In the heart of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, between the picturesque villages of Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan and Aguanish, lies a veritable jewel of nature: the Mingan Archipelago. Consisting of more than 20 islands and over 1,000 islets and reefs, this unique place is an icon of the Côte-Nord region. Renowned for housing the largest concentration of erosion monoliths in Canada, the park reserve is bursting with natural and cultural treasures. Its exceptional wildlife, incredibly diverse flora and raw landscapes create a magical atmosphere of boreal exoticism. You'll find the nordicity of countries like Iceland and Norway right here in Quebec.
The Mingan Archipelago hasn't gone unnoticed, named one of the 52 places to go in the world in 2024 by the New York Times. A well-deserved title for this extraordinary destination!
Accessible only by boat, this exceptional destination invites you to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Remember to book your transportation with a company recognized by Parks Canada to ensure an optimal trip.
We're often asked: “What's the must-see island or area when you visit the region?” The answer is simple: get the full Mingan Archipelago experience by exploring its two flagship sectors, presented below. You'll be immersed in a world where wild beauty and immensity combine to create an unforgettable, breathtaking spectacle! In the Western sector, rub shoulders with the celebrity birds, the puffins, and discover the bare landscape of Île Nue de Mingan. The central sector will impress you with the beauty and height of its monoliths, the boreal forest, and peat bogs that abound in the landscape.
Western Sector
Embark at Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan and head for your first destination: Île aux Perroquets!
Embark at Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan and head for your first destination: Île aux Perroquets! As you approach, a lighthouse station stands on this small, steep island, where cliffs hold sway. Just a few metres from you, hundreds of puffins and razorbills gather at the surface in rafts, while others hover just above the water. As the tide rises, the seabirds bring fish to the cliffs to feed their young. On the island, a Parks Canada Heritage Presenter tells you the intriguing story of the lighthouse keepers, who have played a vital role in preventing shipwrecks since 1888.
Île aux Perroquets
Next stop : L'île Nue de Mingan
You continue your sea journey to Île Nue de Mingan, where curious seals watch you from a distance. The boat slows, giving you a moment to admire this natural spectacle. You approach the island, revealing its fascinating limestone monoliths, which resemble a lunar landscape. Highly exposed to the wind, the island's vegetation has adapted to the conditions of this distinct habitat known as barrens, worthy of Europe's Nordic countries.
Île Nue de Mingan
Île Nue de Mingan
Optional:
Extend your experience by adding a stopover on La Grande Île, the largest island of the archipelago. This island reveals two delightful concentrations of monoliths: one resembles a zoo of stone animals, the other the ruins of a majestic castle, surrounded by crystal-clear water. The breathtaking beauty of these landscapes, where grandeur and freedom meet, is sure to fill you with wonder.
And who knows, maybe a whale will complete the picture!
Central sector
The boat sails along the impressive limestone cliffs of Île du Havre and Île du Fantôme. As you approach your destination, Île Quarry, you turn your head to catch a glimpse of seabirds, and suddenly a whale or porpoises surface, catching their breath before your eyes.
Île Quarry
Discovery of Île Quarry
When you arrive on the island, a Parks Canada Heritage Presenter welcomes you and takes you on a tour of the treasures the sea has left behind, while explaining the fascinating adaptations of local plants. In the heart of the boreal forest the scents change, and the diversity and quantity of lichens exhibit the purity of the air. Ancient limestone cliffs, once shaped by the sea, emerge in the middle of the forest. After crossing barrens and peat bogs, you arrive at Anse des Erosions, a spectacular site populated by monoliths.
Heading to Île Niapiskau
Your tour then continues to Île Niapiskau, where fossils and other limestone giants await you at Anse des Bonnes Femmes. Here, you'll recognize rock formations such as the Crocodile, the Owl, the Eagle, the Wedding Cake and the majestic “Madame de Niapisca”.
Île Niapiskau
Île Fantôme
Optional:
Extend your adventure with a stopover on Île du Fantôme, a place of unique flora. Did you know that there are over 490 species of vascular plants in the entire park reserve? Botany enthusiasts will be delighted! As you walk along the trail, you'll come across rare arctic and alpine plants, often found only in mountainous regions or beyond Quebec's 56th parallel. The island's landscape, with its impressive cliffs, sculpted monoliths and checkerboard-like platform, is sure to surprise and amaze you!
Why not extend your stay?
Taking the time to visit both sectors of the archipelago ensures a more complete experience that you won't regret! The two areas are so different, you'll be twice as amazed! If time permits, why not extend your visit by staying overnight on one of the islands? You can choose from a range of options: oTENTik tents, Ôasis accommodations, camping and even a four-star inn!
Find out more about maritime transport services or accommodations.
Reserve your Parks Canada accommodation or campsite.