Secrets of the Saint-Lawrence

Legend

Capitalization
Since the compass points are one of the keys to this publication, we have identified them clearly by capitalizing them in all cases. Example: North, South, East, West

Offshore
The term offshore refers to anything that is not right beside the shore.

Chart numbers
The chart numbers in between parenthesis refer to the marine charts that are regularly updated by the Canadian Hydrographic Service. These charts are essential for
sailors.

Seastate

Confused or choppy sea (rip)

Cross sea

Reflection

Waves
• breaking
• shoaling
• short
• steep

Fog

Effects

Barrier

Channelling

Convergence

Corner

Funnelling

Winds

Katabatic wind

Turbulence

Wind opposing current

The maps are based on climatological charts of the St Lawrence, published by Environment Canada, Québec Region.

Secrets of the Saint-Lawrence - Marine Weather Guide

Îles de la Madeleine

Map: Îles de la Madeleine
Click here to zoom

Another magnificent part of the St Lawrence are the Îles de la Madeleine, which lie right in the middle of the Gulf, 40 nautical miles off the nearest shore.

The islands are swept by winds from every direction. Their sheltered lagoons, where the wind blows freely, are a windsurfer's paradise.

Shoals are to be found everywhere around the islands, and form a crescent from Pointe de l'Est to Rochers aux Oiseaux, with Île Brion in the middle. They produce high seas.

Watch out for winds in the Eastern part of the section. They may herald a storm that will bring a strong Northwesterly wind.

As the summer progresses, the Northwesterly wind will produce higher and higher seas along the North Shore because of the fetch and the wind's strength.

Even if the tidal currents are less than one knot, remember that they will be stronger around points and at the mouth of lagoons.

In spring and summer, humid air from the warmer waters to the South and Southwest of the islands brings fog.

Map: Îles de la Madeleine, 134 to 142
Click here to zoom

134. Northwest side, particularly Pointe Hérissée area

Winds Southwesterly
Wind strengthens. Convergence effect.

135. Northeast side

Winds Northeasterly
Breaking waves produced by numerous reefs and shoals.

Navigation becomes very difficult.

136. Pointe de l'Est

Winds Northwesterly, Northerly and Northeasterly, at ebb tide
High, breaking seas, particularly off point. Produced by crossing of 2 Westerly currents from both sides of point.

137. Île Brion and Rocher( s) aux Oiseaux

Winds from any direction
Corner effect.

Winds Northeasterly
Heavy, cross seas Southwest of Rochers aux Oiseaux

138. La Perle (reef)

Even when winds 15 knots, from any direction
Breaking waves.

139. Île d'Entrée

Winds from any direction
Corner effect.

140. La Passe

Winds Southerly and Southeasterly
Breaking seas, especially at ebb tide.
Shoals between Dune Sandy Hook and Île d'Entrée.

141. Southwest side

Winds Northeasterly
Cross seas. Refraction effect in lee of all
islands.

Seas may become very confused.

142. Le Corps-Mort

Winds from any direction
Corner effect.

The Green LaneTM, Environment Canada's World Wide Web site

Last updated: 2002-12-16

Important Notices and Disclaimers