1. Hélène’s pastries
Open the doors to Pâtisserie Hélène des Îles and you’ll be greeted by deliciously sweet smells. In this little seaside house, the shelves are bursting at the seams with viennoiseries and pastries. You’ll fall for their large cinnamon brioche and chocolate, caramel and nut and oat cookies that the place is well known for. You definitely won’t leave empty-handed.
90, route 199, Havre-aux-Maisons
2. Sweet elixir
The view of the islands from Verger Poméloi is incomparable, and you can enjoy its house-made ciders in the kiosk located at the orchard’s summit. Three Breton-inspired products are available: Escarbille, Chouchen and Enchanteur. There’s also the Poméloi, an apple-based eau de vie.
82, chemin du Petit Bois Nord, Bassin
3. Local treasures
Trésor du Large oysters have a rare purity. They’re plump and much saltier than oysters from New Brunswick. Eating one is like taking in a mouthful of ocean. However, if you aren’t making a stop at the islands this summer, you can also find them at many fishmongers in Montreal.
26, chemin du Quai, Havre-aux-Maisons
4. Best arrivals
La Poissonnière is one of the first businesses you’ll spot as you land in Cap-aux-Meules. There, you’ll find many small, ready-to-eat dishes. The salmon mousse, delicious sushi and seafood pizza are all must-tries. They’re perfect for a seaside picnic! As for the fish, you won’t find anything fresher.
225-A, chemin Principal, Cap-aux-Meules
5. Gourmet paradise
Here, Chef Johanne Vigneau is a star. After she made a name for herself at La Table des Roy, she opened Gourmande de Nature, a veritable house of flavours. At the front, there’s a grocery shop that sells a wide variety of accessories and delicious products, like a rosehip cocktail and Pied-de-Vent cheese gelato. And in the kitchen space in the back, Johanne hosts workshops on cooking delicacies of the islands, like lobster and scallops.
1912, chemin de l’Étang-du-Nord, L’Étang-du Nord
6. Delicious ambience
Café de la Grave, a restaurant located in a former general store, is one of the best-known spots on the islands. When it’s raining, you can spend an afternoon playing board games with a glass of rosé in hand. No matter the time of day, you’ll enjoy wonderful bistro cuisine with a unique atmosphere.
969, chemin de la Grave, Havre-Aubert
7. Board the boat
No need for a car or plane to get to the islands. Les croisières CTMA will easily get you there. Board on Friday night and you’ll arrive well rested on Sunday morning. Over the past few years, CTMA has put a focus on its passengers’ gastronomical experience, and it shows. Foodies can enjoy their Saveurs package, which includes lodging on the boat, a visit to food producers and meals at some of the best restaurants on the islands.