Leaves are slowly sprouting on the trees in Montreal, and winter dust covers the cars and blows in our faces. It’s time to plan our summer. We want to get away for a weekend, preferably for a change of scenery and fresh air. On Niapiskau Island, the rocks resemble a movie set on Mars—it’s utterly otherworldly.
The island is part of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve on the North Shore, which is about a 10-hour drive from Quebec City—and 13 hours from Montreal. To split the difference, you can stop in Baie-Comeau or Sept-Îles to spend the night and make the trip in two days.
Upon arriving in Havre Saint-Pierre, the forest is different, more rugged, and the water is icy, where you can spot whales and seals. And on Niapiskau Island, you can wander among ancient monoliths.
Shells and monoliths
This summer, we’re going on a boat trip that ends at Anse des Bonnes Femmes on the island. There, you’ll find fossils dating back 465 million years; the rock has been polished by fresh water and time, creating monoliths with artistic shapes.
The monoliths are rock formations that resemble delicate sculptures along the seashore. It’s an island where the geology takes center stage—incredibly well-preserved and absolutely stunning.
To visit Niapiskau Island, you can take a boat from Havre-Saint-Pierre and stop by the islands of the Mingan Archipelago—Quarry Island, Fantôme Island. To see all possible routes, click here
Practical Information
Where? Niapiskau Island, in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
What do you mean?
Cruise through the Mingan Archipelago, including Niapiskau Island / starting at $125 per person / July 20–August 23, 2026 / for more information, click here
Orléans Express / Montreal to Havre Saint-Pierre bus, starting at $250 / for more information, click here