Havre-Aux-Maisons: Glassmaking, Fishing and Nature

Havre-aux-Maisons brings together historic buildings, glass art, fishing and smoking-related activities, and a trail through forest and marshland. When looking for a hotel, you can consider which aspect of the area you want your trip to focus on: cultural history, craftsmanship, culinary experiences or nature.

Cultural History and Glass Art

Sainte-Madeleine Church was built in 1969 and received a rating of C (“supérieure”) from the Conseil du patrimoine religieux. The former Saint-Joseph School offers a different perspective on the area’s history. It was designated a heritage property in 2006 and was the Îles-de-la-Madeleine’s first secondary school for boys aged 14 and older. Today, it houses the La Méduse glass studio, with a workshop, boutique and exhibition space for glass artists. This building thus brings together a former educational role and a present-day connection to glass art.

The municipality also lists the Vieux Couvent and École Saint-Joseph as buildings of historic value. Together with Sainte-Madeleine, they add other protected buildings to the history of the former school. The information on construction dates, educational roles and heritage status can help you plan the cultural focus of your trip.

Fishing, Smoking and Local Production

Interprétation Pêche en Mer offers interpretive lobster-fishing excursions. This activity is available seasonally; check whether it is offered during your travel dates. A 45-minute guided tour at Fumoir d’Antan explores the history of the Îles’ smokehouses, shows fish hung up for smoking and includes a tasting of traditionally smoked specialties. Visits there are also seasonal. Check in advance to confirm current visiting availability.

The two experiences have different focuses: the excursion highlights lobster fishing, while the tour focuses on the history of smoking and the specialties associated with it. Miel en Mer offers another perspective on local production. It produces honey from wildflowers exposed to the salty air of the St. Lawrence River. Visitors can also take part in a workshop on making beeswax candles. Honey and the candle-making workshop each offer a distinct way to experience Miel en Mer’s products.

A Trail Through Forest and Marsh

The Sentier du Cap-Rouge passes through a predominantly forested habitat with Kalmia spruce forest and a marsh that can be crossed via a barachois. The trail also offers a view of the lagoon. Forest, wetland and scenery all feature in the route description; you can include these different landscape elements in your plans. Check current trail conditions before planning a visit.

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

Context Within the Wider Les Îles-De-La-Madeleine Destination

Within the wider Les Îles-De-La-Madeleine destination, the Réserve nationale de faune de la Pointe-de-l’Est lies at the northeastern end of the archipelago. Dunes, heathland and ponds characterize the protected area. It serves as a stopover for migratory birds, particularly shorebirds, and as breeding habitat for endangered species such as the Horned Grebe and Piping Plover. More than 150 bird species and about ten mammal species currently occur there. Guided hikes and activities to raise awareness about protecting wildlife habitats are also offered; contact the reserve directly in advance for details. This natural area provides regional context for your trip to Les Îles-De-La-Madeleine and is distinct from the local offerings in Havre-aux-Maisons.

Discover more destinations: Cap-Aux-Meules, L'étang-Du-Nord, Grande-Entrée, Fatima.

Go to the wider travel overview: Les Îles-De-La-Madeleine.