Call 1-800-387-1483 or email us
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Spotting a Piping Plover on a beach of singing sand
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Embracing the delicious local gastronomy
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Exploring patches of boreal forest
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Photographing the colourful island architecture
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Enjoying views from the cliffs of île d’Entrée

The Magdalen Islands

Jun 29 - Jul 05, 2023

7 days | Canada | Alumni Expeditions

This tour is sold out! Please email Donna to join the waitlist or view the similar fall tour here.

This tour is presented by the alumni associations of the University of Alberta, the University of Saskatchewan, Western University, York University, McGill University, and McMaster University. All are welcome!
 
Many miles from the closest mainland, the tiny crescent-shaped archipelago of the Magdalen Islands - or 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. Settled permanently since the 18th century, the people here have also adapted to this remarkable environment and created a unique culture. Over the course of our week here based in our sea-view auberge, we’ll have a chance to explore this world apart and experience a sense of solitude and connection where time seems to have stood still.

We’ll walk sand-dune trails with delicate plants and explore the interdunal bogs, fens, and saltmarshes, watching for sundews and other fragile plant life. We’ll attune to the sights and sounds of resident shorebirds and waterbirds such as the endangered Piping Plover and the highly localized Black-headed Gull as they pursue their breeding activities along unspoiled beaches and in the lagoons. We’ll watch for Grey and Harbour Seals looking back at us as they course the shallows. As we walk along paths at higher altitudes, we may see a number of songbirds in a surprisingly boreal habitat and get sweeping views of the archipelago as we enjoy the fresh sea air. We’ll 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’ll enjoy selections featuring seafood and more with local flair! Each day will 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!
Alumni Expeditions
Tour Cost (per person):
Approx. C$2395 + 15% GST  Incl. gratuities.
Group Size:
10 - 14 participants

What’s included: Accommodation in double occupancy in the Magdalen Islands; all meals; gratuities for services provided by Worldwide Quest; ground transportation; park entrance fees; services of Worldwide Quest naturalist study leader Doug McRae. 

Itinerary at a Glance

DayActivity
1Meet in the Magdalen Islands, welcome dinner
1 - 6Exploring the Magdalens
7Depart
Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

Doug McRae has made his life-long passion for birds and nature into a career that includes guiding world-wide, research, and biological consulting. He also teaches in the Fish and Wildlife program at Fleming College and is deeply involved in conservation through his work with the Northumberland Land Trust in Ontario.

Email Us

Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!

Alumni Expeditions
Tour Cost (per person):
Approx. C$2395 + 15% GST  Incl. gratuities.
Group Size:
10 - 14 participants

What’s included: Accommodation in double occupancy in the Magdalen Islands; all meals; gratuities for services provided by Worldwide Quest; ground transportation; park entrance fees; services of Worldwide Quest naturalist study leader Doug McRae. 

View More Trips In...
You may Also be interested in...
Download the Detailed Itinerary
Download the Detailed Itinerary

Click the button to download the full detailed itinerary for the trip:
The Magdalen Islands

Please fill in the following information and you will be directed to download the detailed itinerary.

First Name *
Last Name *
Phone
Email *
Confirm Email *
Address
Address 2
City
Province/State
Postal Code/Zip
Country
Please let us know which e-newsletters you would like to receive:

I am interested in learning about cultural tours from Worldwide Quest

I am interested in learning about nature tours from Quest Nature Tours

Where did you hear about Worldwide Quest?



Reserve My Spot!

Thank you, your adventure awaits! We will be in touch very soon.

Please fill in the following form and we’ll get back to you soon to confirm your booking.

First Name *
Last Name *
Email *
Confirm Email *
Phone *