1. Home »
  2. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve »
  3. Activities

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

Website
Havre-Saint-Pierre Reception and Interpretation Centre

1010, Promenade des Anciens
Havre-Saint-Pierre (Quebec) Canada
G0G 1P0
Phone:
+418-538-3285
Phone (2):
+418-538-3331 (off season)
Fax:
+418-538-3595
Toll free:
+1-888-773-8888 / 1-877-737-3783 (for campsite reservations)
Email:
information@pc.gc.ca

Show on map

Other service points

Book

Website

Do you love nature, the outdoors and fresh air? There is nothing like a stay in the Mingan Archipelago to recharge your batteries! The park reserve is made up of about 20 main islands as well as a string of beautiful granitic islets.

Hiking, picnics and camping will give you the opportunity to make the most of what the islands have to offer. You can also enjoy boat or sea kayaking excursions as well as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in the park reserve.

Admire and photograph the archipelago’s unusual limestone monoliths, which have been sculpted by the sea, as well as two light stations, rare plants and astonishing birds. Several islands offer boardwalks, marked trails, shelters, picnic areas and more. Follow your guide to find out more!

Click here for a list of maritime transport services recognized by Parks Canada.

Opening dates

Most maritime transport services are in operation from June to September; however, some are open before and/or after this period. Opening dates and times as well as itineraries are subject to change at the beginning and end of the season.

Schedule

Varies depending on the service

Cost

$6.50/adult, $5.50/senior (65+), free for children (under 18). Additional fees apply to some services. Free admission to exhibitions.

Reservations

Recommended (note that maritime transport services are offered by private companies recognized by Parks Canada)

Payment methods

  • Visa  Visa
  • MasterCard  MasterCard
  • American Express  American Express
  • Interac  Interac
  • Cash  Cash

Activities available

National Parks
Discover striking monoliths, unusual plant life and exceptional wildlife in the park reserve. Boardwalks, trails, shelters, picnic areas and light stations are found here. Extend your visit by spending the night in the park reserve.
Hiking
Nine islands offer boardwalks and hiking trails varying in length, type and degree of difficulty. Explore these trails to discover the water’s edge and the various natural habitats found in the Mingan Archipelago.
Sea Kayaking
Over 100 km (60 mi.) of navigable waters are found around the islands and islets of the Mingan Archipelago. Explore these waters during a guided excursion lasting one or more days, with departures from Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, Havre-Saint-Pierre or Québec City.
Sea Excursions
Several private companies recognized by Parks Canada offer excursions by boat, sea kayak or stand-up paddleboard to help you discover the natural wonders of the Mingan Archipelago, with departures from Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan or Havre-Saint-Pierre.
Wildlife Observation
During breeding season, the Mingan Archipelago shelters thousands of seabirds. Several species of marine mammals, including whales, dolphins and seals, also live in the waters surrounding these islands.
Interpretation Sites
Several interpretive activities are offered daily on the islands of the Mingan Archipelago. Guided or self-guided hikes, talks and other discovery activities are available on the islands or on the mainland, including some in the evenings.
Lighthouses
Immerse yourself in the lives of the lightkeepers on Petite Île au Marteau. You can also enjoy a unique island experience by spending the night in the light station on Île aux Perroquets. Guided day excursions to the island are also available.
Bird Watching
Thousands of seabirds of 13 different species breed in the Mingan Archipelago. Two migratory bird sanctuaries are located within the park reserve. You can approach these sanctuaries during a boat excursion.
Indigenous Heritage
Discover Innu culture with members of the various local Innu communities during two activities: “Mingan Archipelago: Witness to a Great Nation,” which blends the wonders of the natural world with the rich heritage of the Innu, and Minuenimum (Wellness), an opportunity to learn about Innu cultural practices.


Services

  • Picnic area
  • No pets allowed
  • Free parking

How to get there

By car: To drive to the park reserve, take Route 138 to Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan or Havre-Saint-Pierre, the gateways to the Mingan Archipelago. This drive will also take you through some of the beautiful villages found in the Minganie area.

By plane: You can also fly to the region via the airports in Havre-Saint-Pierre or Sept-Îles. If you land in Sept-Îles, you will need to rent a vehicle or take the bus from there.

By boat: Several boat operators offer transportation from Rimouski or the Lower North Shore to Havre-Saint-Pierre. Enjoy being rocked by the waves and exploring various ports along the St. Lawrence during short stops along the way.

Click here for more details on how to get to the park reserve.

Once you have arrived in the Minganie area, there are several options for travelling by boat or water taxi to the islands, with daily departures from Havre-Saint-Pierre and Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan. Inquire directly from the companies to find out their schedules.

Click here for a list of maritime transport services recognized by Parks Canada.

Affiliations and distinctions

Affiliations

  • Parks Canada network
  • Tourisme Côte-Nord
  • Corporation de l'île aux Perroquets
  • Escale Havre-Saint-Pierre

Distinction

  • Winner of a regional Québec tourism award for their oTENTik tents (2014)

Ask for more information