Grande-Entrée brings together lobster fishing, the maritime history of the village, and clearly marked coastal trails. During your stay, you can choose between a short, self-guided walk to the coast, a longer out-and-back hike, and an excursion that requires a reservation. The spring tradition of lobster fishing also gives your travel dates a local connection.
Harbor, lobster fishing, and local history
La Pointe de Grande-Entrée forms a natural harbor for fishing boats. Grande-Entrée is the Îles’ main landing site for lobster catches. The 2026–2027 official tourism guide lists more than 125 lobster fishing boats at the harbor; the fleet size may vary by season. Route 199 ends at the harbor of Grande-Entrée. Every spring, the official opening of the lobster fishing season is celebrated in Grande-Entrée with a large gathering for the entire community. When planning your visit, it is useful to distinguish between the two: the opening takes place every spring, while the number of boats may change from season to season.
The former Grande-Entrée post office preserves original building features and materials, including cedar shingles and corner boards. The building is believed to have been built in 1952. Because of its historical value, it is an important record of the village’s early settlement around the fishing harbor and of the former industrial site at the Pointe. The history of the area can thus be connected to both the harbor and the former site at the Pointe.
Maritime culture
The Centre du phoque complements its museum exhibits with maritime themes, including the work of people at sea, tributes to the village’s founders, and the launching of lobster traps. On the second floor, an exhibition explores maritime life at the heart of the Grande-Entrée community; exhibition content may change. Its focus on work and community adds other aspects of maritime life to the story of lobster fishing and the harbor.
Hiking trails and access to Île Boudreau
Self-guided walks are available in a range of lengths. The 0.5 km trail leads from the Grande-Entrée church to the seashore. A longer option is a 6 km out-and-back route along the lagoon to the Pointe and the Grande-Entrée fishing harbor. The two options differ both in distance and in the route described: the shorter trail leads to the coast, while the longer one is designated as an out-and-back route with the Pointe and harbor as its destination.
Stage 9 follows a multi-use trail to the Grande-Entrée church and also includes a signed 2 km out-and-back route toward Île Boudreau. This peninsula covers about 23 hectares and lies in the southern part of Île de la Grande Entrée. It can be reached at any time via Chemin du Bassin Ouest and Plage de la Bluff; at low tide, access is also possible via Plage du Bassin Est. Local conditions may vary, so check conditions before setting out.
Plan excursions
The Grottes excursion requires a reservation. The meeting point is Boutique de la Salicorne, 377 Route 199, Grande-Entrée. A nearby activity is a kayak excursion covering just under 5 km along the coast of Old Harry.
Discover more destinations: Cap-Aux-Meules, L'étang-Du-Nord, Fatima, Havre-Aux-Maisons.
Return to the main travel overview: Les Îles-De-La-Madeleine.
