4 Days Alongside Québec’s Côte-Nord ~ DownshiftingPRO
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Touring by means of Côte-Nord, Québec’s untamed northern coast, looks like chasing the sting of the world—a journey the place colossal stone monoliths, untouched forests, and the salty breeze of the St. Lawrence River create reminiscences that linger lengthy after the journey. Over 4 days, I skilled sweeping seashores, vibrant native communities, and wild open areas, discovering why this stretch from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon is named a lot for its pure drama as its resilient folks.
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Why Discover Côte-Nord?
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Côte-Nord presents greater than 1,250 km of putting shoreline, big boreal forests, hardly ever visited seashores, and the magical Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve—with the biggest focus of abrasion monoliths in Canada.
The famed Whale Route (Route 138) hugs the St. Lawrence River, the place blue, fin, minke, and beluga whales swim simply offshore. You’re by no means removed from a shocking dawn or the crash of the Atlantic waves. I beloved that the drive itself shapes the journey—every day brings new surroundings, pleasant faces, and a way of wide-open chance.
Day 1: Sept-Îles to Havre-Saint-Pierre
Landing in Sept-Îles & the Musée régional de la Côte-Nord
A fast hop on PAL Airways from Québec Metropolis had us in Sept-Îles in simply over an hour—a world away from busy, city life. The air felt immediately completely different: salty, brisk, and stuffed with promise.
Heavy rain scuttled our deliberate waterfall hikes, however that meant extra time exploring the distinctive Musée régional de la Côte-Nord. This interactive regional museum presents shows on every part from Innu tradition and whaling historical past to geology and northern wildlife.
The museum’s rotating artwork and pictures areas have been a welcome shock, that includes an exhibit on cloudberries, a northern delicacy in a single house and an artwork set up by Sarah F. Maloney in one other.
My favourite exhibit was an enormous ground map (resulting in secret cubby holes and compartments for teenagers to discover) displaying how huge and distant this area is from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon and north in the direction of Labrador.
The map illustrates the place the hydroelectric stations (that energy the provinces of Québec and Ontario and a big swath of the American Jap seaboard), in addition to pinpoint the place iron ore and nickel mines are situated. There’s a lot to see right here so make sure and allocate at the least 90 minutes for a tour.
Freshest Seafood on the Wharf
Lunch was a seafood delight at Casse-croûte du pêcheur, an area spot formed like a lobster lure and simply steps from the Sept-Îles wharf bustling with fishing boats. Lobster rolls, crab membership sandwiches, and a singular seafood poutine with white gravy graced our desk. The meals right here was contemporary and hearty. That is the form of easy, scrumptious meal you bear in mind lengthy after the journey.
Havre-Saint-Pierre
The scenic drive alongside Route 138 took us by means of dense forests and alongside wild rivers to Havre-Saint-Pierre, gateway to the Mingan Archipelago. Our lodge was cozy and well-located— for vacationers and miners alike. Desirous to pattern some native beer, we began our night at Puyjalon – Brasserie et Distillerie for mild libations and popcorn, earlier than heading to the legendary Restaurant Chez Julie.
With an in depth seafood menu it supplied me with one of many most memorable eating experiences that I’ve ever had in Quebec Maritime. The deluxe seafood platter and the tales that the proprietor supplied have been entertaining and fairly spectacular. I can attest that the seafood pizza really is legendary for a motive, and if you happen to see cloudberry pie on the menu, don’t go it up! We have been fortunate to get to order our lunch for tomorrow’s picnic from Chez Julie – really scrumptious 😋.
Day 2: Islands, Innu Heritage, and Campfires
Boat to Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve: Île Quarry
Our coastal journey started in Havre-Saint-Pierre. After breakfast, we headed to the Info and Interpretation Centre to board a ship with Providers Maritimes Boréale for a Parks Canada–guided tour to Île Quarry, probably the most breathtaking islands within the Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve.
Named as one in all 52 locations to go in 2024 by the New York Instances, the Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve options about 20 fundamental islands and a string of islets of uncommon magnificence. It additionally boasts the biggest focus of abrasion monoliths in Canada.
The boat carried each hikers and a camper to Grande-Île, to be picked up the subsequent day. (PRO TIP: There’s an in a single day tenting possibility. Parks Canada has tear-drop formed Oasis pods that you could reserve eliminating the necessity of tenting tools).
We continued on to Île Quarry. As we approached by boat it gave us nearer view of the huge stone monoliths, sculpted by wind and waves over hundreds of years. We noticed puffins, seabirds, and a gaggle of seals whereas skirting the rugged coast.
Boardwalks saved us off the delicate bogs as we hiked by means of boreal forest and admired native flora —like pitcher, cloudberries, labrador tea crops and clusters of sentimental caribou moss—beneath the watchful eye of a Parks Canada interpreter. Cedric, our information, was extraordinarily useful and knowledgeable- he knowledgeable me that Parks Canada presents these guided walks totally free!
Innu Tradition at Ekuanitshit
That afternoon, we joined Nationwide Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Ekuanitshit, an Innu neighborhood with deep roots on the North Shore. The city sits the place the Mingan River meets the Gulf, a spot whose title means “the place issues run aground.” We have been welcomed warmly to the celebrations—kids made crafts, adults participated in log splitting, nail hammering and canoe caring competitions. With a lot effort and laughter it was all very entertaining.
I used to be struck by the vibrancy of Innu heritage: French and Innu-Aimun are spoken interchangeably, and the Maison de la tradition Innue (Home of Innu Tradition) supplied insights into centuries of custom. The village church, embellished with good Innu artwork, is a must-see.
Camp by the Sea at Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan
Our residence for the night time was a waterfront trailer at Tenting de la Minganie Campground, overlooking the Mingan Islands. These rental RVs and cabins are good for vacationers who need an out of doors journey with out having to haul your personal trailer and kit.
Additionally it is the perfect place to stimulate your senses by taking a chilly plunge within the St. Lawrence River. As soon as that’s finished, seize a beverage and heat up over a roaring hearth, and calm down to the sound of the waves. Dinner was pure consolation meals at Cantine Chez Nath: burgers, fries, shrimp golf equipment, and poutine. There’s one thing about consuming native, easy fare after an extended lively day.
Day 3: Puffins, a Lighthouse, and Naked Rocks
Birds and Lighthouses: Île aux Perroquets
The subsequent day, we headed to Île aux Perroquets with Famille Loiselle to tour the rocky islet topped by a red-and-white lighthouse errected in 1888 and re-built in 1951. The proper location for Instagram worthy footage, this spot is a sanctuary for Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and different seabirds that nest within the cliffs all summer season lengthy. Strolling the island’s quick trails, I couldn’t assist however assume this could be a dream for birders and anybody who loves windswept vistas.
Whereas we didn’t spend the night time within the historic lightkeeper’s home, you could find out extra about it by means of the Company de l’Île aux Perroquets—breakfast, interpretive packages, and boat transport included. If you happen to crave complete unplugging, that is your home – all reservations are dealt with by means of Parks Canada. There are additionally oTENTik or Oasis tenting choices on Île aux Perroquets.
Île Nue de Mingan: Wild and Wind-Scoured
Subsequent got here Île Nue de Mingan, or “Bare Island”—a spot so stark and treeless, it feels nearly otherworldly. Its tundra-like barrens are dotted with limestone monoliths (the tallest, La Montagnaise, stands 10 meters excessive), tidal swimming pools, wild berries, and echoes of the primary guests who roamed these shores.
The entire level of this journey was to see the great thing about the monoliths. We have been right here once more in what looks as if the floor of the moon. As you stroll round, between and stand beside these majestic columns, you surprise what forces of nature over what time frame needed to occur to make this. You possibly can stroll on the climate limestone and assume, what number of extra generations will get to do that? What number of will simply see these towers from afar? Solely time will inform, I suppose.
A go to to Île Nue de Mingan presents extra than simply pure magnificence—it’s additionally a window into the area’s human historical past. Basque ovens from early European guests nonetheless stay, and the island holds significance within the tales of the Innu and different teams who’ve traveled these waters for hundreds of years. Accessible solely by boat, the island is an unforgettable spotlight for hikers, birders, and anybody drawn to wild, untamed locations.
Manitou Waterfalls (Chute Manitou)
One in all our largest targets was to succeed in Manitou Waterfalls, a hovering 35-meter cascade situated 85 kilometres east of Sept-Îles. There are two nature trails for getting completely different vantage factors: the east-side path is extra fashionable, starting with a delicate gravel path and a boardwalk with stairs that convey you nearer to the falls.
Our crew was set on getting a killer drone shot, and after strolling the paths, I might see why this spot is so beloved. Services embody an information heart, parking, and picnic tables—making it an important place for a road-trip lunch.
Sept-Îles: Sand, Sunsets, and Summer time Festivals
Sept-Îles is a bustling coastal metropolis and the center of Québec’s North Shore. The town’s maritime historical past is intertwined with fishing, iron ore transport, and Indigenous Innu heritage, making it a captivating crossroads of tradition and trade.
Named after the seven islands that protect its giant bay, Sept-Îles has all the time been a gateway for vacationers exploring the Côte-Nord. It is a place the place trade, Indigenous tradition, and on a regular basis native life intersect—whether or not you’re grabbing a seafood lunch on the wharf, watching ships are available, or chatting with pleasant locals who’re happy with their roots.
Stunning Seashores
It’s additionally the right launchpad for hitting the outside. Simply minutes from downtown, you’ll discover practically 12 kilometers of sandy seashores—Monaghan, Ferguson, Routhier, and Lévesque—the place locals and guests swim, stroll, or just benefit from the wide-open views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. With easy accessibility to the Archipelago of Sept Îles, boat excursions and island adventures begin proper right here.
Summer time Festivals and Innu Celebrations
However Sept-Îles isn’t simply in regards to the surroundings. When summer season arrives, the town bursts alive with occasions that draw the entire neighborhood collectively. The Vieux-Quai en Fête transforms Outdated Wharf Park with reside music, performers, rides, and artwork—a real household celebration proper by the water.
In the meantime, simply outdoors city in Maliotenam, the Competition Innu Nikamu brings collectively musicians, dancers, and artists from throughout North America, making it one of many largest Indigenous arts festivals on the continent. Collectively, these summer season traditions spotlight the town’s distinctive mix of pure magnificence, welcoming spirit, and cultural delight.
We ended our day with sundown at Resort Sept-Îles (learn my lodge assessment on Resort-Scoop.com), watching the final mild spill throughout the water—an ideal option to unwind. We have been fortunate that every of our rooms had a balcony and we might look in the direction of the ocean and respect the efforts of people who make a life on the water.
Day 4: Tradition, Waterfalls & A Detour in Port-Cartier
When our mid-morning flight from Sept-Îles was delayed till late night, we all of a sudden discovered ourselves with an sudden bonus day to maintain exploring. As a substitute of heading straight again, we made probably the most of our further hours in Sept-Îles and Port-Cartier—wandering native trails, catching the roaring waterfalls at Rivière-aux-Rochers, and even squeezing in that elusive good drone shot.
Innu Artistry at Atikuss Economuseum
After breakfast at Bistro 7 (don’t miss it if you happen to keep at Resort Sept-Îles!), we toured Atikuss, an Indigenous-owned economuseum and boutique in Uashat, a part of the Innu First Nations territory. Genuine moccasins, beadwork, and native designs inform the story of the neighborhood’s resilience—and make for significant presents.
We had the pleasure of creating our very personal dream catcher with the route of one of many native artists. This, or a drum making, beading craft or style testing class, are supplied for a really Indigenous studying expertise. I’m all the time in search of Indigenous Tourism experiences in my travels.
Port-Cartier: Waterfall Adventures & Salmon Conservation
We headed to Port-Cartier to seek for a couple of extra waterfalls. The Rivière-aux-Rochers Park converges on the coronary heart of this peaceable city, with pretty park trails. The Salmon Interpretation Centre is value a go to for anybody curious in regards to the Atlantic salmon’s outstanding journey and the continued efforts to guard wild shares.
The Wrap-Up: Reflections and Street Suggestions
Not even a wild thunderstorm and a last-minute flight diversion might dampen the magic of this journey. When the climate rerouted us to Montreal as an alternative of Québec Metropolis, it turned out to be an sudden reward—an opportunity to reunite with my uncle, linger a bit of longer with household, and snag some thrifted treasures downtown. This serendipitous metropolis journey was the right, stunning finish to my wild Côte-Nord journey. Typically, it’s these unplanned moments and detours that flip a very good journey into an unforgettable story.
I got down to uncover one other a part of Quebec Maritime. I used to be looking for the fun of seeing these towering monoliths, the facility of waterfalls, and the style of the freshest lobster. What I discovered was a lot extra: a private tour of a distant island, a comical RV mishap, and—most significantly—a renewed sense of journey and surprise at nature in all its glory. Journey, I’ve realized, rewards those that present up curious and open to shock.
Would I like to recommend this journey? In a heartbeat. Subsequent time, I would hop the legendary passenger-cargo ferry to Blanc-Sablon in the hunt for even deeper remoteness. Côte-Nord rewards each traveler—with rugged magnificence, neighborhood heat, and a wildness you’ll carry lengthy after you’ve returned residence.
Able to chase your personal slice of Côte-Nord? Been alongside the Whale Route and need to share ideas? Drop your questions or favourite stops within the feedback under—I’m all the time planning my subsequent journey!
🥾 Discover: Excursions & Experiences
🏡 The place to Keep: High Lodging
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🛫 Get Away: Discover Flight Offers
🎒 Store: Journey Necessities
Margarita Ibbott is a journey and way of life blogger. She blogs about journey in Canada, the US and Europe giving sensible recommendation by means of restaurant, lodge and attraction evaluations. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and different on-line media shops.
