6 Reasons to Cherish Côte-Nord, Quebec
Words and photographs by Jay Kana unless otherwise indicated | Published July 6th, 2026
PAID PARTNERSHIP WITH QUEBEC MARITIME
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In under 1,000 words, I’ll make a fast case for slow travel in Côte-Nord, Quebec.
Travel doesn’t always need to be enveloped in urgency to be enjoyed.
Slow and meaningful steps can produce a captivating journey.
In enchanting eastern Quebec, the pace is slower yet still alluring. It’s a destination that’s best appreciated by soaking in its atmosphere and aura whether on land or water.
After a week traversing this Canadian treasure, here are six reasons that I hope inspire you to visit.
Spend 24 hours on Île aux Perroquets
With a small footprint of approximately 350 metres long by 100 metres wide, Île aux Perroquets is a unique destination.
You can pop in for a quick tour via Parks Canada or do what I did, which was spend 24 hours there.
There’s a full guide to Île aux Perroquets here.
The short version is that if you follow my path, you’ll stay in either the Lighthouse Keeper or Assistant’s house, get three delicious handmade meals, enjoy a museum, a rec room called The Hen House, beach walks and if the weather cooperates, a strikingly spectacular sunset.
Île Quarry’s magnificent monoliths
Part of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve houses Île Quarry, where you’ll see magnificent monoliths that are nearly 500 million years old. There’s a short boardwalk route that’s 600 metres and longer hikes for those looking to eclipse their step counts. Going at low tide gives you the best access to my friend Sarah, the triceratops head shaped monolith.
There’s also a secondary area that’s a few steps away that’s worth the walk.
The grandeur of Grand-Île
The permitter is nearly 30 kilometres, the coastline is rocky yet approachable for hiking and while it may seem desolate, it’s a haven for peace.
The good people at Noryak Adventures use it has home base for the multi-day adventures via kayak. During my Zodiac ride from Havre-Saint-Pierre, there were a handful of others on board, set to embark on a four day adventure.
There are Prospector Tents they stay in, a newly built cabin as a central spot and adventure all over.
My few hours were spent hiking for nearly two hours, admiring the natural beauty, the sounds of water and wildlife and simply being happy. I wrapped up with a short yet soulful kayak jaunt. I’ll definitely be kayaking more when I go back.
Go cruising with Croisières Sept-Îles
The two-hour tour I was on is a terrific way to explore the surrounding islands. Staring in Sept-Îles, you’re decked out in heavy-duty Mustang life jackets and climb aboard the Zodiac. My tour started with a tour of the harbour, complete with great timing to see a lobster boat with a fresh catch. From there, we picked up the pace and toured the islands, learned the history of the area, saw the house of one of the rare inhabitants and an abandoned lighthouse.
More good timing brought a pair of whales on our tour, who kindly showed themselves for a few minutes before diving. No guarantees for whales, so consider it a bonus if they show up.
Fun Food Finds
In Sept-Îles, there’s a food truck called Le P’Tit Snack that’s got a wood fired pizza oven inside it! The owners operate it on weekends and the pizza is delicious.
A few minutes away is Casse-Croûte du Pêcheur, where their dining room is in the shape of a lobster trap. The lobster sandwich is delicious and their medium-sized poutine was enormous and could have/should have been called a double extra large.
Chez Julie in Havre-Saint-Pierre is the go-to spot in town and their extensive menu should keep most appetites covered. The seafood pasta hit the spot, as did their poutine.
A 10 minute walk away and by the water is Chez Julie Boutique, where you should get an ice cream or other sweet treat.
La Promenade, also in Havre-Saint-Pierre is a sweet spot for classic fish and chips and their chicken wings are pretty good.
Be welcomed by the water
Ideally at low tide, take the 20 minute drive east of Havre-Saint-Pierre to Cap Ferré, where after a kilometre-ish walk, you’ll get to a beautiful waterfall. Start with viewing from a higher vantage point, then head down to the waters edge for a closer look.
There was more luck on my side here and there was minimal wind, which meant remarkable reflection shots. Pull up a rock and enjoy the peacefulness, with the water St. Lawrence behind you providing the soundtrack.
90 minutes east of Sept-Îles is Magpie, a quaint slice of serenity by the water, especially when you go to the observation deck. Gaze upon the St. Lawrence in silence or, if you want to be active, use some of the new exercise equipment.
Strolling the waterfront at Sept-Îles on a sunny summer day is splendid. There might be people fishing off the pier, you can admire the boats/kayakers as they paddle by, sit in one of the Muskoka chairs and simply be, or anything else that makes you happy.
You could also read Modern Traveller articles; that’s always a great idea!
Where to stay in Côte-Nord, Quebec
I had two spots for home base during my visit.
Hôtel Motel Du Havre in Havre-Saint-Pierre, which is minutes from the water, has comfortable beds and is a good place to recharge between adventures.
Hôtel Sept-Îles, which backs on to the St. Lawrence, also has a comfortable bed, parking spots directly in front of your room on the main floor and a good place to relax after a day of exploring.
When you visit, there’s a direct flight to Sept-Îles via PAL Airlines from Montreal that’s a touch under two hours.
Get a window seat, the views are worth it.