The Catholic tradition of Carnival – a period of masking and celebration before the austere fasting of Lent – has many incarnations around the world, such as Carnival in Rio and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Canadian Acadians, including residents of the Îles de la Madeleine, celebrate a version known as Mi-Carême. Come to this museum to see masks, costumes and other artifacts of this fascinating community celebration, which remains little known to outsiders.
Ècomusée de la Mi-Carême
Îles de la Madeleine
Nearby Îles de la Madeleine attractions
1. St-Pierre-de-la-Vernière
2.31 MILES
Built in 1876, this handsome white church has a checkered history – it's been struck by lightning several times. Locals like to point out that most of the…
2. Le Fumoir d'Antan
5.18 MILES
Three generations of the Arseneau family have smoked herring at this traditional smokehouse, where you can learn about the process and taste the goods…
3. Butte Ronde
5.82 MILES
A short climb from the car park on Chemin des Échoueries near Cap Alright, the cross-topped Butte Ronde has wonderful views of the lumpy coastline.
4. Le Site d'Autrefois
11.13 MILES
Places such as the Îles de la Madeleine tend to attract eccentric folks, and they don't get much more interesting than flamboyant fisher Claude F…
5. Musée de la Mer
11.79 MILES
This thoughtful little museum covers Madelinot history, from Jacques Cartier's impressions of walruses to photographic exhibitions on the modern-day seal…
6. Sandy Hook
12.79 MILES
This huge, 12km stretch of windswept sand, accessible via Chemin du Sable, pretty much feels like the edge of the world. Be careful if you swim here, as…
7. Seal Interpretation Center
20.64 MILES
This museum delves into the biology and behavior of seals and explores their cultural significance to the islands, giving particular attention to the…
8. Centre d'Interprétation Mines Seleine
21.86 MILES
At the end of a windswept sandbank, the island's industrial salt mine – one of the earliest economic engines of settlement – excavates at a depth of 300m…