This 12 km Quebec beach with velvety golden sand shores is like a mini trip to the Bahamas
Want to visit a beach with soft, fine sand and clear blue waters? You don't need to leave Canada to do it — in fact, you don't even need to leave Quebec.
In Eastern Quebec, you can visit an island with stunning beaches with velvety shores that look like they belong in the Bahamas.
Du Havre Beach is a 12-kilometre stretch of soft, golden sand on the gorgeous Îles de la Madeleine.
One of the islands' most famous beaches, Du Havre, also known as Sandy Hook, is renowned for its pristine, sandy shores, gentle waves, sand dunes, and panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
It's located on Havre-Aubert Island, the largest island in the archipelago. It's also the site of an annual sandcastle making contest.
Here, you can lie out on the soft sand or take a dip in the crystal clear waters. The seawater temperature around the islands is usually around 18 °C, providing a comfortable yet refreshing swim that isn't too cold. For a warmer swim, water in lagoons and bays can reach temperatures of more than 20 °C.
Le Goulet du Bassin, which can be accessed on foot from Du Havre Beach, is a lesser-known spot where the water from the bay gently flows into the sea.
You can also take a walk on the golden sand to reach the Bout du Banc Point, where you'll have an unobstructed view of Entry Island.
Most of the sand on the beaches in the Îles de la Madeleine starts off as sandstone eroded from red cliffs. Once in the salt water, material from the cliffs loses its film of iron oxide and is carried around the islands before being deposited in spits. Once dry, the sand appears white. It accumulates on beaches and helps create dunes, like the kind at Havre-Aubert.
The mineral-rich, crystal-clear waters, combined with the pure sea air, create a therapeutic blend here that's perfect for relaxing.
One of the most magical things about Du Havre Beach is how it manages to feel both vast and peaceful. Even in summer, you’ll find plenty of space to spread out your towel and soak up the sun without feeling crowded.
Beyond the beach itself, Havre-Aubert Island boasts plenty to see and do, including beautiful natural surroundings, restaurants, cultural activities, shops and cafes where you can just sit back and relax.
Havre-Aubert is also the most forested island of the archipelago, making it a great place for hiking. Take a trip from the beach to the hills to take full advantage of the area's natural beauty.
The nearby village of Havre-Aubert has colourful houses, and belongs to the Association des plus beaux villages du Québec (most beautiful villages of Québec).
La Grave heritage site is a popular place to wander around, with tourist attractions, shops, cafes, restaurants, arts and crafts and more.
The nearby Demoiselles Nature Reserve offers several well-trodden paths crisscrossing rounded hills overlooking the sea, offering breathtaking views of La Grave , Plaisance Bay and Entry Island. Visit at sunset for a particuarly breathtaking display.
Getting to Havre-Aubert does take a bit of planning. You can reach Îles de la Madeleine by ferry from Prince Edward Island, or by plane from Montreal or Quebec City.
Once you touch down in a land of golden sand, windswept beaches and crystal blue waters, you'll know the journey was worth it.
The next time you're craving a tropical vibe without leaving Canada, head to Havre-Aubert, Quebec's own little piece of the Bahamas.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
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