A land of nature beyond measure, Côte-Nord is a vacation destination that’s sure to charm you. This region is a vast natural playground that’s ideal for a multitude of outdoor and cultural activities. Here are four you won’t want to miss during a road trip in this region!

1. Explore a place recommended by the New York Times

Off the coast of Havre-Saint-Pierre, in the Minganie area, is a string of mysterious islands and islets. This is the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, which was selected as one of “52 Places to Go in 2024” by the prestigious New York Times. When you visit this exceptional site, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a hike through colossal limestone monoliths sculpted by erosion. Have fun identifying their shapes (can you find the owl? the woman?) and, thanks to the park wardens on site, find out more about how they were formed and the islands that shelter them.

2. See the whales

Côte-Nord can truthfully boast that it’s one of the best places in the world to observe whales! It’s no coincidence that Route 138 is known as the Whale Route from Tadoussac to Kegaska. All along this road, you’ll find many opportunities to encounter the 13 species of whales that inhabit the St. Lawrence, whether during a sea excursion on a sightseeing boat or Zodiac, directly from the shore (inquire about places that offer guide services) or even in interpretation sites where you can discover the mysteries of these majestic creatures.

3. Admire the world’s largest multiple-arch-and-buttress dam

From Baie-Comeau, drive north for 200 km (120 mi.) through the boreal forest on Route 389 to discover the Daniel-Johnson Dam, which is the largest multiple-arch-and-buttress dam in the world! Learn more about how hydroelectricity is produced during your tour of this behemoth and the Manic-5 generating station. Also in this region, you can visit the Jean-Lesage generating station (Manic-2), which is on your way to Manic-5, as well as the Romaine-1 generating station in Havre-Saint-Pierre. These giants built by humans are sure to impress you!

4. Meet the Innu people

Nearly 9000 years of history await you throughout this region, which is currently home to eight Innu communities. Learn all about this First Nation through the various attractions, activities, museums and interpretation sites along your itinerary. Meet memorable people, visit an economuseum and old fur-trading posts, observe black bears (which are particularly significant to Innu culture) and taste traditional dishes and those made with ingredients from the boreal forest!

Have these activities made you want to discover this region of Eastern Québec? Start planning your trip to Côte-Nord now!