Sandy Hook, Havre-Aubert | Top 150 Bikini Destinations
HAVRE-AUBERT, ÎLES DE LA MADELEINE, QUEBEC / CANADA
Follow the sand to
Sandy Hook.
A long shore at Havre-Aubert, with La Grave close by and island outings beyond.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 150 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / ÎLES DE LA MADELEINE, QUEBEC
Sand, sea,
and a village behind you.
Sandy Hook, also called the Bout du Banc or Plage du Havre, curves away from Havre-Aubert in Quebec’s Îles de la Madeleine. Dune grass gives way to pale sand, salt water, and views toward Entry Island.
Keep your first day here: a shoreline walk, a picnic, and time in La Grave. The other beaches, restaurants, and northern-island stays below are separate outings or alternative bases. They are not all within walking distance of Sandy Hook.
ON THE WORLD MAP
In the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Sandy Hook, Havre-Aubert, Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec
01 / GETTING THERE
Arrive with the island journey arranged.
La Grave
Small wooden shops line the historic waterfront.
Photo: ChristianT · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display cropGet around Havre-Aubert and the islands
A car is useful for the scattered stays and day trips in this guide. Keep to signed parking, leave the cycling shoulder clear, and arrange a designated driver for evenings farther from your base. Local bus routes can help with some journeys; check them directly.
On the beach
The official beach page does not list a supervised swimming season. Read the beach notices, watch the wind and waves, stay close to shore, and do not enter the water when conditions exceed your ability. Beach status ↗
02 / BEACH ESSENTIALS
Know before you go.
A sandy natural shore with a designated parking approach, rather than a serviced resort beach. Plan your supplies and restroom stop in town.
01 / HOW TO GET THERE
Use the Chemin du Sable approach
Follow the signed approach from Havre-Aubert to the parking area at the end of Chemin du Sable, near La Grave. The official water-trail map identifies the beach access as HA5. Follow current parking signs and keep vehicles out of the dune vegetation.
Official Sandy Hook beach page ↗02 / BEACH ACCESS
Expect a sandy final stretch
The official water-trail sheet shows a carry from the parking approach to the launch area. Loose sand remains a barrier for some wheels and walkers. No continuous step-free route is confirmed here; ask the municipality about the access that suits your needs before going.
03 / THE SAND
Pale sand and fragile dunes
Expect sand along the shore and grass-covered dunes behind it. Use existing access paths and keep off dune plants. Beach width and the waterline change with the sea; pick a spot with a clear route back rather than setting up against an eroding edge.
04 / FOOD & WATER
Pack your beach lunch
No beach restaurant or drinking-water point is listed for HA5 on the official water-trail map. Bring your own water and something to eat, then use Havre-Aubert’s village businesses for a proper meal. Pack out every scrap and container.
05 / CHAIRS & UMBRELLAS
Carry your own beach setup
None listed for chair or umbrella rental at the beach access. Bring a mat, a hat, and sun protection. Check the wind before using an umbrella, and avoid a setup that could blow into other beachgoers or damage dune plants.
06 / RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Make a restroom stop first
No washroom or shower is shown at HA5 on the official water-trail sheet. Confirm current public facilities in the village before heading to the sand, and do not count on a lifeguard post or changing room. Carry a dry layer for the return.
03 / THE BEACH
A day at Sandy Hook.
Dune and horizon
Sandy Hook stretches toward the view of Entry Island.
Photo: Gilles Desjardins · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop01 / ARRIVE
Read the shoreline
Check posted notices and the weather before unpacking.
02 / WALK
Keep a return in mind
Stay on existing paths, with enough energy and daylight for the walk back.
03 / PAUSE
Let the sea set the limit
Stay out when waves, currents, or cold water make swimming unsuitable.
04 / TOWN
Leave room for La Grave
Change out of swimwear and take your time along the historic street.
Make this a beach day with a village finish. You do not need to reach the far end of the sand spit to enjoy the shore. The full walk is a substantial out-and-back, so turn around while the return still feels comfortable. If the wind changes your plan, move inland for a museum visit or a meal instead of trying to fit every island into the same day.
04 / NEARBY BEACHES
Three other shores to consider.
Anse du Bassin is west on the same island. La Martinique’s southern access is northwest; Dune du Nord is farther north across the connected islands. Distances are approximate straight-line measurements from the Sandy Hook marker, not road distances.
La Martinique — southern access
A separate shore facing Baie de Plaisance, linked to Plage du Cap at its southern end. Use the signed public access for that part of the beach.
- Best for
- A shorter shoreline outing from Havre-Aubert
- Facilities
- Designated parking; bring supplies and confirm current services
- Good to know
- Keep the road’s cycling shoulder clear and check conditions before swimming.
Anse du Bassin / Belle-Plage
A sandy bay on Havre-Aubert Island, with Belle-Plage forming part of its shore. The map points to the public Chemin de la Côte access, not a campground’s private facilities.
- Best for
- A different shore on the same island
- Facilities
- Public access and parking shown on the water-trail map; other services not listed
- Good to know
- Respect property boundaries and stay away from wave-exposed cliff edges.
Dune du Nord
A long northern shore joining Cap-aux-Meules Island and Pointe-aux-Loups. Treat it as a separate drive and a scenery stop.
- Best for
- Dune scenery and a coastal walk
- Facilities
- Designated roadside parking areas; no guaranteed services at your chosen spot
- Good to know
- The official tourism page warns of very strong currents; this is not a casual swimming alternative.
Distances are straight-line from Sandy Hook. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
05 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Give the islands a separate day.
01 / HAVRE-AUBERT / LA GRAVE
Musée de la Mer
Make time for the islands’ maritime history near the heritage district. Check the museum’s current exhibitions and opening information, then continue your village walk at an unhurried pace.
Musée de la Mer ↗02 / HAVRE-AUX-MAISONS / POINTE-BASSE
Le Fumoir d’Antan
Learn about the islands’ herring-smoking tradition at the operator’s economuseum and shop. Confirm the current tour arrangements and which parts of the working site are open to visitors.
Le Fumoir d’Antan ↗03 / OFFSHORE / ÎLE D’ENTRÉE
Entry Island
Treat this as a separate boat outing. The inhabited island has no road connection to the rest of the archipelago; arrange a crossing and a confirmed return before setting out. Follow local walking guidance and respect residents’ property.
Official Entry Island information ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Sandy Hook and Havre-Aubert.
The marker is at Sandy Hook’s HA5 beach access, using the official water-trail coordinates. La Grave is just north of the approach. Bassin lies west, while the airport and northern-island outings require a longer drive along Route 199.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
A village, then the wider coast.
Havre-Aubert’s wooden buildings, Bassin’s fields and harbour, and the islands’ lighthouses give you plenty to see away from the sand. These photographs identify their actual locations; they are not all views from Sandy Hook.
La Grave buildings
Keep your walk to the public streets of the historic settlement.
Photo: Ross Jewell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop
Bassin church
The church’s twin towers stand above the village.
Photo: Gilles Desjardins · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop
Waterfront buildings
Follow the public street through the heritage district.
Photo: ChristianT · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop
Les Demoiselles
Rounded green hills rise behind Havre-Aubert.
Photo: Guerinf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display crop06 / SIX HOTELS
Find your base.
CENTRAL CAP-AUX-MEULES
Auberge du Village
$ Budget · About C$132–162 per queen room night for two across posted seasons; confirm taxes (checked 2026-11)
A practical village inn with a private bathroom and access to a shared kitchen for its room guests. Stay here for central services and plan a separate drive south to Sandy Hook.
Auberge du Village official site ↗GROS-CAP / L’ÉTANG-DU-NORD
Motel L’Archipel
$ Budget · About C$150–182 per room day on the posted seasonal tariff; stated lodging levy included, other applicable taxes extra (checked 2026-11)
A small motel in Gros-Cap with straightforward rooms. This is an alternative island base, rather than accommodation on the Sandy Hook beach approach. Check the room layout and your transport before booking.
Motel L’Archipel official site ↗FATIMA / PLAISANCE WATERFRONT
Château Madelinot
$$ Mid-Range · About C$170–235 per room night for two at sampled rates, before taxes (checked 2026-11)
A larger hotel with an indoor pool, whirlpools, and a restaurant, useful when you want services in the building. Different categories have sea or hill views; confirm your category rather than assuming every room faces the water.
Château Madelinot official site ↗BASSIN VILLAGE
Gîte Chez Majo
$$ Mid-Range · About C$220–250 per night for one or two guests in the L’Île d’Entrée room, breakfast included, taxes extra (checked 2026-11)
A bed-and-breakfast on Havre-Aubert Island. The quoted second-floor room has a queen bed, private solarium, and a bathroom with a tub and handheld shower rather than a standard shower. Confirm the stairs and seasonal availability.
Gîte Chez Majo official site ↗HAVRE-AUX-MAISONS / ROUTE 199
Domaine du Vieux Couvent
$$$ Upscale · About C$249–349 per room night for two at a sampled multi-night stay, lodging levy and other taxes extra (checked 2026-11)
An eleven-room former convent with queen and king options and a restaurant. Breakfast costs extra, and the operator confirms no elevator to upper floors. This is a northern alternative base with a longer journey to Sandy Hook.
Domaine du Vieux Couvent official site ↗GRANDE-ENTRÉE
Auberge La Salicorne
$$$$ Luxury · About C$376–416 per night for two adults in double occupancy, including breakfast, dinner, visits and activities; taxes extra (checked 2026-11)
A package stay at the far northeastern end of the island chain, with a minimum-stay requirement. Choose it for a separate island experience, not a short daily commute to Sandy Hook. Its meal-and-activity package is not comparable to a room-only rate.
Auberge La Salicorne official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
Summer brings more open seasonal businesses and a practical beachgoing window, but wind and sea conditions still decide your day. Spring and fall suit town visits and coastal scenery with more advance checking. In winter, plan around reduced services and weather rather than expecting the summer beach routine. Official weather and marine-safety planning ↗
07 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Anse-à-la-Cabane harbour
Fishing boats are part of the island’s working coast.
Photo: Guerinf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display cropWhat to order
Look for seafood when it is available, local cheeses, smoked fish, and dishes that follow the catch and the season. The meal bands below identify what you are buying; they exclude drinks and tax unless stated. A small counter meal and a two-course dinner have different price bases.
Local habits
Say bonjour when you enter a shop, keep swimwear covered in the village, and ask before photographing people or working fishing facilities. Harbour quays are workplaces. Respect private yards, use public paths, and arrange a driver if you will be drinking.
A LITTLE FRENCH
Useful on the beach and in town.
- Bonjour
- Hello; a useful start when you enter a shop.
- Où sont les toilettes ?
- Where are the restrooms?
- À emporter, s’il vous plaît
- To go, please.
- Est-ce que les taxes sont incluses ?
- Are taxes included?
SIX RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
FATIMA / CHEMIN DES CAPS
Decker Boy
$ Budget · About C$14.50–19.50 per person for a featured combo with a side and drink; confirm taxes (checked 2026-11)
An informal counter-style stop whose official online menu lists burger and half-submarine combos. Use it during a Cap-aux-Meules Island outing and confirm whether you will eat in or collect your meal.
Decker Boy official site ↗CAP DAUPHIN / GROSSE-ÎLE
Fish Shack de Cap Dauphin
$ Budget · About C$12–19 per person for a hot-dog dinner or half-portion fish or scallop dinner, taxes included (checked 2026-11)
A seasonal cooperative-run seafood counter on a working quay. Larger seafood plates cost more than the small-meal band. This is a distant northern-island lunch stop, so pair it with a planned day trip rather than a quick break from Sandy Hook.
Fish Shack de Cap Dauphin official site ↗LA GRAVE HERITAGE DISTRICT
Café de la Grave
$$ Mid-Range · About C$25–45 per person for a sandwich plate or main, before drinks and taxes (checked 2026-11)
A village café with homemade bagels, local smoked fish, and seafood dishes on its posted menu. It fits a Havre-Aubert day; check table availability and the current music program separately.
Café de la Grave official site ↗HAVRE-AUX-MAISONS / VIEUX COUVENT
Domaine du Vieux Couvent restaurant
$$ Mid-Range · About C$28–48 per person for a main dish, before drinks and taxes (checked 2026-11)
The convent’s restaurant posts a seasonal menu with vegetable pasta, fish, seafood, and meat dishes. Make it a separate dinner or an airport-island outing, and confirm the restaurant’s operating season.
Domaine du Vieux Couvent restaurant official site ↗L’ÉTANG-DU-NORD / SITE DE LA CÔTE
Restaurant Eva
$$$ Upscale · About C$43–68 per person for a starter and main, before drinks and taxes (checked 2026-11)
A seasonal restaurant near the fishing port with a sea-facing terrace. The posted menu includes vegetable risotto, cod, and other changing dishes. It is closed for the season at the time of checking; confirm reopening before making plans.
Restaurant Eva official site ↗HAVRE-AUBERT / CHEMIN D’EN HAUT
Auberge Chez Denis à François restaurant
$$$$ Luxury · About C$53–75 per person for a starter and main, before drinks and taxes (checked 2026-11)
A sit-down option near La Grave for a longer dinner, with dishes such as seafood pot-en-pot and paella. This band uses two courses, rather than a pizza-only meal. Confirm seasonal opening and reserve through the operator.
Auberge Chez Denis à François restaurant official site ↗08 / ÎLES DE LA MADELEINE, QUEBEC AFTER DARK
Three bars.
À l’abri de la Tempête
A brewery pub and shop near the dune shoreline. Check current pub opening directly and arrange a driver if your accommodation is elsewhere. À l’abri de la Tempête ↗
Aux Pas Perdus
A restaurant and a separate performance venue on the same street. Choose the correct address for your plans and check the drinks or show program before going. Aux Pas Perdus ↗
La Shed Surf Bar
A seasonal surf bar near the northern beach area. Its official site currently says closed for the season; confirm reopening and service rather than making it an off-season promise. La Shed Surf Bar ↗
Choose an evening near your accommodation, or arrange a driver before leaving. Seasonal bars and performance venues do not guarantee late service every night. Check the venue’s current opening and program, and keep a warm layer for the trip back.
09 / SHOPPING
Pick up something local.
LOCAL MARKET · PLACE DES GENS DE MER, CAP-AUX-MEULES
Marché du Village
Browse local produce and prepared foods at the seasonal waterfront market.
Hours Every other Wednesday, 5–8 pm, in summer and early fall. Check the organizer for the upcoming season.
Official details ↗ARTISAN BOUTIQUE · CHEMIN DE LA GRAVE, HAVRE-AUBERT
Atelier Côtier
Browse handmade objects and homewares inspired by the islands’ coast.
Hours Mon–Sat, 10 am–5 pm. Check for seasonal changes.
Official details ↗BEACH GEAR · CHEMIN DE LAVERNIÈRE, L’ÉTANG-DU-NORD
Aérosport les Îles
Ask the shop about kite, wing, and paddle gear before heading out.
Hours Daily, 11 am–5 pm. Contact the shop for an appointment outside those hours.
Official details ↗Pay marked prices and ask before negotiating. Carry a little Canadian cash for market stalls and check which cards each vendor takes. A small locally made textile or a sealed jar of island sea salt travels well.
10 / ÎLES DE LA MADELEINE EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Concours de Châteaux de Sable
In summer, the sandcastle competition brings teams, sculptures, and family activities to Havre-Aubert’s beach. Expect a different pace around the access area, and use the organizer’s current program for your visit.
Concours de Châteaux de Sable official site ↗Festival de cirque des Îles
A summer outing in Cap-aux-Meules for circus performances and outdoor festival activities. Plan the drive separately from your beach day and check the organizer’s next program and booking information.
Festival de cirque des Îles ↗Currency / Canadian dollar
Prices are in Canadian dollars, written CAD or C$. Check whether a quoted amount includes tax, lodging levies, meals, or service. Carry some cash for smaller purchases and confirm the total before paying. The Fish Shack menu states that its displayed prices include taxes.
Bank of Canada / banknotes ↗
11 / WHAT TO WEAR
Pack for a beach and a breezy village walk.
ISLAND BEACH KIT
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Madeleine Loop bikini with a light cover-up, a hat, and sandals for the sand. Keep a windproof layer within reach.
For the shoreline walk
Choose comfortable shoes for a longer walk and keep a dry change in your bag. Protect your phone from salt spray.
In town
Wear a dry shirt with shorts, trousers, or a skirt for a café or dinner. An extra layer is useful once you leave the sun; keep swimwear covered around the village.
12 / BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Which airport serves the islands?
Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport (YGR) is on Havre-aux-Maisons. Arrange the road journey to Havre-Aubert before arrival and check current flight and vehicle-collection details.
Can you swim at Sandy Hook?
Conditions decide. The official listing does not publish a lifeguard season, so do not assume supervision. Check notices, wind and waves; stay close to shore and choose a land-based day when the sea is unsuitable.
Do you need to walk to the end?
No. The sand spit is long, and the return is part of the walk. Enjoy a shorter stretch if that suits your energy, the weather, or the daylight you have left.
Are restrooms and showers guaranteed?
No washroom or shower is shown at HA5 on the official water-trail map. Confirm current village facilities before going and bring your own drinking water and dry clothing.
Can you visit Entry Island from the beach?
Arrange a proper boat crossing and a return plan. Do not try to swim or wade across: the official map warns of shoals and breaking waves between Sandy Hook and Entry Island.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
Lilac and burgundy by the Gulf.
A lilac bandeau with chunky burgundy interlocking loops, paired with a solid burgundy high-leg bottom.
Explore the Madeleine Loop bikini ↗
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