Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve    

Contact Information:
Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve 
Mingan Field Unit
1340 de la Digue Street
Havre-Saint-Pierre (Quebec)
Canada G0G 1P0
418-538–3285 (in season)
418-538–3331 (off-season)

Size: 39 sq. km., comprising a coastal chain of some 1000 islands and islets stretching over a distance of 150 km.  

Location: Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is located at Havre-Saint-Pierre, 870 km east of Québec City, along the north shore of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Lies between the mouths of the Saint-Jean River to the west and the Aguanish River to the east. Take Hwy 138 from Québec City. 

Description: Park's dramatic topography features Canada's largest concentration of shoreline arches and grottoes as well as distinctive 500-million-year-old limestone monoliths. More than 200 species of birds can be seen on the islands, including the Atlantic puffin and the common eider. Park also features three types of seals and nine species of cetaceans, including the minke, blue, and humpback whale.

Activities: Camping, hiking, sea kayaking, scuba diving, boat tours (May-October), bird watching, whale watching, guided walks, interpretive programs. 

Places to Stay: The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve offers 44 undeveloped campgrounds spread over six different islands. The campsites are open from June to September and reservations are recommended. You can reserve up to 6 months in advance for groups of 12 or more people, and 2 months in advance for regular camping by calling the Havre-Saint-Pierre Kiosk at 418-538-3285. The two group campgrounds on Île du Havre are designed for schools or other organized bodies. Each campsite can hold 25 people. 

For information on lodging in the nearby community of Havre-St-Pierre or in the Mingan region as a whole, contact the Havre-Saint-Pierre Kiosk at 418- 538-3285 or the Mingan Research and Interpretation Centre at 418-949-2126.

Operating Hours: Most of the services offered in the archipelago are available from the mid-June until the end of August. The visitor center and the Mingan Research and Interpretation Centre are open from June-September. The ideal time to see the greatest number of birds and flowering plants is generally from mid-June to the beginning of July. 

History: Established in 1984.

See other Canadian National Parks
See other Quebec National Parks