Cap-aux-Meules facts for kids
Cap-aux-Meules (which means Grindstone in French) is a special place in Quebec, Canada. It used to be a village, but now it's part of a bigger area called Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec. You can find it on Cap aux Meules Island, which is one of the many islands in the Magdalen Islands group. These islands are located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
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What is Cap-aux-Meules?
Cap-aux-Meules is a very important spot for the Magdalen Islands. It has a safe harbor that is busy with fishing boats. It's also a major hub for cargo ships and ferries. This means it's where many goods come in and out of the islands.
Getting There by Ferry
The ferry company, Coopérative de Transport Maritime et Aérien (CTMA), runs important services from Cap-aux-Meules. You can take a ferry to Souris in Prince Edward Island. There's also a year-round cargo service that brings supplies to and from Matane and Montreal in Quebec. This makes Cap-aux-Meules the main way to get to the islands by sea.
Government Services on the Island
Because Cap-aux-Meules is so central, many government offices are located here. These include important groups like Parks Canada, Transport Canada, and the Canadian Coast Guard. They help manage things like transportation, the environment, and fishing in the area.
History and Importance
People started living on Cap aux Meules Island a long time ago, in the 1800s. Even though it was the smallest community in the Magdalen Islands, its central location made it the most important business center. That's why it's often called the "Capital of the Islands." In 2006, about 1,685 people lived there.
Why the Name "Grindstone"?
The name Cap-aux-Meules comes from the grindstone quarry that was once on the island. A grindstone is a large, round stone used for sharpening tools. This quarry was a significant part of the island's history.
- On Cap aux Meules Island
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MV Lucy Maud Montgomery ferry, at port June 1996
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Ships moored at the dock
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Chemin Principal (Quebec Route 199)
