Havre-Aux-Maisons

In Havre-aux-Maisons, history, craftsmanship and unique insights into the local fishing tradition come together. The Sentier du Cap-Rouge also winds through forest and a wetland to a viewpoint overlooking the lagoon. When choosing a vacation rental, you can consider whether you would like to focus your stay on cultural sites, nature experiences or the history of the smokehouses.

Historic Sites and Glass Art

The Sainte-Madeleine Church was built in 1969 and received a rating of C (“supérieure”) from the Conseil du patrimoine religieux. It offers a tangible point of interest for anyone interested in religious architecture. The Vieux Couvent is also part of the area’s historic architecture: the municipality has designated the building as historically significant and protected it.

The former Saint-Joseph school has its own story. It was the first secondary school on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine for boys aged 14 and older. It was designated for protection in 2006 and is also protected by the municipality as a historically significant building. Today, it is home to the La Méduse glass studio. The building includes a workshop, a boutique and an exhibition space for glass artists. In Havre-aux-Maisons, the history of education and glass art are thus connected in one place: the former school is not only a protected building, but now also houses a place where glass is made and exhibited.

Forest Trail, Wetland and Lagoon Views

The Sentier du Cap-Rouge passes through a mostly forested habitat with Kalmia spruce forest. Further along the trail, the landscape also includes a wetland that can be explored via a barachois. Another feature of the trail is a viewpoint overlooking the lagoon. Those planning a nature outing will find more than a single landscape here: the trail is defined by forest, wetland and lagoon views. This combination makes the experience quite different from visiting the historic buildings or the glass studio.

Smokehouse History and Local Products

At Fumoir d’Antan, a 45-minute tour introduces visitors to the history of the Îles’ smokehouses. Visitors see fish hanging to be smoked, and the tour also includes a tasting of traditional smoked specialties. It combines an insight into the smoking process with a chance to sample the products. Interprétation Pêche en Mer also offers interpretive lobster fishing excursions. Miel en Mer offers something different: it produces honey from wildflowers exposed to the salty sea air along the St. Lawrence River. Visitors to Miel en Mer can also take part in a workshop on making beeswax candles.

Families can decide together whether a nature trail, a tour with a tasting or a hands-on workshop best suits their planned stay.

Planning Your Stay

The Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport is located at 210, chemin de l’Aéroport, in Havre-aux-Maisons. The address is a useful point of reference when planning your arrival in the area.

Other places to explore: Grande-Entrée, Fatima, Cap-Aux-Meules and L'étang-Du-Nord.

For the broader travel overview: Les Îles-De-La-Madeleine.