Arrive no later than 2:00PM at the Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport, located on Havre aux Maisons Island in the Magdalen Islands, Quebec. Upon arrival, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the wharf (about 40 minutes from the airport) to board the vessel and settle into your bunk. Dine at local restaurant before returning to the ship to set sail on the late evening tide.

Note: the most convenient international airport to plan your arrival and flight to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine is Montreal. Give yourself ample travel time and arrive a day earlier to give some extra buffer time for delayed luggage or other possibilities.

The location of the seal herd dictates your sailing time, which is typically between 3 to 6 hours (sometimes more if ice conditions require). Spend unhurried time viewing and photographing the babies and mothers and the impressive ice-scape. When a seal herd is found, the vessel anchors to the ice pan. Over the next few days, the boat drifts with the ice pans and seals.

During your stay aboard the fishing vessel, expect to savor gourmet meals, wines, and specialty cheeses along with interesting lectures. You can also take advantage of the resource library to learn more about the geography and wildlife found in the area.

Sunset and sunrise photography opportunities
With the clear days at this time of year, one of the “money shots” is that of the baby harp seals at sunrise and sunset. The only way to capture this moment is from a boat based adventure, as helicopters can only fly during daylight hours. Position yourself well to take advantage of baby harps backlit by the crimson sun!

Snorkel or Scuba Dive with Baby Harp Seals Option
Want to get a different perspective of the harp seals? Try donning a drysuit and get into the water. (All trips are run with the welfare of the animals in mind, so snorkeling and dives are subject to local conditions.) Departures are timed to arrive when the seals start entering the water. If you are an experienced diver, do not miss this opportunity!

Arrive back during the fifth day. Exact arrival time depends on the ice conditions. After disembarking transfer to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Transfer to the airport for your return journey home. Please book either an Air Canada 7:30AM or 2:30PM flight off the island to your connecting destination home.

This itinerary is intended to be representative only as weather and wildlife conditions play a large role in dictating daily movements and activities. It is important to have a spirit of flexibility when travelling to any icebound location.