Hike to the top of the Big Hill in Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Entry Island (l’Île d'Entrée) is one of the 9 islands of Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine. It's only 3 km-wide and is the only inhabited island with no road access with the rest of the archipelago. The only ways to reach the small community would be by boat or by plane. It's the home of fewer than 100 people, many cows, and a few dogs. It has a beach, a small restaurant, a wharf, a grocery store, a church, a lighthouse, a post office, a small museum, and a few stunning big hills to hike up. 

There are two ways to explore the Island. 

• If you wish to visit and roam by yourself, you take a walk-in ferry leaving Cap-Aux-Meules's harbour at 8 in the morning and come back with the same ferry on its second trip at 4 pm. You'll have more than enough time to explore, roam, swim, lunch and take a nap. 
• If you wish a more interpretative kind of adventure, you can enroll in a tour with a local company that will bring you to the top of the Big Hill and or around Entry Island on a zodiac to look at the birds and seals.

When you reach Entry Island, out of the harbour, follow Main St. on the gravel road up to the church and turn left at the Post Office. Just after the museum, take a left on the trail. Many signs have been installed on the road and yellow rocks on the path to and up the Big Hill that will lead you straight to the top.

The total hike up and back takes about 2 hours. There is no shade and no water on the way (unless you stop at the grocery), so come prepared with a lot of water for the hike. 

There are a bit more than the Big Hill to explore in Entry Island, so feel free to roam the roads up to the lighthouse, the beach, or stop by the museum on your way back from the Hill. We also heard dogs are welcome on the patio of the restaurant, so take advantage of it when hiking with your pup.

Note that it may seem like you can just roam around the hills and hang out with the cows all day, but please follow the trail and be careful around the abrupt cliffs.