Budget for your summer vacation to Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec.

Starting next month, visitors to Quebec’s Îles-de-la-Madeleine will have to pay a $30 visitor fee to raise money for tourism infrastructure, environmental protection and waste management. This fee, called the Passe Archipelago, will be mandatory for all domestic and international travelers staying on the islands for more than 24 hours between May 1 and October 14. Failure to comply may result in a $1,000 fine. The mayor of Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Antonin Valiquette, believes that the compensation is necessary due to the pressure tourists place on local services and municipal revenues. The islands had a population of around 13,000, but welcomed five times as many visitors between May and October 2023.

Some islanders are concerned that the introduction of the visitors tax could hinder the freedom of Quebecers and other Canadians to travel within their own country. Local hotel owner Chanie Thériault expressed outrage over the fee, especially since it is charging mainland Quebec residents for the use of public funds funded in part by the provincial government. Suzie Leblanc, a former municipal councilor, sympathizes with the municipality’s budgetary challenges, but is concerned about the impact of the Passe Archipelago rules on citizens’ mobility. Despite opposition, Valiquette compares the visitor fee to toll drivers who pay to cross the Confederation Bridge between New Brunswick and PEI, saying it is a necessary measure.

The Passe Archipelago will be affordable via an online platform and certified with a QR code that visitors receive by email. Islanders are exempt from the fee, but must provide proof of residence when leaving the islands. The fee only applies to travelers who are at least 13 years old and is up to $100 for families. There are also exceptions for second home owners. While this visitor fee is a first in Quebec, similar fees exist in other parts of the world. Despite concerns about the spread of the reimbursement to other municipalities, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine tourism office has not observed a decline in bookings since the implementation of the Passe Archipelago.

Overall, the introduction of the visitor fee has caused controversy among locals. While some argue that it is necessary to maintain the island’s infrastructure and maintain its quality as a tourist destination, others believe that this infringes on the freedom of movement of residents and visitors. The fee is seen as a way to balance the impact of tourism on municipal resources while maintaining accessibility to public facilities. Experts believe the fee will not deter tourists from visiting the islands, citing similar models in other popular destinations. Despite concerns about the precedent set by the Passe Archipelago, the tourism board has seen no decline in bookings, indicating that visitors are still interested in experiencing the beauty of Îles-de-la-Madeleine.