The 10 most beautiful places to visit in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

Want to go to the end of the world? Discover the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, a small part of France off the coast of Canada!

Would you take a bowl of fresh air? Welcome to the paradise of photographers and hikers! Off the North American continent, three main islands and some uninhabited islets form the French archipelago of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. This overseas community, a true fishermen’s land in the Atlantic Ocean, has just over 6,000 inhabitants. Authentic and colourful, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Langlade are the only two communes in the archipelago and nature is never far away. It must be said that fauna and flora are omnipresent on Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon! The animals reign as masters in its dense forests, valleys and desert sandy beaches. Are you looking for nature and tranquility? Leave without further delay to discover the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon!

Saint-Pierre Island

1. L’Anse à Henry

The Anse in Henry is located north of Saint-Pierre, one of the main islands of the archipelago. This natural site is full of history. As evidenced by the material remains of 5,000 years on site, the place was occupied by Amerindian and Paleoesquimaude civilizations.

You can explore this exceptional place after 45 minutes walk on the marked path of the same name. But if this place of walk is as popular, it is that it reserves to its visitors beautiful landscapes, and a clear view of the island of Greater Colombiar.

2. The Pointe aux Canons lighthouse

The Pointe aux Canons lighthouse of the port of Saint-Pierre is a must on the island. Indeed, you will not be able to miss it if you arrive by the sea. His pier will offer you a very nice viewpoint on the city. As a symbol, this very photogenic red and white lighthouse is found on numerous postcards illustrating Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

3. Salines

Great amateur photographer? Don't miss the Saint-Pierre salines if you plan to visit Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon! Originally, these small coloured fishermen’s huts were used to conserve salt and salt fish, in addition to storing fishing equipment.

Now, one of them has been transformed into a small museum, the others are meeting points or continue to shelter the equipment of local fishermen. Their bright colors contrast with the landscape, especially the days of mist, giving the place an almost magical atmosphere. As a bonus, maybe you will have the chance to fall on a doris, this traditional wooden fishing boat.

4. The city of Saint-Pierre

Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Saint-Pierre is home to almost 90% of the archipelago’s population. Surrounded by nature, the small town stands out with its streets and alleys decorated with cheerfully coloured wooden houses. This is not to mention the traditional houses of some Scandinavian countries, or of Canada .

The inhabitants being mostly descendants of Breton, Norman and Basque settlers, it is not uncommon either to cross a Basque pelot. “Atypical and authentic”, this is the perfect description of this town with a village look!

5. Great Colombiar

The Grand Colombier is an uninhabited island off Saint-Pierre, but also a natural reserve. If not already done, you can now add it to your list of the most beautiful places to visit in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon!

Are you a passionate about nature, especially wildlife? Virgin of inhabitants, this 1.2 km long sanctuary is nevertheless occupied by thousands of migratory birds. In the good season, you have a great chance to see monk or Torda penguins there. Open wide eyes facing the horizon, hump whales, dolphins and whales sometimes appear offshore!

Exploring Grand Colombier is also enjoying a breathtaking view of the islands of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Langlade. If you have always wondered what the end of the world might look like, this big rock is a taste.

Miquelon-Langlade Island

6. Isthme

A view of the sky allows us to observe the unique and spectacular landscape of the sandy isthmus linking the south of Miquelon (Grande Miquelon) to the north of Langlade (Petite Miquelon). Long about 12 km, this vast wilderness is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Lagoon of the Grand Barachois on the other. From yellow to white, through red and green, its colours evolve at the pace of the seasons. The dune vegetation and peatlands flourish on this piece of land.

After crossing the cord of the Buttereaux dunes, you can continue your walk to the Savior marsh, the Lagoon of the Grand Barachois, the Observatory of the Faune and finally the shores of the Goulet.

The isthmus of Miquelon-Langlade and the Grand Barachois are privileged sites to observe wildlife. The immense shallow lagoon of the Grand Barachois is located north of the isthmus. In this peaceful setting, many species of shorebirds, such as becassine or whistle-blower pluviers, are surrounded by semi-free horses and seals. The latter regularly come to the bass tide.

7. The Cap de Miquelon

Are you wondering if to visit Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon? Direction the northwest of the Grande Miquelon to discover a natural reserve of great wealth. We can’t say what fascinates the most in Cap Miquelon: its grandiose decor consisting of high cliffs overlooking the ocean, or its colony of raptors (white-headed pygargues, emerald faucons...)? Certainly both.

But it is also possible to indulge in the joys of hiking on this desert peninsula. Tourbers, moors, boreal forest, cliffs... a variety of curious landscapes will defy before your eyes during this walk almost three hours. The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the point of view on the Cormorandière valley, which also makes part of the most beautiful places to see on the archipelago. At the turn of the path, you may have the chance to see a few foxes or deer from Virginia living in the territory.

8. The Cormorandière valley

Visiting Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon is exploring preserved places and enjoying breathtaking views. For, in case you still doubt, this archipelago enjoys an exceptional natural heritage!

In the Cormorandière valley there are two lakes where the deer of Virginia is sometimes found on the island. The show is undoubtedly worth the detour. The inhabitants of the island consider it very precisely as “the most beautiful of the valleys”.

Island to the Marins

9. The panorama from the cemetery

From Saint-Pierre you will reach the fascinating island in the Marins after only five minutes of boat. The weather seems to have stopped on this wild island. Formerly inhabited by nearly 600 people, including cod fishermen, the island has become mainly a place of promenade.

But from this past, there is only one church and a few wooden houses that continue to be occupied during the good season, from May to September. Two hours can be enough to make the tour of this islet, unless you want to take advantage of the atmosphere so special of the place.

10. The wreck of the Transpacific

Along the coast and the island of Les Marins, the wreck of a ship lies on the beach. According to the name on the carcass, this is the Transpacific . Indeed, this large German steamer was from the Gulf of St.Lawrence. Indeed, it would have failed off Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon during a storm on May 18, 1971. There are no injuries among the 11 passengers on board. The story tells us that before he finally left his ship, the captain organized a last and great dinner there. The inhabitants of Saint-Pierre then came to recover the goods in the holds. Finally, the fire was placed on the vessel to limit oil pollution. The nose of the Transpacific was brought back by the waves on the island to the Marins.

The wreck of the Transpacific deserves a look if you pass on the island to the Marins during your stay in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

We only have to wish you a wonderful journey on the islands of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon!