Sept-Îles

Several gentle, family-friendly hikes serve as a great introduction to the natural beauty in and around Sept-Îles, providing lookout points, birdwatching, public art gardens and picnic areas. For a bit more of a challenge, try the Les Pas Perdus Trail, which meanders between forest and rocky cliffs and offers excellent vistas, or the Rivière des Rapides, an out-and-back trail with incredible views of rapids and waterfalls that has some steeper and more rustic sections. Many of these trails become snowshoe trails in the winter, and all of them feature glorious fall foliage in the autumn.

In Sept-Îles, residents say they have two cultures and one city. The presence of the nearby Innu community of Ushuat feels ubiquitous in town, and several attractions allow visitors to learn a little more about the nation and its history. The Shaputuan Museum tells the 1,000-year-old tale of this once-nomadic people and serves as a place of sharing, dialogue and friendship. In the summer, the Innu Nikamu Festival—one of the largest of its kind in North America—draws musicians, artists and performers from all over. And located in Ushuat proper, the Atikuss Economuseum is a workshop-boutique where you can meet skilled artisans and watch them work, then purchase crafts that catch your eye.

The Vieux Poste can’t be missed when you visit in summer! With a trading post, costume shop and expert guides, not only will you learn about the fur trade and commerce that formed the basis for local settlements, but you’ll also get a feel for life 170 years ago as you tour the site and dress up in period garb. Clarke City is another must-see in the area. Here you can step back in time to the industrial era at the interpretation centre, along the historical trail that winds through the streets of the town and beside the giant steam train on display. And for some more modern fun, there’s a golf course nearby.

This lovely market found in the yellow big top on the Promenade du Vieux-Quai from July to September abounds with fresh fruit and vegetables, charming crafts and delightful products of the terroir, some of which are local specialties. And you can usually talk to the nice people who produced or foraged the items on offer. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of the region!