If your thing is off-the-beaten-path adventures, have we got a spot for you. Nestled at the mouth of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the port of Havre-Saint-Pierre is located in the beautiful Minganie region of Québec. Hiking and boating are among the adventure tourism options Havre-Saint-Pierre offers. It has miles of beautiful and unique shoreline, stunning sandy beaches and picturesque villages bursting with charm and adventure. Surrounding the town of Havre-Saint-Pierre is the world-famous Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, a chain of limestone islands and granite islets with a natural beauty that will take your breath away.
Our first stop on this virtual adventure will be a boat trip on the Mingan Archipelago, departing from the Havre-Saint-Pierre marina for a scenic cruise, which is an experience in itself. Visitors are welcomed and accompanied on the island of their choice by a Parks Canada guide, and each island is unique. Walkthrough awe-inspiring landscapes and geological history. Enjoy the flora of various habitats and the magnificent monoliths which resist the ravages of time. The region’s mysterious monoliths and diverse wildlife, including deer, marine birds, and botanical plant life, have inspired many. Every experience will help you feel the rhythm of the Mingan Islands.
Our next stop will be to explore the Innu community, one of the First Nations to have lived on the land about 5,000 years before the first Europeans arrived in North America. Mingan was a major fishing and trading post for the Hudson Bay Company. It is now also known as Ekuanitshit, which means “take care of the place where you live.” Treat yourself to some real traditional Innu food and visit their magnificent church. The church is decorated entirely with Innu art and provides a magical glimpse into the mysteries of Innu culture and its people. Experience a true change of scenery at the end of route 138 and discover the Eastern Mingan region. This region has only been linked to Québec by road since 1996. Here both First Nation and non-First Nation get together to share their culture. The magnificent landscapes of the North Shore make this a uniquely charming area.
Next up: hiking the historic circuit. Local residents refer to themselves as Cayens and are very proud of their Acadian heritage. Fishing, hunting, and lumber were the main industries of the village for many years, but today mining beats them all. This hiking tour takes you on a journey into their lifestyle and their historical and economic background. The Roland Jomphe culture house is an old general store that now houses a permanent exhibit. With the feel of a museum, visitors can relive the history of Havre-Saint-Pierre from 1857 to today, thanks to the characters in period attire. Lively evening entertainment can be arranged in advance which showcases “Cayen” cultural heritage activity.
Havre-Saint-Pierre is a charming town of 3,400 residents who graciously and enthusiastically welcome visitors. As soon as we can safely explore the world again, add it to your list of “must visit” places.