Things to do in Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Climb the historic cast-iron lighthouse at the harbour entrance for sweeping views of the town and surrounding islands, especially magical at sunset when the sky turns gold behind the brightly coloured houses.

Take a short boat ride to this hauntingly beautiful ghost island where a school, church, and wooden homes stand frozen in time, telling the story of the cod fishery’s decline.

This small but rich museum displays ship models, fishing gear, and photographs that bring alive Saint Pierre and Miquelon’s centuries-old relationship with the sea.

Wander past candy-hued wooden houses with gingerbread trim on Rue Boursaint and Rue Albert Briand, the most photogenic and unmistakably French corner of North America.

A local favourite, this cosy restaurant serves pan-seared scallops, cod fillets, and lobster caught that day, paired with a crisp Sancerre and views of the St. Pierre harbour.

The sheer cliffs of this uninhabited rock are home to thousands of Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and kittiwakes.

A wild sandbar flanked by two seas, this 12-kilometre strip feels like the edge of the world.

This early 20th-century Roman Catholic cathedral, rebuilt after a fire, stands out with its wooden vaulted ceiling, vibrant stained glass, and a serene atmosphere in the heart of the town.

Discover how Saint-Pierre became a smuggling hub during American Prohibition with vintage bottles, false-bottom suitcases, and stories of Al Capone’s suspected visits to the islands.

From May to October, humpback, minke, and fin whales feed in the rich planktonic waters.

This traditional French bakery turns out flaky, buttery pastries and baguettes daily.

Dancing, fireworks, a military parade through the tricolour-draped streets, and a carnival atmosphere—the islands erupt in proud French celebration for the national day.

This coastal trail on Langlade reveals dramatic basalt cliffs, wind-carved rock formations, and herds of semi-wild horses that roam the peat-rich headlands above crashing surf.

The island’s Basque heritage comes alive on this open-air court, where fast-paced pelota games draw a dedicated local crowd.

Paddle into sea caves, through natural arches, and beneath towering cliffs accessible only from the water.

This narrow spit of land acts as a funnel for thousands of shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors each spring and autumn, making it one of the premier birding sites in the French overseas territories.

Under the covered market’s iron roof, vendors sell pungent washed-rind cheeses, dried sausages, and terrines.

The weathered tombstones of sailors, fishermen, and lost seafarers tell a sad tale of the islands’ dangerous waters.

Excavations here reveal traces of Archaic and Dorset peoples who camped and fished millennia ago.

The rusting bow of this 20th-century freighter juts from the sand on a remote northern beach, a surreal sight against the empty dunes and pounding Atlantic waves.

This lively bar packs in locals and visitors for cover bands, sea shanties, and DJ sets.

A meeting point for generations, this classic café serves pastis, wine, and small plates in an unpretentious setting.

A challenging but rewarding hike to the highest point in the archipelago (240 m) reveals a 360-degree vista encompassing both islands, the isthmus, and the open ocean on a clear day.

Housed in a former school, this museum documents the rise and fall of the inshore cod fishery through artifacts, interviews, and photographs, keeping the memory of the ‘little fishermen’ alive.

Rent a bike and ride the flat, scenic road past peat bogs, ponds, and glimpses of the sandy isthmus ahead, with the wind at your back and the cry of terns overhead.