Port-Cartier is a town in the North Shore region of eastern Quebec. It's in Sept-Rivières region, on the Route des Baleines and the Route Nature aux mille délices (gourmet route).
Port-Cartier is the gateway to the Sept-Rivières region from the west. It is particularly known for its mining and forestry industry as well as its services to travellers on route 138.
The main tourist attractions in the Port-Cartier region are:
- recreational parks: at the mouth of the Rivière aux Rochers (e.g., Patterson Island, McCormick Island, Keeting Island, Quai Island) and other municipal parks (in particular, Rochelois Municipal Park, Cascades Park);
- the Port-Cartier-Sept-Îles wildlife reserve, operated by SÉPAQ;
- its fine sandy beach extending over 11 km (6.8 mi) on the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence; Rochelois Beach Park is a good place to enjoy the beach;
- its museums and historical sites: Port-Cartier is the scene of a great history of all eras, beginning with the passage of the Indigenous people who frequented the territory from approximately 9000 years ago; the arrival of Basque fishermen at the end of the 15th century; the passage of Jacques-Cartier in 1535; the ascent of the Gulf of St. Lawrence by the ships of Admiral Walker's army, many of which ran aground near Port-Cartier; the English conquest of 1759; and industrial history. The local museums make a beautiful interpretation of this great history;
- its mountain bike and snowmobile trails; the vast forest and mountain territory has a rich nature to discover;
- its cycle or pedestrian paths; the itinerary of cycle paths allows you to discover the whole of the city and the islands at the mouth of the Rivière aux Rochers;
- its service offer in hunting & fishing activities;
- nautical excursions on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, on the waterways and bodies of water in the region.
Understand
[edit]Port-Cartier is one of the two largest municipalities in the region along with Sept-Îles. In addition to its main village, the city of Port-Cartier also includes the villages of Pointe-aux-Anglais (Cannon township) and Rivière-Pentecôte (Fitzpatrick township). Pointe-aux-Anglais owes its name to the sinking of 11 ships of the British fleet in the St. Lawrence River off Île aux Œufs in 1711, forcing Admiral Walker to abandon his mission to take Quebec City. The coastline of the village of Pointe-aux-Anglais includes a fine sandy beach of 11 km (6.8 mi).
- 1 Port-Cartier Tourist Information Office (Bureau d'information touristique de Port-Cartier), 62, route 138, ☏ +1 418-766-4414, toll-free: +1-888-766-6944, [email protected]. Beginning of June to end of September. Wireless internet access and computers available for internet access, public telephones, picnic areas.
Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]- 1 Intercar, 1, rue McCormick, ☏ +1 418-766-2787. Intercity bus service.
By car
[edit]
Port-Cartier is located on Route 138, the main road in the region. It more or less runs along the coast of the North Shore of the St. Lawrence River and Gulf.
- From Quebec (580 km, time: 7 hr 12 min non stop). Take Autoroute 20 (westbound) up to Saint-Hilaire; take Grande-Allée (westbound); take the 116 (westbound).
- From Sept-Îles (62 km, time: 44 min non stop). Take Route 138 (westbound) to downtown Port-Cartier.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Port-Cartier
Port-Cartier includes a network of bike paths extending from east to west of the city.
It is on the Route des Baleines (Whale Route).
See
[edit]
Touristic circuits
[edit]- Shelter Bay Heritage Tour (Circuit patrimonial de Shelter Bay), ☏ +1 418-766-4414, toll-free: +1-888-466-6944. May to October. Series of interpretive panels throughout the city relating the history of the municipality and the characters. The circuit map is available for free online and at the tourist information office. The circuit can be traveled on foot, by bicycle or by car. Free.
- 1 McCormick Island (Île McCormick) (via Boulevard des Îles). Graffiti café-théâtre built on the ruins of Colonel McCormick's mansion, picnic areas, beaches, beach volleyball court, cultural and sporting events.
- 2 Patterson Island (Île Patterson) (via Boulevard des Îles). Remains of the Quebec North Shore Paper with interpretation panels, nature of the taiga, hiking trails, bird watching, salmon pits, view of the fall of the Rivière aux Rochers dam.
Museums and historical sites
[edit]- 3 Port-Cartier History Interpretation Center (Centre d'interprétation de l'histoire de Port-Cartier), 38, avenue Parent, ☏ +1 418-766-4414, toll-free: +1-888-766-6944, [email protected]. June to mid-September: daily 09:00-17:00. In the basement of the Sacré-Coeur church, panoramic exhibition on the history of Port-Cartier and the region with period photos, visit of the church including the interpretation of the stained glass windows made by local craftsmen. Average length of visit: one hour.
- 4 Louis Langlois Museum (Musée Louis-Langlois), 2088, rue Monseigneur-Labrie (Pointe-aux-Anglais), ☏ +1 418-799-2212, toll-free: +1-888-766-6944, fax: +1-418-766-4412, [email protected]. End of June to end of August: W-Su 09:00-17:00. In a residence dating from 1873, an exhibition called "In the footsteps of Walker" telling the story of the sinking of a British ship in 1711 off the coast of Île aux Œufs and presenting numerous artefacts, objects and photos of time including the village's first Stations of the Cross, evoking the history of Pointe-aux-Anglais and Rivière-Pentecôte. Guided tour. Picnic area and access to the beach. This is the local tourist information office.
- 5 Rivière-Pentecost Historic Site (Site historique de Rivière-Pentecôte) (by road 138 (Rivière-Pentecost)). Former site of the sawmill, mill and docks partially restored, vestiges of the past, heritage trail, picnic areas, campground.
Parks
[edit]- 6 Rochelois Beach Park (Parc de la plage Rochelois) (via boulevard du Portage-des-Mousses and rue des Rochelois), ☏ +1 418-766-4414. Family park on the banks of the St. Lawrence River bordered by a bike path and including a children's playground and a boardwalk for walking. The fine sandy beach is unsupervised and stretches for almost 1 km (0.62 mi). At low tide, you can walk on the seabed and observe the aquatic fauna. On the horizon, you can see the wreck of the Lady Era, an ore carrier that ran aground near the shore in 1977.
- 7 Rivière-aux-Rochers Park - salmon trap (Parc de la Rivière-aux-Rochers - piège à saumon), 24, rue Luc-Mayrant, ☏ +1 418-766-2777, fax: +1 418-766-2888, [email protected]. End of June to mid-August, daily from 10:00-19:00. Salmon interpretation site, visit of the salmon capture system in full rise of the river, observation of the fall and sports fishermen in action, exhibitions on salmon, hiking trails, picnic areas, checkpoint reception of salmon fishermen. Average length of visit: one hour. Reservation required for buses. Accessible for people with reduced mobility.
- 8 Taiga park (Parc de la taïga), Chemin des Îles, ☏ +1 418-766-4414, toll-free: +1-888-766-6944. Open year round. 2 km (1.2 mi) of beginner level hiking trails on Patterson Island in the heart of the city allowing you to discover the boreal forest and see the fall of the Rivière aux Rochers. During the fishing season, salmon fishermen can be observed in action in one of the 12 pits along the trail. There is parking at the entrance to the site. Free.
- Promenade of the small wharf (P'tit Quai) (Promenade du P'tit Quai), Avenue Parent, ☏ +1 418-766-4414, toll-free: +1-888-766-6944. April to December. Promenade along the Rivière aux Rochers offering a view of Port-Cartier and the river. Picnic, rest and play areas. Near restaurants and bike paths. Free.
Do
[edit]- 1 Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles Wildlife Reserve (Réserve faunique de Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles), Chemin de la Réserve-de-Sept-Îles-Port-Cartier, ☏ +1 418-766-2524, toll-free: +1-800-665-6527, fax: +1 418-766-2921, [email protected]. May to September. Wildlife reserve operated by the Sépaq (Société des establishments de plein air du Québec) with an area of 6,423 km2 (2,480 sq mi) offering magnificent landscapes including Walker Lake and the footbridge joining MacDonald Falls. It is possible to practice a range of outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking. For fishing enthusiasts, the reserve offers day or stay packages for sport trout fishing. It is also possible to fish for salmon in the Rochers and MacDonald rivers. For hunters, there is bear and small game hunting as well as hare trapping. Lodging is offered in cabins and camping. There are picnic areas. Free.
- 2 Les Goélands outdoor base (Base de plein air Les Goélands), Route 138, ☏ +1 418-766-8706, fax: +1 418-766-8836, [email protected]. Open year-round. Hiking trails, mountain biking, beach, observation of migratory birds, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, playground, restaurant, camping, dormitory accommodation. Free.
Outdoor activities
[edit]- Network of cycle paths (Réseau de piste cyclables). 6 km (3.7 mi) bike path network in the city, 3 km (1.9 mi) bike paths starting at Rivière-Pentecôte and going to Baie-des-Lobsters, offering a magnificent view of the St. Lawrence River, multifunctional Girard trail of 8 km (5.0 mi) in nature for cyclists and walkers. Free.
- Sport fishing (Pêche sportive). The Pentecost and Riverin rivers as well as Pentecost and Dupont lakes are suitable for fishing from the wharf or the edge of the rivers, boats are necessary for the lakes, species include salmon, speckled trout and sea trout. Free.
- Kayak. On the St. Lawrence River or on the lakes and other rivers. Free.
- Snowmobile (Motoneige), ☏ +1 418-766-8706. Club Odanak, trails connected to the Golfe-et-du-Caribou circuit going to Fermont. Free.
- 3 Hiking (Randonnées pédestres). Walks on the islands, the beach, at the outdoor centre, in the wildlife reserve and in the Rivière-aux-Rochers park. The main marked trails are: Loop of the islands (Boucle des Îles): 2.6-km trail.Access to Pointe Thériault (Accès à la Pointe Thériault): 1.4-km trail.Gull Trails (Sentiers des Goélands): 1.8-km trail.Pointe Vigneault Road (Chemin de la Pointe Vigneault): 6.1-km trail. Free.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Boutique Marie-Fleur Florist (Boutique Marie-Fleur Fleuriste), 4, boulevard des Îles, ☏ +1 418-766-6505. Florist.
- 2 Les Galeries des Îles, 8, boulevard des Îles, ☏ +1 418-766-3033. Mall.
Eat
[edit]Port-Cartier offers restaurants, dining rooms, cafes-restaurants, canteens. Seafood and local products are highlighted in the gastronomic menus.
Cafés
[edit]- 1 Café-Cartier, 48, avenue Parent, ☏ +1 418-766-1393. Daily 11:00 to 22:00. Coffee, sandwiches, paninis, salads, ice cream.
- 2 Café Bob-Inette, 8, boulevard des Îles (in the Islands gallery). Fast food, coffee, soup, sandwiches.
- 3 Café-théâtre Graffiti, 50, chemin des Îles (île McCormick), ☏ +1 418-766-3513, toll-free: +1-888-766-0101, fax: +1 418-766-2162, [email protected]. June to August: W-Su from 14:00 (by reservation the rest of the year). Coffee, seafood, fine regional, Canadian and Italian cuisine. Bar, terrace, intimate atmosphere. Shows, visual art exhibitions by regional artists.
- 4 Tim Hortons, 7, rue de Shelter Bay, ☏ +1 418-766-3636.
Canteen
[edit]- 5 Cantine Le Roi de la patate / Bar laitier La Lichée, 58, rue Élie-Rochefort, ☏ +1 418-766-2121. Seasonal. Fast food, ice cream.
Restaurants
[edit]- 6 Restaurant des Chutes, 24, rue des Chutes, ☏ +1 418-766-2787. Canadian and Italian cuisine, grills, seafood, rotisserie. Delivery service.
- 7 Restaurant Le Forum, 6, boulevard des Îles, ☏ +1 418-766-8881. Daily 05:00-21:00. Canadian, Italian, Chinese and Greek cuisine. Delivery service.
- 8 Le Routier de Pentecôte, 2767, route Jacques-Cartier (route 138) (Pointe-aux-Anglais), ☏ +1 418-799-2600. M-F 07:00-19:00. Fast food, Canadian and seafood.
- 9 Resto-pub Le Remous, 25, avenue Parent, ☏ +1 418 766-3070. Tu-F 11:00-20:00, Sa Su 16:00-22:00. Fish, seafood, fine pizza, Canadian and Italian cuisine. Terrace. Delivery service.
Fish
[edit]- 10 Mar-Gil fishmonger and butcher (Poissonnerie-boucherie Mar-Gil), 1, rue des Pins, ☏ +1 418-766-2811. Fishmonger, butcher, prepared meals, regional products.
Supermarkets
[edit]- 11 IGA - Alimentation Coop Port-Cartier, 26, boulevard des Îles, ☏ +1 418-766-0008. Daily menu, prepared meals, soup, sandwiches.
- 12 Provigo - Alimentation Claude Boily, 8, boulevard des Îles (in the Islands gallery), ☏ +1 418 766-6121. Daily 08:00-21:00. Daily menu, prepared meals, soup, sandwiches.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Bar Chez Rhéal, 58, rue Élie-Rochefort, ☏ +1 418-766-8373. Meals served on site.
- 2 Bar La Casa, 2, boulevard des Îles, ☏ +1 418-766-4035. Meal service on site. Nightclub with shows.
Sleep
[edit]Port-Cartier tourist accommodation includes camping, summer camp, inn, youth hostel, bed and breakfast, motel and hotel.
Inns
[edit]- 1 Auberge du Nord-Côtier, 4373, rue des Pionniers (Rivière-Pentecote), ☏ +1 418-799-1241. Catering service.
- 2 Auberge l'Étoile du Nord, 9, rue Lebel, ☏ +1 418-766-1599.
Youth hostel
[edit]- 3 Auberge de jeunesse Manoir aux Rochers, 8, rue des Rochelois, ☏ +1 418-766-3173, fax: +1 418-766-4447. Shared kitchen, laundry room, storage for bicycles and skis. 24 rooms. 3 stars.
Chalets
[edit]- 4 Walker Lake and Arthur Lake Cabins (Chalets du lac Walker et du lac Arthur), 24, boulevard des Îles (bureau 109), ☏ +1 418-766-4743, toll-free: +1-800-665-6527, [email protected]. Open year-round. Port-Cartier—Sept-Îles wildlife reserve cabins.
Dormitory
[edit]- 5 Accommodation pavilion at the Les Goélands outdoor base (Pavillon d'hébergement de la base de plein air Les Goélands), Route 138, [email protected]. 12 rooms (total of 45 beds). 3 stars. $30 per adult; $15 per child from 7 to 12 years old; $12/child from 6 and less.
Gîtes
[edit]- 6 Gîte Le Vent de mer, 42, place McCormick, ☏ +1 418-766-2191, [email protected]. Open year-round. Wireless internet access, non-smoking, gazebo, storage for bicycles and skis. Lunch. 4 units. 3 stars.
- 7 Hébergement de la Promenade, 2, rue de Tonawanda, ☏ +1 418-766-2925, [email protected]. Open year-round. High-speed wireless internet access, kitchenette, non-smoking, laundry room, shed for bicycles, snowmobiles and skis. 1 unit (up to 8 people). 3 stars.
- 8 The Pioneer House (La Maison des pionniers), 4568, rue des Pionniers (Rivière-Pentecôte), ☏ +1 514-217-7113, [email protected]. Open year-round. Kitchenette, non-smoking, pets allowed, laundry room, gazebo, view of the St. Lawrence River, shed for bicycles, snowmobiles and skis. 1 unit. 4 stars.
Hotels
[edit]- 9 Le Q'artier, 30, rue Élie-Rochefort, ☏ +1 418-766-3444, fax: +1-418 766-8516, [email protected]. Open year-round. Wireless high speed internet access. 77 units. 2 stars.
Camping
[edit]- 10 Campground at the Rivière-Pentecost historic site (Camping du site historique de Rivière-Pentecôte), 3052, rue du Quai (Rivière-Pentecôte), ☏ +1 418-799-2401. 13 campsites.
- 11 Le Paradis Municipal Campsite (Camping municipal Le Paradis), Boulevard Portage-des-Mousses, ☏ +1 418-766-7137, [email protected]. With and without services. 41 campsites.
- 12 Rustic campsite at Les Goélands outdoor base (Camping rustique de la base de plein air Les Goélands), Route 138, ☏ +1 418-766-8706, [email protected]. 1 yurt and 5 campsites.
- 13 Pointe-aux-Anglais rustic campground (Camping rustique de Pointe-aux-Anglais), 2574, route 138 (Pointe-aux-Anglais), ☏ +1 418-766-6332. 27 campsites.
- 14 Walker campground at the Port-Cartier—Sept-Îles wildlife reserve (Camping Walker de la réserve faunique de Port-Cartier—Sept-Îles), Route 138, ☏ +1 418-766-4743, toll-free: +1-800-765-6527, [email protected]. Campground managed by the Society of Outdoor Establishments of Quebec (Sépaq).
Connect
[edit]Access to wireless networks in mobile telephony is available on the territory of the village of Port-Cartier. Access to networks along Route 138 may vary from location to location.
- 1 Disappearing Scope cyber cafe (Cyber-café Portée Disparue), 23, rue Plante, ☏ +1 418-466-2992. M-F 09:30-18:30, Sa 09:30-16:00.
Go next
[edit]- 1 Baie-Trinité Mountainous municipality, forest and crossed by the rivers of the Trinity, it includes the township of Royer and De Monts, as well as the magnificent villages of Pointe-des-Monts, Pointe-à-Poulin, Baie-Trinité (west, center and east) and Petit-Mai.
- 2 Sept-Îles The largest city in the region. Sept-Îles is quite a paradise for nature lovers. Surrounding areas include a lot of forests, many sandy beaches, lakes and world-renowned rivers (notably for salmon fishing).
- 3 Lac-Walker
Unorganized territory of the Sept-Rivières region.
| Routes through Port-Cartier |
| Baie-Comeau ← Godbout ← | W   E
|
→ Sept-Îles → Blanc-Sablon |