Côte-Nord map

Getting to Côte-Nord

Côte-Nord is accessible by road, by air, by bus and by boat. Whether you are travelling from Montréal, Québec City, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie or Newfoundland and Labrador, several options allow you to reach the region and plan your itinerary at your own pace.

By Car

Route 138 is the main road for exploring Côte-Nord. From Montréal or Québec City, head east through Charlevoix to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, where the ferry operated by the Société des traversiers du Québec takes you across to Tadoussac, the gateway to the region. No reservation is required for this crossing, and service may operate continuously during busy periods.

From Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Route 172 leads to Sacré-Cœur and Tadoussac. Travellers looking for vast northern landscapes can also take Route 389 from Baie-Comeau to Fermont and Labrador. Before heading out, always check road conditions, construction work and possible closures on Québec 511.

By Bus

Travelling by bus is a practical option for reaching several of Côte-Nord's main communities. Intercar provides service between Québec City, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles and Havre-Saint-Pierre, according to current schedules. This is a convenient choice for visitors travelling without a car or wishing to reach certain areas along the coastline.

By Plane

Côte-Nord is served by several regional airports, including Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Natashquan and Blanc-Sablon. Regional carriers such as Air Liaison, PAL Airlines and Central Mountain Air connect different towns and communities across the region, depending on schedules and seasons.

Air Liaison serves several Côte-Nord destinations, including Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Port-Menier, Natashquan and Lower Côte-Nord. PAL Airlines also offers connections across Eastern Canada, including Montréal, Québec City, Sept-Îles and Newfoundland and Labrador. Central Mountain Air connects Montréal, Québec City and Sept-Îles with destinations such as Natashquan, La Romaine, Chevery, Saint-Augustin and Blanc-Sablon.

By Ferry and Boat

Several ferry and maritime services make it easier to reach Côte-Nord. The Matane-Baie-Comeau-Godbout ferry connects Gaspésie to Côte-Nord, with reservations available in advance. The Trois-Pistoles-Les Escoumins ferry links Bas-Saint-Laurent to Haute-Côte-Nord and advance booking is recommended.

For a truly Côte-Nord maritime experience, Relais Nordik's Bella Desgagnés provides service to Anticosti Island and Lower Côte-Nord. The ship stops in several coastal communities, including Kegaska, La Romaine, Harrington Harbour, Tête-à-la-Baleine, La Tabatière, Saint-Augustin and Port-Menier.

Plan Your Arrival

Côte-Nord is a vast territory where distances can be significant. Before you leave, check ferry schedules, road conditions, flight availability and any required reservations. Good planning will help you make the most of your stay, whether you travel by car, bus, plane or boat.