Hiking in Réserve naturelle des Demoiselles: trails, map and practical info

Where it is

The Demoiselles Nature Reserve is on the northeast part of Havre-Aubert Island. According to Quebec's Ministry of the Environment, it is a hill edged on the north by a cliff whose lower part meets the shore of Baie de Plaisance, with meadow covering the site. The land belongs to the Société de conservation des Îles-de-la-Madeleine, a non-profit organization.

It is a recognized nature reserve: the Quebec minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks recognized this private property of 14.087 hectares as a nature reserve (notice published in the Gazette officielle du Québec on December 9, 2009). The Ministry states that the recognition is perpetual. A nature reserve is private property that its owner protects by committing to limit their own activities.

The trail

Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine lists a single trail, 1 km in total, linear and of intermediate difficulty, starting from Chemin d'en Haut. Numerous beaten paths cross the hills. Québec maritime describes a relatively short but hilly hike through meadows, barrens and coastal vegetation. Neither publishes a duration or an elevation gain.

What you see

According to Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine, the hills give views of La Grave, Baie de Plaisance, Entry Island and the open sea, and it suggests going at sunset. Québec maritime describes a natural promontory with a 360-degree view that also takes in Cap-aux-Meules, Havre-aux-Maisons and the Bassin area.

Seen from the water, Les Demoiselles are described by Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine, in the sheet for a sea circuit at Havre-Aubert, as made of red, green and gray clay, basalt, gypsum and alabaster.

Safety

If you leave the beaten path, stay away from the edges of the cliffs: they fall straight to the water below, Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine warns. Québec maritime gives the same advice: do not approach the edge of the cliffs.

Good to know before you go

• Free access (Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine and Québec maritime), open year-round (Québec maritime).
• Leashed pets are allowed.
• The trail starts on Chemin d'en Haut, in Havre-Aubert.