Cap-aux-Meules Cruise Port (Îles de la Madeleine)
Cap-aux-Meules, Canada · Other
Cruise ships dock at Port de Cap-aux-Meules — Commercial Wharf, Cap-aux-Meules.
Plan my port daysWalk into Cap-aux-Meules for shops and seafood, then rent a car or bike or join a tour to reach the red cliffs, lighthouses, beaches and the La Grave heritage site across the islands.
Harbour-town hub of the Îles de la Madeleine; the town is walkable, but the archipelago's cliffs, beaches and villages need a car, bike or tour.
At a glance
Port summary
Ships berth at the commercial wharf in Cap-aux-Meules, a few minutes from the town's shops and restaurants; the rest of the Magdalen Islands — the La Grave heritage site, red cliffs at Belle-Anse, lighthouses, beaches and the cheese and smokehouse economuseums — are spread along a chain of islands linked by road, best explored by rental car, bike or organised tour.
Cruise dock
🚢 Port de Cap-aux-Meules — Commercial Wharf
The commercial and ferry wharf in Cap-aux-Meules where cruise ships berth; the town centre is a few minutes' walk away. Largest vessels may anchor and tender.
📍 Latitude: 47.379193, Longitude: -61.859067
See dock on port map →Getting to Cap-aux-Meules
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
The town's shops, cafes and services are a few minutes' walk from the wharf.
📍 Walk off the wharf into Cap-aux-Meules.
A rental car is the best way to tour the islands; book ahead, they sell out on cruise days.
📍 Pre-book; agencies in Cap-aux-Meules.
Cycling is a popular island way to reach nearby cliffs and beaches; e-bikes help with the wind.
📍 Bike rental shops in town.
Taxis are limited; agree a fare for island trips and book return in advance.
📍 Taxi rank or pre-booked at the wharf.
Some ships and operators run island minibus tours from the wharf.
📍 Booked through the ship or tour operators.
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Cards work almost everywhere; carry a little cash for small craft stalls or a tip.
Things to do
Site historique de La Grave
⭐ Highlight
Weathered wooden fishing sheds turned shops, cafes and craft studios by the sea at Havre-Aubert.
🕐 Midday when shops are open
Cap-aux-Meules Waterfront
Short stop🚶 Walk
Stroll the shops, cafes and seafood spots of the islands' main town, right by the cruise wharf.
🕐 Anytime your ship is in
L'Étang-du-Nord Harbour
Short stop🚶 Walk
A colourful working fishing harbour with the bronze 'Les Cordées' statue and clifftop paths.
🕐 Late afternoon for the light
Plage de la Dune du Sud
🏖️ Beach
A long sandy beach backed by red sandstone cliffs and caves on the east side of Havre-aux-Maisons.
🕐 Warm afternoons for the beach
Fromagerie du Pied-De-Vent
Short stop🎯 Activity
A working island dairy and economuseum making the Islands' famous raw-milk cheeses, with tastings.
🕐 Daytime; call ahead for tours
Le Fumoir d'Antan
Short stop🎯 Activity
A traditional herring smokehouse and economuseum at Pointe-Basse, still smoking fish the old way.
🕐 Daytime opening hours
Église de La Vernière
Short stop⛪ Church / Cathedral
One of North America's largest wooden churches, a soaring 1876 landmark built by island shipwrights.
🕐 Daytime opening hours
Belle-Anse Cliffs
Short stop📸 Viewpoint
Wind-sculpted red sandstone sea cliffs with clifftop paths and sweeping views of the gulf.
🕐 Clear, calm days for the views
Phare du Borgot
Short stop📸 Viewpoint
A white lighthouse on the red cliffs of Cap Hérissé, a favourite spot for sunsets and coastal walks.
🕐 Late afternoon for the light
Butte du Vent
Short stop📸 Viewpoint
A grassy hilltop in the centre of the islands with 360-degree views over the lagoons and villages.
🕐 Clear days for the panorama
Build your perfect day in Cap-aux-Meules
Tell us how long you have, who you're with, and what you enjoy — our Intelligent data platform will create a personalised itinerary just for you.
Plan my port days →Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Cap-aux-Meules?
- Your ship docks directly at the Cap-aux-Meules cruise terminal in Canada.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Cap-aux-Meules?
- Yes. Cap-aux-Meules is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Cap-aux-Meules centre?
- Typical options include On foot, Car rental, Other transport, Taxi, Shuttle bus. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Cap-aux-Meules?
- Plan for at least 3 hours ashore to see Cap-aux-Meules independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Cap-aux-Meules and are cards accepted?
- Cap-aux-Meules uses the Canadian Dollar. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Wi-Fi isn't reliably available at the Cap-aux-Meules cruise terminal. Consider a local SIM or your cruise line's data package.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
Have something to share about Cap-aux-Meules Cruise Port (Îles de la Madeleine)?
Share a photo, suggest a thing to do, drop a map link, or tell us what you did in port.
Add a contributionAdmin reviews every contribution before it goes live.