Things To Do
in Sept-Îles
Sept-Îles is a small coastal city on Québec’s Lower North Shore, known for its deep natural harbour and dozens of nearby islands. The town is a gateway to rugged boreal landscapes, productive fishing waters and a strong Indigenous presence, especially Innu communities nearby. It offers outdoor activities year-round — from whale watching and sea-kayaking in summer to snowmobiling and aurora viewing in winter.
Sept-Îles feels remote and maritime, with a working port, seafood-focused culture and wide open skies.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic center of Sept-Îles, where you can stroll through the charming streets lined with colorful buildings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Quebecois pastries and coffee. Afterward, explore the local shops and art galleries, taking in the culture and history of this vibrant community.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour to learn about the history of the region, including the significance of the Iron Ore Company. Visit the Musée de Sept-Îles, which showcases the history of the area and its Indigenous peoples. Stop for lunch at a local bistro, where you can indulge in fresh seafood dishes and local specialties.
As the sun sets, enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront boardwalk, taking in the stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Dine at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh catch of the day while listening to the gentle sound of waves. Cap off your evening with a visit to a local bar for live music and a taste of Quebec's craft beers.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out for a fun-filled kayaking adventure on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Equipped with safety gear and a knowledgeable guide, navigate through the calm waters while spotting seals and seabirds. The stunning coastal views will make for an unforgettable experience as you paddle along the rugged shoreline.
Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the secluded beaches, soaking up the sun and the picturesque landscape. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby islands, where you can hike and discover hidden coves and natural wonders. The rich biodiversity of the area provides great opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
As the day winds down, return to Sept-Îles for a relaxing dinner at a local eatery. Try traditional dishes inspired by the maritime culture, such as fish stew or lobster rolls. End your evening with a stroll through the town, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps stopping for a gelato.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-160 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per litre) | $1.10-1.70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal scenery and easy access to a rich archipelago for wildlife viewing
- Strong seafood culture and authentic local/Indigenous experiences
- Low crowds outside peak summer months and excellent northern-lights potential
- Remote location with limited and sometimes expensive transport options
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with larger cities
- Weather can be unpredictable and harsh in shoulder seasons and winter
Places to Visit in Sept-Îles
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour shots of freighters, fishing vessels, crane silhouettes and reflections on calm water — great for maritime atmosphere.
Boat trips to the islands provide dramatic coastal rock formations, seabird colonies and isolated lighthouses perfect for wide-angle and telephoto compositions.
Rugged river canyon, rapids and forested banks offer sweeping landscape shots and seasonal colour contrasts in autumn.
High vantage points deliver panoramic sea views, cliff textures and dramatic skies, especially in stormy weather.
Away from town lights in winter, open horizons provide opportunities for aurora photography when solar activity is strong.
Food in Sept-Îles
Sept-Îles Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy, warming soup with local fish, clams and potatoes — a staple in coastal restaurants and cafés.
Must-Try!
Locally smoked salmon or capelin available at markets and restaurants; excellent on bread or in salads.
Fresh seasonal shellfish served boiled or as part of a seafood platter at port-side restaurants.
At cultural events and some community-run spots you may encounter dishes featuring local game, bannock and berry preserves.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Simple stalls near the harbour sell fresh and smoked fish; ideal for buying ingredients or sampling smoked specialties straight from the source.
In summer you may find temporary stands offering grilled seafood, homemade pies and local berries — check weekend markets for the best variety.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
French is the primary language — greeting with 'Bonjour' and attempting basic French goes a long way. English is understood in many tourist settings but not universally.
There are nearby Innu communities with their own protocols; ask permission before photographing people or entering community areas and be mindful of cultural sensitivities.
Leave no trace: pack out waste, respect wildlife, and avoid disturbing nesting birds on islands and cliffs.
Safety
Tipping in Sept-Îles
Ensure a smooth experience
In Québec tipping in restaurants is customary: 15–20% on pre-tax amounts for sit-down service; small tips for café counter service are appreciated but not required. Taxis and guides usually expect modest tips (10–15%).
Credit and debit cards (chip and contactless) are widely accepted in town; small businesses and remote operators may prefer cash, so carry some Canadian dollars for markets and rural services. ATMs are available but can be sparse outside the main town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool and wet with thawing snow and muddy trails; mosquitoes increase late in spring. Boat season starts later than southern Québec; some services may still be limited.
Short, pleasant summers with long daylight hours and cool nights — ideal for boating, kayaking, whale watching and hiking. Peak tourist services and guided tours run in July–August.
Crisp weather and vivid boreal fall colours; fewer crowds and good mid-range temperatures, though wind and rain increase as the season progresses.
Long, cold winters with heavy snow, ice and short daylight; winter sports, snowmobiling and possible northern lights viewing are highlights, but travel can be disrupted by storms.
Sept-Îles at Night
Hiking in Sept-Îles
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails and informal routes along the Moisie River offer dramatic canyon scenery, rapids and forests — suitable for day hikes and photography when accessible.
Short hikes and shoreline explorations on accessible islands near the harbour provide rock-strewn beaches, seabird colonies and lighthouse viewpoints (often reached by boat).
Local forested trails vary from easy loops to more rugged backcountry routes through boreal landscapes — good for birding, berry picking and quiet wilderness experiences.
Airports
How to reach Sept-Îles by plane.
The main regional airport with flights to Québec City and other regional hubs; convenient for reaching the town quickly and for charter access.
Smaller regional airports serving neighbouring communities — useful alternatives depending on itinerary but often require connecting ground travel.
Major international airports used for long-distance travel; access to Sept-Îles typically involves a connecting regional flight or several-hours’ drive plus ferry/road combinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are French-speaking Québécois involved in fishing, shipping, services and industry.
Nearby Innu communities (e.g., Uashat and Maliotenam areas) contribute cultural richness, traditional knowledge and artisanal products; their presence is an important part of the region’s identity.
Port, mining and maritime industries bring seasonal and permanent workers, adding to a transient workforce element.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is a local passion, with community rinks and youth teams playing an important cultural role in winter.
Snowmobiling is hugely popular in winter, with groomed trails and backcountry routes for locals and visitors.
Both river and sea fishing are popular pastimes — recreational anglers pursue trout, salmon and coastal species.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sept-Îles.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; many restaurants can adapt fish-based dishes or offer salads, soups and pasta. Bring snacks for day trips into nature where options thin out.
Vegan choices are sparse; plan ahead by buying supplies at the grocery or ordering simple vegetable dishes at cafés. Communicate clearly in French if possible.
Gluten-free requests are commonly accommodated in sit-down restaurants but cross-contamination can occur — ask about preparation methods and carry basic snacks as backup.
Shellfish is central to local cuisine; always inform staff of allergies and, in smaller establishments, double-check how dishes are prepared.