4 Days Alongside Québec’s Côte-Nord ~ DownshiftingPRO
Touring by way 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.
Thanks for studying this publish, remember to subscribe!
Why Discover Côte-Nord?
Côte-Nord affords greater than 1,250 km of putting shoreline, large boreal forests, not often 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 risk.
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 filled 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 affords shows on every thing from Innu tradition and whaling historical past to geology and northern wildlife.
The museum’s rotating artwork and images 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 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 very least 90 minutes for a tour.
Freshest Seafood on the Wharf
Lunch was a seafood delight at Casse-croûte du pêcheur, a neighborhood 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 novel seafood poutine with white gravy graced our desk. The meals right here was contemporary and hearty. That is the type of easy, scrumptious meal you keep in mind lengthy after the journey.
Havre-Saint-Pierre
The scenic drive alongside Route 138 took us by way of dense forests and alongside wild rivers to Havre-Saint-Pierre, gateway to the Mingan Archipelago. Our resort was cozy and well-located— for vacationers and miners alike. Eager to pattern some native beer, we began our night at Puyjalon – Brasserie et Distillerie for gentle libations and popcorn, earlier than heading to the legendary Restaurant Chez Julie.
With an intensive seafood menu it offered 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 offered have been entertaining and fairly spectacular. I can attest that the seafood pizza actually is known for a cause, and when you see cloudberry pie on the menu, don’t cross it up! We have been fortunate to get to order our lunch for tomorrow’s picnic from Chez Julie – actually 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 Data and Interpretation Centre to board a ship with Providers Maritimes Boréale for a Parks Canada–guided tour to Île Quarry, one of the crucial breathtaking islands within the Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve.
Named as one in every of 52 locations to go in 2024 by the New York Instances, the Mingan Archipelago Nationwide Park Reserve options about 20 major 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 you can 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 1000’s of years. We noticed puffins, seabirds, and a bunch of seals whereas skirting the rugged coast.
Boardwalks stored us off the delicate bogs as we hiked by way of boreal forest and admired native flora —like pitcher, cloudberries, labrador tea vegetation and clusters of soppy caribou moss—underneath the watchful eye of a Parks Canada interpreter. Cedric, our information, was extraordinarily useful and knowledgeable- he knowledgeable me that Parks Canada affords these guided walks free of charge!
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—youngsters 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) provided insights into centuries of custom. The village church, adorned with good Innu artwork, is a must-see.
Camp by the Sea at Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan
Our house 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 individual trailer and equipment.
It’s also the perfect place to stimulate your senses by taking a chilly plunge within the St. Lawrence River. As soon as that’s carried out, seize a beverage and heat up over a roaring hearth, and chill out 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 a protracted energetic day.
Day 3: Puffins, a Lighthouse, and Naked Rocks
Birds and Lighthouses: Île aux Perroquets
The following 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 might 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 way of the Company de l’Île aux Perroquets—breakfast, interpretive applications, and boat transport included. Should you crave whole unplugging, that is your home – all reservations are dealt with by way 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 virtually 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 fantastic 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 marvel 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 affords 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 among our largest objectives was to achieve 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 standard, starting with a mild gravel path and a boardwalk with stairs that deliver you nearer to the falls.
Our crew was set on getting a killer drone shot, and after strolling the paths, I may see why this spot is so beloved. Services embody an data heart, parking, and picnic tables—making it a fantastic place for a road-trip lunch.
Sept-Îles: Sand, Sunsets, and Summer time Festivals
Sept-Îles is a bustling coastal metropolis and the guts of Québec’s North Shore. The town’s maritime historical past is intertwined with fishing, iron ore transport, and Indigenous Innu heritage, making it an enchanting crossroads of tradition and business.
Named after the seven islands that defend its massive bay, Sept-Îles has at all times been a gateway for vacationers exploring the Côte-Nord. This can be a place the place business, 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 almost 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, town bursts alive with occasions that draw the entire neighborhood collectively. The Vieux-Quai en Fête transforms Previous Wharf Park with dwell music, performers, rides, and artwork—a real household celebration proper by the water.
In the meantime, simply exterior city in Maliotenam, the Pageant 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 town’s distinctive mix of pure magnificence, welcoming spirit, and cultural satisfaction.
We ended our day with sundown at Lodge Sept-Îles (learn my resort assessment on Lodge-Scoop.com), watching the final gentle spill throughout the water—an ideal method to unwind. We have been fortunate that every of our rooms had a balcony and we may look in direction of the ocean and recognize 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 instantly discovered ourselves with an sudden bonus day to maintain exploring. As a substitute of heading straight again, we made probably the most of our additional 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 when you keep at Lodge 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 items.
We had the pleasure of constructing our very personal dream catcher with the path of one of many native artists. This, or a drum making, beading craft or style testing class, are provided for a very Indigenous studying expertise. I’m at all times 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 beautiful park trails. The Salmon Interpretation Centre is value a go to for anybody curious in regards to the Atlantic salmon’s exceptional journey and the continued efforts to guard wild shares.
The Wrap-Up: Reflections and Street Ideas
Not even a wild thunderstorm and a last-minute flight diversion may 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 just a little longer with household, and snag some thrifted treasures downtown. This serendipitous metropolis journey was the right, shocking finish to my wild Côte-Nord journey. Generally, it’s these unplanned moments and detours that flip a superb 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 marvel at nature in all its glory. Journey, I’ve discovered, rewards those that present up curious and open to shock.
Would I like to recommend this journey? In a heartbeat. Subsequent time, I’d 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 house.
Able to chase your individual slice of Côte-Nord? Been alongside the Whale Route and wish to share suggestions? Drop your questions or favourite stops within the feedback beneath—I’m at all times planning my subsequent journey!
Margarita Ibbott is a journey and life-style blogger. She blogs about journey in Canada, the US and Europe giving sensible recommendation by way of restaurant, resort and attraction opinions. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and different on-line media retailers.
