The Côte-Nord is full of must-sees! These attractions are the most popular with visitors and represent the originality of the region!
Tadoussac Bay and the Fjord
New France comes to life in Tadoussac, where you can explore a replica of the very first fur trading post as well as the first wooden chapel built in North America. Located at the confluence of the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord, the area has always been a meeting place for peoples. Be amazed by its bay, ranked among the most beautiful in the world, along with its beaches, dunes, forests, and majestic cliffs. Tadoussac and the Saguenay Fjord form the unmissable gateway to the Côte-Nord region.
Whale Watching
Meet the gentle giants of the sea on the water, either in a Zodiac - where you're closer to the waves - or on a traditional cruise boat. Choose from a two-hour or half-day trip, with dedicated captains and natural history experts who can tell you about the different species and their habits. Or, follow the
The Great Dams and Hydroelectric power plants
North of Baie-Comeau, along Route 389, let yourself be impressed by a visit to the hydroelectric facilities and their sheer scale. These bold constructions bear witness to Québec's engineering genius, recognized internationally. Manic-5, the Daniel-Johnson Dam, is the largest multiple-arch and buttress dam in the world. During the celebration of the 50th anniversary of its inauguration in October 2019, a monument dedicated to collective memory was unveiled.
Sept-Îles Archipelago
You and your travel companions can become “islanders” and enjoy activities such as bird-watching, mushrooming and exploring the natural environment and ecosystems. On La Grande Basque Island, explore endless beaches and many trails. On La Grosse Boule Island, visit the Purmer Ocean Farm that raises mussels and scallops, grows seaweed, and offers boat trips, talks and a variety of tasting experiences.
Mingan Archipelago
For a few hours or a few days, slow down and live at a different pace. Gaze at the archipelago's monoliths, those mysterious limestone giants shaped by the wind and sea. Go island hopping and discover puffins and many other seabirds, minke whales and seals. There's a wealth of fascinating plant life and geological formations waiting to be discovered, as well as lighthouses and their storied past
Anticosti Island
Québec's biggest island is a fabulous vacation spot and a paradise for hunters and salmon fishers. Travellers come to admire its beauty and discover its many treasures: thousands of white-tailed deer and foxes, many rare plant species, beaches, fossils, caves, canyons and waterfalls. An ecomuseum and several interpretive sites tell of its seafaring past and many legendary shipwrecks.
Natashquan
The village of Kegaska, 50 km east of Natashquan, is where Route 138 comes to an end. This is where your Côte-Nord trip concludes... and where your meeting with welcoming Innu and North Shore people begins. They are happy to share their living traditions, memories and ancestral know-how with you. In Natashquan, locals will tell you about village history, the life of famed Québec poet Gilles Vigneault, as well as local legends and stories.des.
Tourism Côte-Nord Contests
Tourism Côte-Nord offers a new contest every summer, allowing you to discover the beautiful territory of the Côte-Nord from west to east and from south to north. Participate in large numbers, and you could have a chance to win a travel package to Côte-Nord!
The Lower North Shore and the MV Bella-Desgagnés
Because Route 138 ends at Kegaska, the villages of the Lower North Shore can only be accessed by the MV Bella Desgagnés that sails the route 10 months of the year. Experience life aboard a supply vessel that transports cargo and passengers and stops for a few hours in each village, with departures from Rimouski, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre and Natashquan: a unique travel option that combines comfort and adventure.
Expedition 51°
Head north of the 51st parallel on a 1,700-km road trip that takes you all the way to Labrador and the Basse-Côte-Nord (Lower North Shore), through an unspoiled wilderness of lakes, forests and mountains. Routes 389, 500 and 501 will take you past unique Northern towns and through small Innu, francophone and anglophone communities. Stay at a hunting and fishing outfitter and gaze at the stars - perhaps even the Northern lights!
Nature Park of Pointe-aux-Outardes
Come to a protected and biodiverse natural area that covers nine different ecosystems. Recharge your batteries as you reconnect with nature through authentic activities, from meeting an Innu elder to having a guided tour on local edible berries and medicinal plants. Nighttime is also a source of wonder in the park: gaze at the stars with a seasoned astronomer and spend the night in unusual accommodation.
Unusual accommodation of the North Shore
What could be more unusual than sleeping in a house perched in the trees in the middle of the forest, in a huge bubble under the stars, in a yurt by the sea or in the house of a lighthouse keeper? Experience unusual accommodation in a magical setting as you step out of your comfort zone to discover these little treasures of tourist accommodation!
Microbreweries and distilleries
The microbreweries of the Côte-Nord have managed to seduce the greatest beer and spirits lovers in Quebec! They proudly represent the flavours, history and legends of the North Shore. Scattered over the territory, these companies mainly include a bistro where classic Quebec dishes are revisited to the delight of the customers. Cheers!
Discover the flavors and boutiques of the Côte-Nord
The Côte-Nord is full of northern flavours! Take a break during your trip to taste flavors such as Labrador tea, chicoutai bay, fresh fish and seafood, and edible mushrooms!
Enjoy fresh seafood and fish!
As a maritime territory where fishing is an integral part of our history, our gastronomic culture includes a wide variety of seafood recipes and dishes. During your trip, take time to discover the North Shore gastronomy in our restaurants!
Innu Nikamu Festival
As a maritime territory where fishing is an integral part of our history, our gastronomic culture includes a wide variety of seafood recipes and dishes. During your trip, take time to discover the North Shore gastronomy in our restaurants!
Museum of the Côte-Nord
The Regional Museum of the Côte-Nord is an iconic place that highlights the visual arts, heritage, and history of the region. A true cultural crossroads where traditions and contemporary creations meet, reflecting the unique identity of the Côte-Nord.
