A road trip on the Côte-Nord: a wild adventure in the heart of Quebec
The Côte-Nord is a wild and spectacular region that stretches along the Saint Lawrence River to the borders of Labrador. This region of Québec maritime is rich in both natural and cultural heritage.
With its grandiose landscapes, its picturesque villages, and its impressive wildlife, a road trip on Route 138 on the Côte-Nord promises a complete immersion in Quebec's nature.
Follow our itinerary for an unforgettable journey and let yourself be seduced by the raw beauty of this region.
Overview of the road trip on the Côte-Nord
Day 1 : Sept-Îles
Your road trip on the Côte-Nord begins in Sept-Îles, your entry point into this fascinating and discovery-rich region. The local airport is connected by regular flights with Montreal and Quebec City, making it possible to stay a few days in one of these cities before starting a trip on the Côte-Nord or on the way back.
You can navigate the Archipel des Sept Îles on a pleasant boat excursion, hike on the developed trail of Île Grande Basque or benefit from the expertise of a naturalist guide for interpretative activities of marine wildlife.
The Old Trading Post site tells the story of fur trading in the region and will mark your first encounter with local cultures, Innu and Canadian. Stay on the same theme by visiting the Côte-Nord Museum, a modern and playful building dedicated to the region's heritage and cultural legacy.
At the end of the day, punctuate your stay in Sept-Îles with leisure time around Lac des Rapides, where a small beach will allow you to swim. Canoe, stand-up paddle, and pedal boat rentals are also available on site.
Days 2-3 : Havre-Saint-Pierre
On the itinerary to Havre-Saint-Pierre, treat yourself to a contemplative stop at the powerful Manitou River Falls, halfway through the two-hour and thirty-minute drive of your day. The Côte-Nord is explored back and forth, but holds different treasures to punctuate your journey with surprises both ways.
Your two-night stay in Havre-Saint-Pierre will allow you to appreciate the Gulf of Saint-Laurent and the richness of its marine wildlife, with beautiful experiences to observe the cetaceans and birds that populate the coast.
A kayak ride will be the perfect opportunity to explore the surroundings, between the riverbanks and the islands of the Mingan Archipelago, at the pleasant rhythm of smooth navigation with a sporty accent. It is not uncommon to come across a seal on the coast, and sometimes a few whales a little further away.
One of the highlights of your road trip on the Côte-Nord will undoubtedly be the excursion to the Mingan Archipelago and especially to Île Niapiskau. Here, impressive monoliths along the shoreline punctuate the scenery, making it look almost lunar. The whole is part of a protected area under the name of National Park Reserve of the Mingan Archipelago, a haven of nature perfect for outdoor lovers.
Your days can easily conclude with a walk on the beach of Havre-Saint-Pierre or up to the belvedere of the Montagne Ronde, offering a breathtaking view of Jacques-Cartier Strait. Keep your eyes peeled! Whales are sometimes observable from this viewpoint.
You can stay at Chalets Didoche, charming tiny houses elegant and functional set up a few steps from a fine stretch of sand… Beautiful memories in perspective.
Day 4 : Natashquan
The continuation of your road trip on the Côte-Nord will plunge you even deeper into indigenous culture by staying "where they hunt bear," an Innu phrase that gave its name to Natashquan.
The birthplace of Gilles Vigneault, a renowned poet-songwriter in Quebec, is discovered by visiting his birthplace and former school. Both pay homage to his work.
The auberge La Cache, an institution in Natashquan, will be the ideal cocoon to welcome you in an elegant and authentic setting close to the coast. A true call to a walk that will lead you to the Galets beach or to the picturesque café-bistro de l’Échourie, ideal at sunset time for an incredible panorama.
Days 5-7 : Unamen Shipu
The route 138, which winds along the coastline of the Côte-Nord, ends at Kegaska. Beyond this point, you must travel by boat to continue progressing northeast: you will board a zodiac destined for Unamen Shipu. This crossing will allow you to contemplate, according to the indications of your Innu captain, the countless islands and the jagged coastline of the Gulf of the Saint Lawrence.
Once you arrive at your destination, you will stay for three days immersed in a fascinating culture: that of the Innu. This people, who have occupied the Côte-Nord for over 8,000 years, have managed to perpetuate a way of life and ancestral traditions.
Your accommodation will consist of a prospector tent equipped with two single beds in the heart of a camp equipped with a rustic sanitary block, an outdoor fireplace and a common dining room. Rudimentary but authentic living conditions!
On-site, your Innu guide will reveal to you the history and know-how of their community but also the surrounding coastal landscapes, the islands, and the wildlife that inhabit them. You will also participate in a demonstration of traditional fishing or a seasonal fruit picking.
The meals will be shared, indigenous flavors will be showcased, and the campfires in the evening will punctuate these days rich in discoveries.
Days 8-9 : Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan
The return westward of your road trip on the Côte-Nord will allow you to once again appreciate this fascinating maritime route that takes a section of the Whales Route. Each year, the waters of the gulf and estuary of the Saint Lawrence host up to thirteen species of cetaceans offering a stunning natural spectacle that can sometimes be admired from the shore.
By staying two nights at Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, an authentic coastal village founded in 1849, you will have a new opportunity for a cruise in the islands of the same name. You can notably discover the western portion of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve with the charming Île aux Perroquets, inhabited by a colony of puffins and Île Nue with its splendid rock formations.
Day 10 : Sept-Îles
For this last day of travel on the Côte-Nord, we recommend a stop at the Magpie viewpoint to gain height to admire the beauty of the coastline.
Don't hesitate to discover La Marinière du Nord for your lunch break: this restaurant in Rivière-au-Tonnerre is renowned for its delicious seafood specialties. Just steps away from the Saint Lawrence for a digestive stroll, of course!
Then visit the Atikuss economuseum especially its workshop-boutique, where clothes and accessories are made on-site by women of the community according to ancestral know-how. You can also participate in a guided tour and a fabrication activity highlighting the heritage of the Innu people.
As your road trip comes to an end, you will depart from Sept-Îles by plane to Montreal or Quebec for the continuation of your trip to Canada.
A road trip on the Côte-Nord is much more than a journey: it’s a dive into the wilderness and a real-life history and geography lesson. So, what are you waiting for to plan your own adventure on the Côte-Nord? Pack your bags, hit the road, and let yourself be enchanted by one of the most confidential regions of Canada.
If this itinerary inspired you, share your impressions in the comments or tell us about your own experiences. Safe travels!
Passionate about exploration and eager to discover, I've been lucky enough to turn this curiosity into adventures in the four corners of the globe. I love sharing my passion for travel through stories of escapism and practical advice, and hope to inspire you to pack your suitcase!
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