 The community and the island derives its name from Cap aux Meules, a headland on the island.The sheltered port of Cap-aux-Meules is an important fishing harbour, as well as a commercial cargo and ferry port.The ferry company, Coopérative de Transport Maritime et Aérien (CTMA) operates a seasonal ferry service to Souris, Prince Edward Island, as well as a year-round cargo service to Matane and Montreal, Quebec.