Havre aux Maisons & Pointe aux Loups Islands Part 5

As we cross the newly constructed bridge we leave Cap aux Meules and enter what I think is the prettiest island Havre aux Maisons Island. La Pointe is located just across the bridge and consists of a marina. Blue mussels are harvested in the lagoon adjacent to the wharves.

La Pointe Marina

Behind the narrow channel is Paquet Island or Pig Island called appropriately because pigs were raise there. Pigs can’t swim so what better place than a small island.

Paquet Island in foreground

Also in the lagoon is Rouge Island home to a large colony of birds namely cormorants and gulls.

Rouge Island

In the background is Chez Mounette Hill with its winding roads, beautiful multicoloured houses, and seaside cliffs.

Chez Mounette Hill

Seaside coastline

As we continued our travels around the island a very nice surprise was Le Barbochex. It’s a winery that makes port style wines and berry liquors all from local products. The strawberries were being picked as we drove in. How fresh is that?

Strawberries at the side of the winery

We walked away with 4 different bottles wine/port because we couldn’t decide which we liked better. Later when we tried the Bagosse again we decided we rather enjoyed the cranberry dandelion one. Soooooo we had to go back for more of course.

The Bagosse was so good

One of the things I liked about this island was the numerous artisan establishments including the one we were just at. Another is a local cheese factory (Fromagerie du Pied-de-Vent) that has produced raw milk cheeses since 1998. The cattle feed only on hay grasses available on the Magdalen Islands causing a unique taste to their cheese.

We sampled all the cheeses

We could see the Canadian Cattle grazing in the fields near the cheese factory. Why this breed? We were told that this breed is known for its hardiness and resistance to disease. Also the breed produces a higher protein and fat content in their milk ensuring a good cheese yield.

Canadian Cows grazing

The small fishing port of Pointe-Basse was an important location for smoked herring. Today, the Fumoir d’Antan brings back the past which their traditional smoke houses. I tried the smoked herring but didn’t really care for it.

Smoke Houses



Smoked Herring

Standing above the cliffs and overlooking Plaisance Bay is Albright Cape Lighthouse with the outline of Entry Island in the background.

Albright Cape Lighthouse

Contrast between red and gray stone

Lunch was already decided before we left the campground pizza at Pizza d’ la Pointe. It’s a small quaint place just across the bridge that someone from the group seen on TV. Someone say pizza I’m all in.


Pizza d' la Pointe

Susan and I ordered the seafood pizza. It was to die for.

Giddy with anticipation

Check out the shrimp, scallops, & chunks of lobster

If you have room for dessert next door is a place that serves the best chocolate chunk cookies. OMG they were so good. Sorry no pictures devoured them too fast but here’s a picture of the place.

The best cookies

With full bellies onward to some of the most beautiful scenery and beaches we have seen so far. As we walked the beach we were able to explore the caves and furrows created by the wind and surf.

All you need is palm trees

People using the caves for shelter from the sun

The size of the cliffs and caves are huge

Continuing down the highway you reach the tiniest inhabited island called Pointe aux Loupe Island. With its 50 houses and endless beaches you can walk for hours and not see anyone. People have a tendency to make their homes along the dunes. Whether it’s legal or not there was an abundance of them. Cheap living.

The village of Pointe aux Loups in the background

Numerous trailers seen on the dunes

When water is trapped between two parallel dunes a lagoon is created. The lagoon in turn is connected to the sea by a narrow channel. These warm, shallow, calm waters provide a safe environment for windsurfers.

Windsurfer enjoying the beautiful day

Near the end of the island is a rather old abandoned structure. This windmill was an experiment that didn’t get off the ground therefore abandoned and left as an eye sore.

Broken down windmill