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Enjoying views from the cliffs of île d’Entrée

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Spotting a Piping Plover on a beach of singing sand

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Exploring patches of boreal forest

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Embracing the delicious local gastronomy

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Photographing the colourful island architecture

The Magdalen Islands

Jun 15-21, 2025

7 days | Canada | Alumni Expeditions

This tour is sold out. Please view our second departure here.

This tour is presented by the alumni associations of the University of Alberta, the University of Saskatchewan, York University, McGill University, McMaster University, University of Western Ontario, and University of Guelph. All are welcome!

Many miles from the closest mainland, the tiny crescent-shaped archipelago of the Magdalen Islands (Îles-de-la-Madeleine) feels remote in so many ways. Here, far away from the outside world, a constant breeze sweeping over these 12 islands has sculpted red sandstone cliffs, dwarfed the forests, and formed sand dunes, connecting some islands together and enclosing a series of lagoons protected from the open seas. Over the course of our week here based in our sea-view auberge, we have a chance to explore this world apart and experience a sense of solitude and connection where time seems to have stood still.

Walk sand-dune trails with delicate plants and explore the interdunal bogs, fens, and saltmarshes, watching for sundews and other fragile plant life. Attune to the sights and sounds of resident bird life such as endangered Piping Plovers. Watch for seals looking back at us as they course the shallows. Travel paths through boreal forest and get sweeping views of the archipelago as we enjoy the fresh sea air. We also gain a sense of the cultural mosaic deriving from French-speaking Acadia and the British Isles as we visit the friendly island communities. Our meals are always a highlight, and we can expect selections featuring seafood and more with local flair! Each day is sure to yield something different.

For a short, restorative trip to an out-of-the-way part of Canada, join us as we enjoy a week of discoveries on the Magdalens!

Tour Cost (per person):

C$3295 + 5% GST Incl. gratuities.

Group Size:

10 - 14 participants

What’s included: Accommodation based on double occupancy in the Magdalen Islands; ground transportation; all activities as described in the detailed itinerary; park entrance fees; meals as specified in the itinerary; gratuities for services provided by Quest; services of Worldwide Quest Study Leader Alan Watson and a local guide.

FEATURED ON THE BLOG

When Beachcombing Meets Technology

By: Justin Peter

"I felt this [learning] was one of the strongest components of the trip. Whether it was about local insights, ecology, culture, or other topics, I learned so much on this trip from the tour host, the local guides, and my fellow travellers." - Alumni traveller in 2023

"Our local guides were all excellent - enthusiastic, knowledgeable and fun." - Lyn J.

"The Fromangerie and Smoke House visits on the last day were wonderful! Very generous samples. Food was definitely a highlight of this tour." - Barbara P.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Meet in the Magdalen Islands, welcome dinner
1 - 6	Exploring the Magdalens
7	Depart

Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

As a former faculty member in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph, Alan Watson taught nature interpretation, environmental stewardship and a conservation field course. With over 25 years of experience leading nature tours, Alan has guided groups in southern Ontario, Canada's Maritime Provinces, Trinidad and Tobago, the Lesser Antilles, Costa Rica, Brazil, Tanzania, and the Galapagos.