The Îles-de-la-Madeleine, a small island archipelago in Quebec, will now require tourists to pay a $30 entry fee. Officials cite the need to protect the islands’ fragile environment and improve tourism infrastructure as the reason for the new policy.
Visitors will receive a “Passe Archipel” (Archipelago Pass) which includes a QR code for entry and exit tracking. The pass costs $30 per person over the age of 13 (up to $100 per family) and is available from May 1st to October 14th.
Funds raised from the fee will be split between the municipality and regional community. The money will be used for waste management, regional park improvements, and tourism-related infrastructure upgrades.
Mayor Antonin Valiquette stated, “We want to continue to welcome visitors year after year by offering them adequate services and that is why we are setting up this fund.”
Failure to purchase a pass could result in a $1,000 fine.
