A colorful street scene with vibrant, narrow buildings in shades of red, purple, and yellow. People are walking and sitting on a sunny sidewalk, enjoying the day. The sky is clear with a few clouds.

Top Tips for a Visit to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

By Newfoundland & Labrador

A trip to the French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a must for anyone planning travel in eastern Newfoundland. With a piece of Europe just 20 km from the province’s southern coast, why wouldn’t you plan an international trip? That being said, a visit to the archipelago does require some preparation. Here are five things to keep in mind before you hop on board the ferry to France.

1. Enjoy the journey

If you’re driving to Fortune to take the ferry, plan to make the voyage part of your adventure. The ferry terminal is located in Fortune, at the bottom of the Burin Peninsula, or “The Boot,” as locals like to call it. This region is known for its fishing heritage and idyllic landscapes, so make sure you budget some time to take it all in along the way. A night in Marystown or Fortune will give you time to explore the region and meet some of the colourful characters who call this place home.

Brightly colored houses and cabins sit along a rocky shoreline with a clear blue sky above. A small wooden boat floats on the calm water. Lush green hills rise in the background, framed by fluffy white clouds.

You'll want lots of time to admire the beautiful scenery of the Burin Peninsula as you make your way to the ferry terminal.

2. Take your time

It may be tempting to plan a quick day trip across the water in the midst of your visit to Newfoundland, but a longer visit is key to seeing all the islands have to offer. If time allows, plan to stay at least two nights on Saint-Pierre and one night on Miquelon, and longer if you can. This will give you time to take in the unique mix of European and Canadian architecture, enjoy a delicious meal of French cuisine, practise your French in colourful shops, and explore all three of the archipelago’s islands, each with its own unique flavour. One thing is for certain: no matter how many days you decide to stay, you’ll always leave wishing you had at least one more!

A scenic coastal landscape with a grassy shoreline, rocky beach, and gently rolling hills in the background. The ocean is calm, and a faint mountain range is visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Give yourself time to explore Miquelon-Langlade and its 12km sand isthmus!

3. You’re going to Europe… be prepared!

Saint-Pierre isn’t like France; it is France! It has its own time zone (half an hour ahead of Newfoundland time), its own culture, and its own way of life, different from what you’ll find in Newfoundland. Consider it a truly European experience: shops close every day between 12 and 2 p.m. (and most are closed on Sundays), restaurants begin serving dinner later than you’d expect, and folks line up outside the bakeries each morning to carry home fresh bread and pastries for the day. While the official currency is the Euro, most businesses will accept Canadian dollars, and you’ll be able to get by without a strong knowledge of the official language – which is, of course, French – but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared and try out a few simple phrases. Bring a power adapter for your electronics, and keep in mind that Canadian cell phones will incur international charges. Now that you know what to expect, get ready to immerse yourself in a truly unique culture and enjoy the novelty of visiting a little piece of France right here in North America.

A bustling outdoor market with vendors displaying baskets of fresh produce and homemade goods. Shoppers walk along the cobblestone street, lined with colorful buildings. Flowers, fruits, and jars are prominently featured on the tables.

The streets of Saint-Pierre give you a taste of Europe in North America!

4. Explore every alley

Just like in Europe, the winding narrow streets of Saint-Pierre are filled with vibrant shops and must-try restaurants – the key is finding them all! The town of Saint-Pierre isn’t zoned out like many cities in Canada, meaning that you may find the perfect souvenir in a tiny shop tucked among houses on a seemingly residential street. Saint-Pierre’s size makes it easy to explore by foot, so be sure to put on your walking shoes and meander down every possible street. You never know what you’re going to find around the next corner!

A cobblestone street lined with colorful buildings and cars parked on the left side. Street lamps curve over the road, and a distant view of a lighthouse is visible at the end of the street under a cloudy sky.

Leave no street unexplored!

5. Book in advance

The archipelago is a relatively small region that hosts a fair number of tourists each season. As a result, accommodations are limited, and it can even be a challenge to find supper during the height of summer, if you're not prepared! Plan your trip as far in advance as possible, and book accommodations, excursions, and dinner reservations as soon as you’ve decided on dates. Getting the logistics sorted out early means you'll be able to experience everything you want to, without worry.

A vibrant harbor with several boats docked, including an orange vessel in the foreground. Colorful buildings line the waterfront under a partly cloudy sky. A motorcycle is parked nearby.

The picturesque Saint-Pierre harbour. Book your accommodations in advance to avoid disappointment!

How to plan your trip

Visit spm-tourisme.fr to find accommodations, excursions, and restaurants in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
Book your ferry at www.spm-ferries.fr.
Find accommodations and things to do on the Burin Peninsula by checking out http://www.theheritagerun.com/ and the “Eastern” section of the Newfoundland Traveler’s Guide.