photographer, i can tell you right now, I will be ecstatic.
Hey Chelsea,
Oh I have wanted to go there too. I watched a documentary on the island a few years back. Seems so enchanting. Being Canadian – it just seems makes sense…
It really does look spectacular! Seems so far from Vancouver, but I do intend on visiting that part of the country soon. I love these images.
Looks beautiful!!
we are moving to New England in a few weeks and I have a list of places to visit, I will add this for sure! looks so peaceful.
Dream destination indeed – so beautiful, I wonder what it’s like to actually live there – exquisite.
Gorgeous. I always always wanted to live on PEI. This lovely place sounds like a great place to move too. Now if only I was Canadian…
This looks amazing. The yellow trim on that house has me in all sorts of jubilant adoration.
I’d love to go here! It’s on my travel wishlist.