Magdalen Islands is one of two municipalities forming the urban agglomeration of Magdalen Islands in Quebec, Canada. It is part of the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region and the population is 12,291 as of the Canada 2011 Census.As part of a municipal reorganization across Quebec, the seven communities of the Magdalen Islands amalgamated to form the municipality of Magdalen Islands on January 1, 2002. However, after a referendum in 2004 the community of Grosse-Île decided to split from the municipality, effective January 1, 2006. Although Grindstone likewise voted to split in the same referendum, it did not actually do so.CommunitiesThe following are the six formerly independent communities that constitute Magdalen Islands:Grindstone (Cap-aux-Meules)Located on Grindstone Island (Île du Cap aux Meules in French), Grindstone was settled as early as the 19th century. Before the 2002 amalgamation, it was the Magdalen Islands' smallest community in land area, but because of its location at the centre of the archipelago, it has become the most important business centre of the islands and, as such, was named "Capital of the Islands." The ferry servicing Cap-aux-Meules to Souris, Prince Edward Island constitutes the archipelago's only port of entry by sea.