Mingan Archipelago (Havre-Saint-Pierre)
An Acadian fishing town on Quebec's North Shore; take a boat to the Mingan Archipelago for sculpted limestone monoliths, puffins and whales, with views toward Anticosti Island.
Havre-Saint-Pierre lies on the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Quebec's North Shore (Côte-Nord). Founded by descendants of Acadian settlers, this fishing town is the main gateway to Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. The archipelago consists of about 30 limestone islands and over a thousand islets stretching some 150 km along the coast. Its biggest draw is the giant monoliths carved by waves and glaciers, along with boreal forest, peat bogs and rare alpine plants; in summer you can also see Atlantic puffins, seals, and blue and humpback whales.
This is a summer-only destination: boat trips run Jun–Sep, and Jul–Aug is warmest, though even in midsummer it is cool on the water, so bring a windproof jacket; the rest of the year boats do not run and winters are harsh. Visits are mainly by boat to the islands: in the east, Île Niapiskau, Île Quarry, Île du Havre and the Petite île au Marteau lighthouse are reached from Havre-Saint-Pierre; in the west, Île Nue de Mingan, the puffins of Île aux Perroquets and the cetacean research station are reached from Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan. You can camp at Parks Canada campgrounds on the islands for a night on an uninhabited island. In town there is an Acadian cultural centre and seafood restaurants, and the village of Baie-Johan-Beetz to the east has the naturalist's manor house.
Getting there: about 11 hours' drive from Quebec City along Route 138, or fly to the small Havre-Saint-Pierre airport; from town, ferries and flights go to Anticosti Island, which requires a separate overnight stay. Plan 2–3 days, leaving extra time in case boat trips are cancelled by wind or fog; book boat trips and campsites in advance.
Top sights
- Île Niapiskau – The most famous sea stack island in the Mingan Archipelago, where giant limestone pillars such as “Madame Marie-Rose” stand on the beach.
- Île Quarry – The island with the most varied sea stack scenery in the archipelago. A loop trail passes through stone pillars, peat bogs and wind-sculpte…
- Île aux Perroquets (Puffins & Lighthouse) – A small island at the western end of the archipelago where Atlantic puffins nest. A lighthouse dating back a century stands here and can be…
- Île Nue de Mingan – A low, nearly treeless island with sea stacks and cranberry moorland, a favorite of photographers.
- Mingan Island Cetacean Study & Whale Watching – A whale research station at Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, with a whale skeleton exhibition hall and whale-watching trips led alongside researche…
- Île du Havre – A large island just across from Havre-Saint-Pierre, ideal for hiking and camping, with limestone platforms and sea caves along the shore.
- Petite Île au Marteau Lighthouse – A lighthouse on a small island off Havre-Saint-Pierre. The restored keeper's house is open to visitors, and the island has a small café.
- Havre-Saint-Pierre Village & Marina – A fishing village founded by descendants of Acadian settlers, where the wharf, colorful wooden houses and seafront boardwalk mark the depar…
- Maison de la Culture Roland-Jomphe – A cultural centre housed in a former department store, presenting the Acadian settlement and fishing history of Havre-Saint-Pierre.
- Maison Johan-Beetz – A wooden manor built in 1898 by a Belgian naturalist in a bay village, with animal murals he painted by hand inside.
Where to eat
- Chez Julie – A family-run institution since 1977, known for its seafood pizza and one of the best-known restaurants on the North Sho…
- Restaurant La Promenade – A casual harbourside seafood restaurant, where a generous lobster club sandwich comes with views of the port.
Itineraries
- Quebec North Shore Whale Route & Mingan – Drive east along Route 138 to the Mingan Archipelago to see whales, puffins, and limestone monoliths.