Havre St Pierre is without doubt one of the most magical locations on the north shore of Quebec. Right here’s every part it is advisable know earlier than you go to.
Think about a colourful city looking onto the huge waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A spot the place whales frolic proper off the shores and a sequence of islands laden with a few of the most jaw-dropping landscapes and mesmerizing wildlife lie only a quick boat experience away.
For over a decade, my spouse, Christina, and I’ve been attempting to go to the city of Havre St. Pierre. Our first try got here in 2012. C was two, and Christina was eight months pregnant with D when a mechanical concern triggered us to overlook this distant vacation spot on our solution to go to Perce Rock and Bonaventure Island in Gaspesie.
Two extra occasions, we tried to go to. One journey was shelved when well being points struck a liked one, the opposite was canceled as a result of pandemic in 2020 once we virtually didn’t make it residence from Egypt.
Lastly, in 2022, when our youngsters have been 8 & 11, we lastly had our likelihood to go to. After a highway journey from Halifax, Nova Scotia, by Gaspesie Nationwide Park, and throughout the St. Lawrence River, we arrived in Havre St. Pierre for 4 days of mountain climbing, fowl watching, tenting, and whale watching.
About Havre St Pierre, Quebec
Havre St. Pierre is the launching level for a few of the biggest landscapes and adventures within the province of Quebec. This quaint city sits close to the abrupt finish of the scenic, waterfall-lined RTE 138 that winds its manner alongside the north shore of the St. Lawrence River from Quebec Metropolis to the Kegaska Island ferry terminal close to Labrador.
For many guests, Havre St. Pierre is finest generally known as the muster level for Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve adventures. This enchanting assortment of over 40 islands alongside invitations guests to expertise fascinating rock monoliths, endangered wildlife, spectacular seabirds, wonderful hikes, and extra whales and porpoises than possible.
The city has grown from a mixture of Indigenous Innu peoples, Acadians, and Quebecers drawn to the picturesque shore, spectacular fishing, and infinite open air that Quebec’s Cote Nord presents. The ample open air and sea entry signifies that Havre St. Pierre is a paradise for foodies, highway trippers, and out of doors lovers alike.
How To Get To Havre St. Pierre
Attending to Havre St Pierre and the Mingan Archipelago requires some dedication. This distant neighborhood is simply 300 km west of the place the easternmost freeway on Quebec’s Cote Nord all of the sudden ends. In reality, it’s an epic ten-and-a-half-hour drive from Quebec Metropolis.
The route from Quebec Metropolis to Havre St. Pierre may not be quick, however it’s one in all Canada’s finest highway journeys. The journey takes guests alongside the “Whale Route” by stunning cities reminiscent of Tadoussac and Baie Comeau.
The journey is a protracted one for positive, however you gained’t have to fret about getting misplaced. The attractive St. Lawrence River is a continuing on the south aspect, and there are only a few turns to the north off of RTE 138 when you cross Tadoussac and the Saguenay Fjord except for a number of logging roads that these with an adventurous spirit would possibly wish to discover to search out a few of the extra hidden waterfalls alongside the best way.
Issues To Do In Havre St Pierre
For a small city of fewer than 4,000 residents, there are a wealth of wonderful issues to do in Havre St. Pierre. However this shouldn’t shock anybody who’s wanting into journey to this unimaginable area of Quebec. A fast search of your favourite social media program will flip up astounding images and mesmerizing movies showcasing the dramatic landscapes and drool-worthy wildlife experiences the city and surrounding area of Havre St. Pierre presents.
Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve
Greater than seemingly, in case you are contemplating a drive to Havre St. Pierre, Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve is in your bucket checklist. This mind-blowing Nationwide Park in Canada consists of 20 giant islands and an enormous string of scenic islets that sit inside simple attain of land.
Providing a few of the most dramatic and magical landscapes in Japanese Canada, Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve is a should for any journey to the area. Be part of one of many native excursions supplied by Boreal Companies Maritimes that jet guests out by boat to the islands closest to Havre St. Pierre.
A number of the islands hottest amongst guests to the city embody Ile du Fantomes, the place the morning mist elements to disclose numerous stone monoliths carved out by hundreds of years of ocean waves. Ile Niapiskau presents attractive hikes by salt marshes and historical forests, and Grande Ile, the place beautiful coastal hikes are overshadowed solely by the attractive and distinctive Parks Canada Oasis lodging.
You’ll discover uncommon planets, attractive birds, boardwalks, picnic shelters, mountain climbing trails, and way more all through the islands. For these in search of one thing self-propelled, there are many sea kayaks and SUP excursions of the islands as properly.
The park is residence to extra islands than you’ll be able to go to on a weekend. I counsel at the very least three days on the town to discover and a further day or two in Longue Pointe de Mingan to entry the easternmost islands, together with Ile Nue de Mingan and the lighthouse and puffins on Ile aux Perroquets.
Parc Nationwide d’Anticosti
Ile Anticosti is a novel place. The island was privately owned when it was separated from the county of Saguenay again in 1902 and by no means had a neighborhood authorities till years after it was put again underneath authorities jurisdiction in 1974.
The island was used as a looking floor for Indigenous Peoples in Quebec, together with the Innu, who known as it Notiskuan (“the place bears are hunted”), and the Mi’kmaq, who named the island Natigosteg, which interprets to “ahead land.”
Parc Nationwide d’Anticosti covers almost 600 sq. kilometers of land all through the island. The park, which falls underneath the provincial SEPAQ park system, just like Lac Temiscouata reasonably than the Parks Canada nationwide park system, presents attractive white cliffs, uncooked canyons, and towering waterfalls.
Spend a number of days exploring the huge cave system, fishing for salmon, and mountain climbing by the 125 kilometers of trails previous sunbathing seals and white-tailed deer.
Innu Cultural Centre
Only a quick drive from Havre St. Pierre within the city of Mingan is the Maison de la Tradition Innue. The small museum and cultural expertise supply a glimpse into the lives and historical past of the native Innu neighborhood of Ekuanitshit (Mingan).
Discover the partaking displays, be taught in regards to the traditions of looking and fishing, and the significance of the native wildlife and land to the fishing, looking, and existence of the Indigenous Peoples in Japanese Quebec.
Company will be taught in regards to the ongoing negotiations between the Innu Peoples and the Canadian Authorities over the Mingan Archipelago and style conventional bannock and berries (a dish we completely loved within the Wendat city of Wendake in Quebec Metropolis), and speak and listen to from members of the local people.
Be sure to hit the present store for an important collection of hand-made Innu handicrafts and souvenirs. You possibly can try their web site right here.
Whale Watching
It doesn’t take a lot effort to see whales in Havre St. Pierre. My household was on the town for 15-minutes earlier than we noticed three Minke whales surfacing off the shores close to the Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve Guests Centre.
Be part of Boreal Companies Maritime for one in all their Mingan Archipelago excursions, or ebook them for a whale watching journey amongst the islands the place you’ll have an opportunity to see Minke, Humpback, Beluga, Northern Proper, and even the totally huge Blue Whale.
We noticed loads of Minke Whales proper off the Havre St. Pierre and Proper Whales shores from our Oasis campsite on Grande Ile.
Puffin Watching
Make the 45-minute drive to Longue Pointe de Mingan and be a part of Famille Loiselle Excursions. This superb family-run tour takes guests out to Ile Nue de Mingan, the place they’ll discover the unimaginable flowerpots and monoliths lining the seashore.
However the actual deal with of the journey is the journey throughout to Ile aux Perroquets, the place you’ll go to the scenic cliff-top lighthouse. On this island, you’ll be dazzled by the multitude of seabirds, together with razorbill, black guillemot, and black-legged kittiwake.
However the actual stars of the island are the numerous puffins who return to the islands at excessive tide laden with tiny fish stuffed into their colourful beaks. The puffins make their nests among the many rocks and in holes alongside the cliffs.
L’Église de Rivière-au-Tonnerre
Stunningly perched above the Gulf of St. Lawrence between Sheldrake and Magpie, this picket church, constructed within the early twentieth century by a group of over 300 volunteers, is a shocking sight for these making the drive to or from Havre St. Pierre.
Guests can take a self-guided audio tour of the church at no cost or just stroll among the many towering pillars and picturesque inside on their very own.
Hike To Crimson Falls at Cap Ferre
One of many least-visited issues to do in Havre St. Pierre is the hike at Cap Ferre. This stunning waterfront hike will be accessed on the finish of a protracted grime highway round mile marker 1,232. Right here, a 5-km grime highway will result in a small parking zone that provides you entry to the 3-km waterfront path.
Alongside Cap Ferre, you’ll discover proof of what the islands of the Mingan Archipelago regarded like earlier than erosion formed the dramatic monoliths. Right here you’ll be able to see the ridged squares that the tides are slowly carving out as properly.
Comply with the water west (from the parking zone, flip proper on the waterfront) previous tidepools stuffed with crabs, starfish, and brilliant inexperienced algae till you attain the small however stunning Crimson Falls. This idyllic waterfall may not be huge, however the brilliant colours make it one of many prime issues to see in Havre St. Pierre.
Mingan Island Cetacean Examine (MICS) Customer Centre
One other Havre St. Pierre attraction that’s situated in Longue Pointe to Mingan is the Mingan Island Cetacean Examine or MICS.
This whale museum is covertly situated at RTE 138 and Rue de Borde de la Mer. The small museum is run by Parks Canada and options displays on the historical past of the landscapes and landscapes of the Mingan Archipelago in addition to a wonderful show and video presentation targeted on the marine mammals that decision this a part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence residence.
You’ll be taught all in regards to the intense analysis that this system helps fund and gaze upon whale skeletons and the sensible murals and art work hung all through.
I had an opportunity to talk with Richard Sears, who based MICS in 1979 and find out about a few of the dramatic modifications that might be coming to the centre over the following few years. And it seems like they are going to supply fairly a bit extra interactive and digital displays that can thrill those that love hands-on studying.
The place To Eat In Havre St. Pierre
One of many issues that I acknowledged as soon as I arrived in Havre St. Pierre was that it is a vacation spot that foodies will love.
There might not be many eating places in Havre St. Pierre, and those which might be there are typically fairly busy within the excessive season, however for those who discover a seat, you’ll be handled to a fully fabulous meal. Together with these nice eating places, the city additionally has a number of quick meals joints, together with a Subway and a Tim Hortons.
Chez Julie
Chez Julie is the go-to Havre St. Pierre restaurant. Though, as a result of there are two utterly completely different areas, it’s simple to get confused as to which one it is best to go to.
The obvious location in Havre St. Pierre is situated throughout from the Maritime Boreal Companies workplace close to the Havre St. Pierre marina. That is truly a small espresso store that not solely serves up a few of the finest espresso in Havre St. Pierre. Chez Julie Cafe additionally sells an important collection of native treats and condiments. They even have tastings of native jams, together with the signature cloudberry jam.
Chez Julie restaurant is situated proper behind Resort du Havre on Rue Dulcinee. They serve an enormous number of meals, together with hamburgers and pizza. However these within the know go to Chez Julie for his or her wildly scrumptious seafood dishes.
Anticipate dishes which might be completely filled with lobster, fish, shrimp, and scallops. Be sure to remain for a slice of their signature cloudberry pie. This amber-colored fruit is native to the Boreal Forest and is without doubt one of the signature treats of the area.
You will discover the working hours of each Chez Julie eating places right here.
Le Promenade
The place Restaurant Chez Julie is inconspicuously tucked away behind a resort, Restaurant Le Promenade is located alongside the picturesque waterfront of Havre St. Pierre. The placement, proper throughout from the city’s large, sandy seaside, presents an excellent view of the close by islands paired with an unlimited collection of meals, as soon as once more specializing in seafood.
You’ll discover very beneficiant parts, and their seafood pizza and lobster membership sandwich are native favorites. For these in search of extra commonplace fare, you can too discover pasta, burgers, and among the best Havre St. Pierre breakfasts as properly.
You will discover the menu for Restaurant Le Promenade right here.
La Molle Ice Cream Store
This small ice cream store is situated proper on Bd de Escale as you get near the waterfront. La Molle serves up an important vary of ice cream flavors and contains a good out of doors terrace. You possibly can take pleasure in both soft-serve or conventional ice cream.
The place To Keep In Havre St. Pierre
For those who’re in search of nice lodging in Havre St. Pierre, be warned that they ebook up in a short time. This can be a boutique vacation spot. The city is within the means of rising the infrastructure to help the inflow of holiday makers now that phrase has gotten out about the entire unimaginable issues to do in Havre St. Pierre.
Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve
For these in search of a deeper connection to the Mingan Archipelago, Parks Canada presents numerous tenting and ready-to-camp choices on the Mingan Archipelago. This contains their traditional oTENTik soft-sided glamping that sleeps six.
In addition they have unimaginable OASIS stilt-mounted glamping experiences on Grande Ile (which is the place we stayed once we slept on the island). These stunning and distinctive lodging are small however filled with a desk that converts to a mattress and a hammock sleeping space for kids above.
For these in search of much more journey, you’ll be able to expertise wild tenting on a number of of the islands, the place you’ll be handled to epic evening skies and the sounds of whales blowing their spouts off-shore.
You will discover out extra about Mingan Archipelago tenting right here.
Resort du Havre
This was the Havre St. Pierre resort that my household stayed at throughout our go to. Though the resort is a bit dated, it’s clear, presents a small breakfast, and is situated near the marina and most of the Havre St. Pierre points of interest.
Resort du Havre is a family-run resort with free WiFi and an in-room fridge. It’s additionally conveniently situated proper subsequent to restaurant Chez Julie, so we have been in a position to drag our full-bellies residence after dinner.
You possibly can examine the provision of this resort right here.
Auberge Boreale
This small gite situated close to the marina in Havre St. Pierre is a small, family-run institution with clear rooms and cozy facilities. The couple that runs this small resort is understood to be very pleasant and may supply nice ideas for exploring the city and the close by islands.
You possibly can join with Auberge Boreale right here.
Tenting du Mingan RV Leases
For those who’re planning on visiting each Havre St. Pierre and Longue Pointe de Mingan to see each ends of the archipelago, it might make sense to remain in Longue Pointe de Mingan as an alternative of Havre St. Pierre.
La Famille Loiselle, the identical household that ran our tour out to the puffins, run Tenting de Mingan, which rents out well-equipped RVs and trailers perched spectacularly on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
We completely liked our keep right here and would have gladly caught round for a number of extra days only for the relief and epic views. Get pleasure from a campfire by the water and revel in a meal cooked proper there in your trailer.
You possibly can join with them right here.
Our Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve Video
Considering getting a deeper take a look at Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve? Take a look at our YouTube video, the place discover six of the Mingan Archipelago islands, together with Ile Fantomes, Ile Quarry, Ile Nue de Mingan, Grande Ile, and Ile aux Perroquets.
Ideas For Visiting Havre St. Pierre, Quebec
Havre St. Pierre blew away my household’s expectations. Our go to got here mid-way by an epic three-week highway journey by the Maritimes and stood out as the largest spotlight of an adventure-filled journey. We merely couldn’t get sufficient of the folks, the meals, and the completely jaw-dropping views.
- Convey your individual music or audiobooks – The route between Godbout and Havre St. Pierre could be very distant, and there’s likelihood that there might be at the very least a number of hours the place you gained’t even be capable of entry a radio station. We all the time have a number of audiobooks from Audible available to fill within the silence.
- Put together for the climate – Havre St. Pierre has a novel sub-Arctic local weather. Whereas the summer time climate is usually nice, there will be fairly a little bit of rain, and mornings are sometimes foggy. Be sure to pack a rain jacket (that is our favourite for girls and that is our favourite for males).
- Convey binoculars – The marine wildlife is without doubt one of the greatest causes to go to Havre St. Pierre. Just be sure you pack some binoculars in an effort to get look.
- E book forward – Whereas Havre St. Pierre is distant, the phrase is getting out about how out-of-this-world it’s. For those who’re planning on visiting, be sure that to ebook forward of time so that you just’re assured of the lodging and excursions that you just’re dreaming of.
Are You Prepared To Discover Havre St. Pierre?
We had a fully unimaginable time throughout our time in Havre St. Pierre. The city blew away our expectations and confirmed us that there’s a lot extra to Havre St. Pierre than we had ever imagined. It’s a family-friendly vacation spot with an unimaginable vary of points of interest and superb eating places that took us unexpectedly.
For those who’re in search of what to do in Havre St. Pierre, Quebec, you’ll have your palms full. and that’s drawback to have!
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Disclosure: We have been friends of Quebec Maritime and Parks Canada throughout our go to. As all the time, our opinions stay our personal.
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