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Duplessis
Sainte-Marguerite River
Information
Country	Canada
Region	North Coast
Regional capital	Sept-Iles
Area	210 613 km²
Population	48 434 hab.
Density	0,23 inhab./km²
Tourist information office	312, avenue Brochu, G4R 2W6 Sept-Iles. ​ 1-418-962-0808, free number: 1-888-463-0808 E-mail: [email protected]
Location
51 ° 55 ′ 48 ″ N 63 ° 47 ′ 24 ″ W (Edit card mask)
Touristic site
edit

Duplessis is a tourist region of Quebec part of the administrative region of North Coast located in the northeast of the province on the northern slope of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The region is known for the immensity of its natural spaces, its boreal forest, its outdoor activities, its kitesurfing, its beaches, its islands, its whales, its northern lights and its natural resources. It is a popular destination for hunting and fishing. During the winter season, it is known for its snowmobile trails and for kitesnow. It offers great diversity, from old fishing villages, to dynamic and industrial young towns, to indigenous communities and villages. English speakers.

Understand

The first inhabitants of the region, the Innu, are always present, as shown by this inukshuk in Lower North Shore.

Duplessis is above all a coastline of nearly 1 000 km strewn with bays, coves and islets with a tormented profile, but also a hinterland of 200 000 km² including boreal forests as far as the eye can see as well as rivers and lakes galore. In fact, this tourist region encompasses the eastern part of the administrative region of the North Coast, the western part being the Manicouagan. Here, the immensely wide Gulf of St. Lawrence is omnipresent. Its salty water is the favorite playground for marine mammals. Throughout the Lower North Shore a string of small villages and indigenous communities is strung out, some of which are accessible only by boat. Is that the road does not go beyond Natashquan to the east. In this incomparable universe, fishermen, hunters, snowmobilers and sportsmen can get away from it all at leisure thanks to the impressive landscapes and biodiversity. Indeed, it is the ideal place to observe wildlife including a large population of bald eagles. (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and herds of caribou (Rangifer tarandus). In addition, theAnticosti Island home to a large population of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) estimated at around 130,000 individuals (in 2010). It is also possible to see the magnificent Northern Lights!

The region abounds in natural resources, both forestry, mining and hydroelectricity. Thus, despite its low population density, it has significant industrial facilities and imposing seaports. The first inhabitants of the region, who are still very present, are the Innu. The rest of the population is mostly of origin Acadian, Gaspesian and Newfoundland, but there are people from all over the Quebec who have come to settle in the region over the years. Recent industrial development has also caused immigration from all over the world. Duplessis is unique in the smallness and authenticity of its mostly maritime villages. Administratively, the territory of Duplessis includes four regional county municipalities: Sept-Rivières, Minganie, Caniapiscau and Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent. The last corresponds to the tourist sub-region of Lower North Shore in the eastern part of the region. Another particularity of the region is the beauty of the landscapes around the St. Lawrence, including the “flower pots” which are rocks carved by the tides.

Tourist information

There are permanent tourist information offices at Sept-Iles, at Havre-Saint-Pierre and to Fermont. There are also seasonal offices in Port-Menier on theAnticosti Island, at Rivière-au-Tonnerre, at Baie-Johan-Beetz, at Aguanish, at Natashquan and to Blanc-Sablon.

• Tourism Côte-Nord Duplessis 312, avenue Brochu, Sept-Iles,   1-888-463-0808 (free number), email: [email protected] – Tourist information office for the region. (last update March 2017)

Weather

The North Coast allows you to observe the magnificent aurora borealis, here at Lac des Rapides in Sept-Iles.

The climate in the Duplessis coastal part is cold maritime. The average temperature, from June to September, varies from 15 to 20 ° C and, from December to February, from -5 to −10 ° C. The waters of the St. Lawrence at this height rarely exceed 10 ° C. From spring to autumn, the land warms up before the waters, which creates a phenomenon called a “sea breeze” which pushes the offshore winds towards the coast during the day; which reduces temperatures. In winter, the winds come mainly from the north. At this height, the Gulf of St. Lawrence is covered with ice in winter. Sometimes ferries must remain at the dock if the ice conditions become too heavy or because of winter storms.

If you are going further north of the region, Fermont for example, expect even colder temperatures and even stronger winds. In Fermont, the average temperature, from December to February, is −20 ° C and, from June to September, it is less than 11 ° C. In fact, the maximum average temperature does not exceed 20 ° C in July. In winter, temperatures can drop below −40 ° C.

• Weather forecast  – By Météo Média (at Sept-Iles). (last updated Apr 2017)
• 7-day tide predictions  – By Fisheries and Oceans Canada (at Sept-Iles). (last updated Apr 2017)

The Innu

The city of Sept-Iles Geographically encompasses two Innu reserves where it is possible to discover their culture, as here thanks to the reconstitution of a Hudson's Bay Company fur trading post in Uashat.

The Innu, also called the Montagnais, are an indigenous people originally from the North-East of Quebec and Labrador. At the end of 2010, their number was estimated at 17,517 individuals at Quebec divided into 11 reservations Indian. They are present in the region of North Coast, in addition to the Saguenay, of Northern Quebec and Labrador.

Every year, in August, the Innu hold the Innu Nikamu festival in Mani-Utenam, a reserve adjacent to Sept-Iles. The purpose of the event is to pass on the memory of Innu culture to children. There is also the annual Innucadie Festival at Natashquan.

Bibliography

• Joséphine Bacon, Laure Morali and Rita Mestokosho (ill. Rogé), Mingan, mon village: poems by Innu schoolchildren (poetry: anthology of fifteen short poems written by young Innu from the village of Mingan.), Montreal, Éditions de la Bagnole, 2012, 41 p.(ISBN 978-2-9233-4276-4 )(OCLC786427114)
• José Mailhot, In the land of the Innu: the people of Sheshatshit (ethnology), Montreal, Native American research in Quebec, coll. "Signs of the Americas" (not^o 9),‎ 1999, 214 p.(OCLC43276155)

Cities

The city of Fermont in the North of the region includes a large mining complex.

• 52.7833-67.08331 Fermont  – Town of the Labrador Trough, a vast mining center from which iron ores are extracted, hence the name Fermont. Fermont stands out for its main building, Place Daviault nicknamed "Le Mur", which brings together the main shops and services of the city in addition to housing several housing units and which measures 1,5 km long and 50 m from above. Its nickname is no accident since it really serves to protect the city against the north winds. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 50.233333-63.62 Havre-Saint-Pierre  – Small town located on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence in front of theAnticosti Island andMingan archipelago to the east of Sept-Iles on Pointe aux Esquimaux. She has a high concentration ofAcadians who can hear their particular accent. It includes an important seaport for the transfer of minerals extracted in a mine further north. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 50.0333-66.86673 Port-Cartier  – One of the two largest towns in the Duplessis region, it is known for its mining and forestry industry, but also for its fine sandy beach extending over 11 km. A popular wildlife reserve for hunting and fishing is located nearby. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 50.266667-64.7833334 Rivière-au-Tonnerre  – Municipality located in the regional county municipality of Minganie. There is a ferry from Rivière-au-Tonnerre to theAnticosti Island three times per week. Member of the Federation of Villages-Relais du Québec. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 54.8-66.8333335 Schefferville  – City located in the heart of the Labrador Peninsula. In 1982, the mining company IOC left town. So this one, which counted up to 5,000 inhabitants, has barely 200 nowadays. That said, the Innu and Naskapi Amerindian reserves of the place are still alive and cause the population to climb to 1,300 residents. Privileged destination for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 50.2167-66.38336 Sept-Iles  – The largest city in the region, located on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence where there are many sandy beaches across from the Sept-Îles archipelago. The city includes an Innu reserve enclosed in its territory. It is a city that has developed recently. The surrounding region is a privileged destination for lovers of the outdoors, hunting and fishing thanks to its numerous bodies of water and its forests as far as the eye can see. (last update Feb. 2018)

Other destinations

Several fishing villages dot the coastline of the Lower North Shore.

The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve includes many monoliths carved by the tides, here on Niapiskau Island.

• 50.483333-59.6166671 Lower North Shore  – The easternmost region of Quebec, small strip of land 40 000 km² between the north shore of the Gulf of St.Lawrence and the Labrador. It includes several picturesque villages spread along the coast which stretches over 37 km without road access from the Indian reserve of Natashquan. The eastern end of the region is even in a different time zone than the rest of Quebec! (last update Feb. 2018)
• 49.5-632 Anticosti Island  – Sparsely populated island located in the Gulf of St.Lawrence with an area of ​​nearly 7 900 km² off Havre-Saint-Pierre. It is the largest island in Quebec. It is known for its nature and its outdoor activities. It is very popular for hunting since it has an exceptional population of white-tailed deer and it is also known for fishing. It only includes one village, Port-Menier. (last update Feb. 2018)
  • 49.5-62.8333333 Anticosti National Park  – A national park of Quebec located on theAnticosti Island composed of four separate sectors. He houses 133 species birds, several herds of white-tailed deer and many seals. It includes countless caves and canyons. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 50.2-63.8291674 Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve  – One of four national parks of canada located at Quebec. It is a string of limestone islands located near the north coast of the Gulf of St.Lawrence off the coast of Havre-Saint-Pierre and in front of theAnticosti Island. There are monoliths, exceptional geological structures. Plus, it's a great place for bird watching and sea kayakers. (last update Feb. 2018)

To go

By car

The Duplessis region is accessible from the region of Manicouagan to the southwest by taking route 138. Consult the Manicouagan page to find out how to reach this region from other regions of the Quebec. By taking this road, you will enter the Duplessis region at Port-Cartier. From the Quebec city, it is a journey of more than 7 h to get there.

Note that it is also possible to reach directly the north of the Duplessis region by taking route 389 which connects Baie-Comeau at Fermont. By the same road, it is also possible to reach Fermont from Labrador. Route 389 becomes Route 500 in Labrador.

and Blanc-Sablon in the east of the region is accessible by road from Labrador by taking route 510 which becomes route 138 in Quebec. Note that although the portion of the road in Quebec bears the same number as the main road in the region, it does not join the rest of Route 138 to the west and is only accessible from Labrador.

By bus

• Intercar ,   1-418-962-2126, 1-888-861-4592 (free number) – Intercity bus service connecting the city of Quebec at Havre-Saint-Pierre by stopping in all the main cities on the way including Sept-Iles. Check the website for all stopping points, timetables and prices. (last update March 2017)

By plane

The main airport in the region is that of Sept-Iles (IATA : YZV). It is the only airport in the region served by Air Canada flights and other airlines serve it as well. The table below lists the airports in the region that have scheduled flights from outside the region with the exception of Sept-Iles. For all the destinations below, the airlines to contact are Air Labrador, Air Liaison and PAL Airlines (Provincial Airlines) as well as Air Inuit for Schefferville uniquely. For airlines serving Sept-Îles, see that city's page.

On a boat

The marinas of the towns of North Coast allow boaters to stop there, here at Havre-Saint-Pierre.

• Apollo Mid-April to mid-January. – Daily crossing between Blanc-Sablon in Lower North Shore and Sainte-Barbe on the island of Newfoundland. The ferry can accommodate 240 passengers and 75 vehicles. The duration of the crossing is approximately 1 h 30. (last update Feb. 2018)
• NM Scintillating Waters ,   1-418-787-0120, 1-877-787-7483 (free number) – Ferry operated by the Société des traversiers du Québec making the crossing between Chevery and Harrington harbor in Lower North Shore. There are two to eight crossings per day depending on the schedule. The journey time is 30 mins. Check the website for more details. (last updated Apr 2017)
• NM F.-A. Gauthier  – Ferry making the connection between Matane on the south coast of the St.Lawrence River and the towns of Baie-Comeau and Godbout on the North Coast. Visit the page of Manicouagan for more details on this ferry which operates year round 7 days a week and makes two to six crossings per day. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Relais-Nordik April to February. – Shuttle service between Rimouski and Sept-Iles. It also joins Havre-Saint-Pierre, Natashquan and seven isolated villages of the Lower North Shore as well as Port-Menier on theAnticosti Island. Visit the website for more details and for the schedule. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Rimouski-Forestville crossing 192, 1^re Avenue, Forestville,   1-800-973-2725 (free number) year round. – The fastest ferry in Quebec. He makes the crossing between Rimouski on the south coast of the St.Lawrence and Forestville in the region of Manicouagan in 60 minutes. Visit the website for more details and for the schedule. (last updated Apr 2017)

For boaters, it is possible to dock in one of the many marinas on the coast.

Circulate

By car

The car is the ideal way to discover the towns and villages located on the coast of the St. Lawrence. Thus, it is possible to stop at leisure to observe the sea and its whales. However, the distances to get to the northern part of the region are very great and it may be better to use an alternate means of transport to get to Fermont unless you like to drive. We can't get to Schefferville by the road. In addition, to get to several villages in the Lower North Shore, you will have to take a ferry since the road does not go there yet.

It is possible to rent a car at Sept-Iles.

Itineraries

The whale route is a tourist route following the coast of the North Coast signposted by road signs such as this one.

• Chicoutai Road  – 76 km scenic route along the coast between Blanc-Sablon and Old Fort. (last updated Apr 2017)
• Whale Route  – Tourist route following the north coast of the estuary and the Gulf of St.Lawrence on 1 250 km from Tadoussac until Blanc-Sablon. These are 13 species different types of whales that live in the waters of the St. Lawrence, including the blue whale. Observation trips at sea are organized all along the route, whether by boat, dinghy or kayak. It is also possible to watch whales from the shore. (last updated Apr 2017)

On a boat

• L'Express Anticosti 22, rue de l'Église, Rivière-au-Tonnerre,   1-418-465-2002, 1-877-573-2678 (free number) – Cross between Rivière-au-Tonnerre and theAnticosti Island three times a week with a capacity of 23 passengers. The agency operating the ship, Voyages Coste, also offers tourist packages for the region of the North Coast. Check the website for more details. (last update March 2017)
• Relais-Nordik April to February. – Shuttle service between Sept-Iles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Natashquan, six isolated villages in the Lower North Shore (Blanc-Sablon, Harrington harbor, Kégaska, La Tabatière, The Romaine, Saint Augustin, Head-to-the-Whale) and Port-Menier on theAnticosti Island. It also allows boarding at Rimouski on the south coast of the St. Lawrence River. (last updated Apr 2017)
• VCA L'Esprit-de-Pakuashipi North Shore of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence (Saint Augustin) Year round (except when the Route Blanche is open). Free. – Ferry operated by the Société des traversiers du Québec making the daily crossing between the Amerindian reserve of Pakuashipi and Saint-Augustin (North Shore of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence) on board an amphibious vehicle with a capacity of 16 passengers. There are eight to 18 departures per day according to the schedule. The journey time is 10 minutes. Check the website for more details. (last update March 2017)

By train

• Tshiuetin rail transport  – Passenger train service between Sept-Iles and Schefferville. The total journey of 576 km lasts about 20 hours and includes a stop at Émeril Jonction. (last update Feb. 2018)

By snowmobile

• Route Blanche during the winter. – More than 455 km of marked snowmobile trails, maintained by the Ministère des Transports du Québec and connecting Natashquan at Old Fort following the coast. In addition to the accommodation facilities located in the villages crossed, around fifteen shelters provided with firewood line the route. (last updated Apr 2017)
• Map of quad and snowmobile trails in Côte-Nord  – Map available free of charge in pdf format. (last updated Apr 2017)

By plane

There are several regional airports in the region. The table below lists the towns and villages that have a regional airport with regular flights from other towns in the region. The airlines to contact are Air Labrador, Air Liaison and PAL Airlines as well as Air Inuit for Schefferville only.

Speak

The language of the vast majority of the population of Duplessis is French. However, many may be surprised to learn that there are villages English speakers, especially in Lower North Shore. In addition, Aboriginal communities often still speak their traditional language on a day-to-day basis, but they generally know well one of Canada's two official languages, more often English in the region of the North Coast.

Buy

Being on the ancestral land of Innu, the souvenirs to bring back will be mainly Innu objects made in a traditional and traditional way, but also paintings by Native artists. You will find it in certain convenience stores (general convenience stores) as well as in Innu cultural centers or in the two largest communities of the native people located in the village of Pakua Shipi, less than a kilometer north ofSaint-Augustin airport and in the reserve Unamen Shipu, including the main locality, The Romaine, is about five kilometers south ofLa Romaine airport.

From a gastronomic point of view, apart from the maple syrup, do not hesitate to bring back in your luggage syrups, jellies and pasta made by craftsmen from small fruits or wild berries.

If you have little time to explore the area, Sept-Iles is the main city and the only one with a significant number of shops and boutiques.

See

The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is a great place to watch birds such as the penguins above.

The Duplessis region is known for the observation of wildlife. Indeed, it includes impressive herds of caribou which are particularly admirable in winter when they migrate in the area of Fermont. In addition, theAnticosti Island is home to a population of white-tailed deer that exceeds 120,000 individuals. It is also possible to observe marine mammals in the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence which include whales, dolphins and seals. The Duplessis region is an ideal destination for bird watching enthusiasts since it includes nine migratory bird sanctuaries. On the coast, penguins (Alca twisted), puffins (Fratercula arctica), black guillemots (Cepphus grylle), murres (Uria aalge) come to nest in colonies while the bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) can be seen on theAnticosti Island.

Plane tours are offered by the company Labrador Air Safari which allows you to observe the panoramas of the North Coast and some Lower North Shore from Sept-Iles, Baie-Comeau and Havre-Saint-Pierre on board Otter, Beaver or Cessna type aircraft.

Make

The Montagnais Cultural Center in Schefferville allows you to discover the thousand-year-old culture of Innu.

One of the great attractions of the Duplessis region is the practice of outdoor activities. The region is also a recognized destination for lovers of kitesurfing and of kitesnow. In winter, it is a true paradise for snowmobilers because it includes a network of trails of more than 2 000 km, including the “White Route”, located along the coast and in the hinterland. Other winter activities in the area include downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice fishing and dog sledding. The other seasons also offer a range of many walks and excursions by car, coach, bicycle or boat, such as the whale route or the Chicoutai scenic route, allowing to discover the beauties and the variety of the regional landscapes.

River fishing enthusiasts, thanks to its 33 rivers Atlantic salmon, and hunting, especially white-tailed deer and moose, are "spoiled" with the presence of thirteen outfitters offering facilities and services for the practice of hunting, fishing and trapping.

• Federation of Quebec outfitters  – Location of outfitters in the North Coast. (last update Feb. 2018)

At the cultural level, initiation into Innu culture is an activity of perception, even of learning, interesting for those which are attracted by the human relations. In fact, Duplessis includes seven Innu communities. No need to go very far, since the largest of these is located directly at Sept-Iles. During the summer season, it is possible to taste the Innu culture and way of life by visiting their cultural centers and attending their artistic events.

Eat

The culinary specialties of the North Coast are seafood, such as giant scallop, fish, game meat, small fruits and wild berries processed in an artisanal way into syrups, jellies and pastes as well as other local products. Restaurants in the region are diverse and you will find them in all cities. See the pages for each city for more details.

Obviously, the region's fishmongers are numerous and offer fresh seafood. Another interesting culinary activity is a visit to a maple grove.

Housing

The accommodation offers are varied, ranging from lodges and hotels to campsites and condos by the sea. There are even more unusual offers such as an overnight stay in a tree house or in a lighthouse. See the city pages for more details.

If you are looking for hostels, there is only one in the whole area and it is located at Sept-Iles.

Manage the day-to-day

Emergency telephone number: ​All emergency services:911 ​Maritime distress: 1-800-463-4393 ​Poaching: 1-800-463-2191

• CAA-Quebec ,   1-514-861-1313, 1-800-222-4537 (free number)  24 hours. – Automobile breakdown service. (last updated Apr 2017)
• State of the roads ,  511 – Information service on the state of roads and road works. (last updated Apr 2017)
• Canadian Coast Guard ,   1-800-267-6687 (free number)  24 hours. – Nautical information service. (last updated Apr 2017)
• Info-Health 811 – Health and social service centers. (last updated Apr 2017)

Around

• Labrador  – Province of Newfoundland and Labrador located northeast of the Duplessis region, an excellent destination to discover Canadian wildlife, to see some of the highest peaks in North America east of the Rocky mountains and to observe icebergs in addition to being able to discover the culture of the Inuit. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Manicouagan  – Tourist region forming, with the Duplessis region, the administrative region of North Coast, located west of Duplessis, a destination recognized for the beauty of its landscapes including the imposing Saguenay Fjord with its cliffs. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Northern Quebec  – Northernmost region of Quebec, covering more than half of the province while being the least populated region, 60% of its inhabitants being indigenous. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Newfoundland  – Island located in the Atlantic Ocean, the easternmost part of Canada. (last update Feb. 2018)

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