Although Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and there are many things to see in do in this French-Canadian Capital, there is more to La Belle Province than just its capital city! Many visitors to Eastern Canada do not realize it but there are several islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence that belong to the province of Quebec and these islands known as The Magdelan Islands or L`isles de la Madeleine in French are a little known area of Canada that deserve more credit than they are given and the best way to see these islands is through a cheap cruise that leaves the city of Montreal and takes you on a journey up the St. Lawrence River to the Gulf where the small islands are located.
The Magdelan Islands are one of North America’s hidden treasures as not many people are familiar with them. The last few years have seen an increase in tourism to the islands but they still remain a destination that many people don’t know much about. Because of this, many people bypass the islands and travel to destinations they are more familiar with in the area such as Prince Edward Island and the Gaspe Region of Quebec. I have had the pleasure of visiting these islands two years ago and I can list off many reasons why you should consider doing the same! The scenery is spectacular with reddish cliffs, rocky coastline, giant sand dunes and white sandy beaches that are among the nicest beaches I have ever had the pleasure of walking on barefoot! The weather is not too cold and not too hot and everything you need is at your fingertips including hotels, coffee shops, boutique shops, gift shops, restaurants, museums, adventure tours, campgrounds, grocery stores and a post office. It does not take very long to traverse across the islands but the drive offers you with a scenic tour of an area of North America that is like no other.
There are several ways to get to the islands including a ferry crossing in Souris, Prince Edward Island, an airplane from several designated airports in the area and by cruise via Montreal. If you are looking for a cheap way to explore the city of Montreal, the Magdelan Islands and the areas in between, the latter is the best way to do this and that is what I will be telling you about in this article.
First of all, the cruise season for this particular run starts in mid-June and runs until the Fall, weather-pending at that time of year of course! The ship if fully equipped and with many services and amenities that include a restaurant, several bars, a movie theatre, live entertainment and an observation deck. A typical cruise with <A href=”http://www.ctma.ca/traversier-madeleine/cruise-645-cruise-schedule.cfm”>Groupe CTMA</a> lasts seven days. On day one, you depart Montreal and sail down the St-Lawrence River passing by Old Montreal, Sorel, Three River, Quebec City and the Shrine of Notre-Dame-du-Cap. On day Two, Discover the Gaspe Peninsula where you will see a windmill park, the fishing village at Riviere du Renard and Perce. On day three, the ship arrives at les Iles de la Madeleine, docking at Cap-aux-Meules which is the main town on the islands. This first day and, as well, days four and five on the islands are set aside for you to set out on your own and explore the area but there are also guided tours available through your ship at an extra cost. On day six, you will visit the Gaspesie region of Quebec where you can explore the region on your own or embark on one of several guided tours available that will explore the history, geography and culture of the place. On day seven, you return to port in Montreal.
Does this sound like a cruise you would be interested in? If it is, rest assured that it is a cheap cruise that is suitable for any budget! You can purchase this cruise package for a price ranging from $155.00 to $765.00 depending on what type of accommodations you want. Seniors and children ages five to twelve can board at a reduced price and children under the age of five board for free. You also have the option of embarking on one of several themed cheap cruises including a musical cruise, a gourmet cruise, a sing along cruise and a cruise featuring Acadian Heritage.
Photo via loose ends
