Mingan Archipelago National Park: planning guide
Limestone islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence with sea stacks, seabirds, and Atlantic puffins.
Mingan Archipelago National Park is in QC, Canada. The nearest town is Havre-Saint-Pierre — roughly 30.9 km (19.2 mi) out, about 45 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: May through October. Shoulder season: April and early November.
Winter brings cold, shorter days, and reduced services, though lower-elevation trails often stay walkable.
Peak summer weekends and autumn colour weekends fill parking lots early — arrive before mid-morning.
Full seasonal breakdown for Mingan Archipelago National Park
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Havre-Saint-Pierre | 30.9 km (19.2 mi) | 45 min |
| Gaspé | 181 km (112 mi) | 3 hr 7 min |
| Perce | 209 km (130 mi) | 3 hr 32 min |
| Maliotenam | 214 km (133 mi) | 3 hr 36 min |
| Grande-Riviere | 224 km (139 mi) | 3 hr 45 min |
| Sept-Îles | 229 km (142 mi) | 3 hr 49 min |
| Chandler | 235 km (146 mi) | 3 hr 54 min |
| Saint-Alexandre | 264 km (164 mi) | 4 hr 20 min |
Where Mingan Archipelago National Park sits
Official Mingan Archipelago National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- Forillon National Park
A tip of the Gaspé Peninsula where Appalachian ridges meet the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Sea cliffs, forest, and fishing history.
- Gros Morne National Park
Western Newfoundland highlands with fjords and exposed mantle rock. A UNESCO site for its geology and scenery.
- Kouchibouguac National Park
New Brunswick coastal park of dunes, lagoons, bogs, and barrier islands on the Northumberland Strait.
- Pituamkek National Park
Barrier islands off northwestern PEI, co-managed with the Mi’kmaq. Dunes, archaeology, and shorebirds.
Common questions
Where is Mingan Archipelago National Park?
Mingan Archipelago National Park sits in QC, Canada, and the closest town of any size is Havre-Saint-Pierre — about 45 min away.
When is the best time to visit Mingan Archipelago National Park?
Generally May through October, with April and early November quieter on either side.