Plan a CruiseSept Iles welcomes cruise passengers at its newly constructed wharf, an investment of CAD 20 million, designed specifically for cruise stopovers. This modern facility offers convenient access, as it is within walking distance of the town center. While Sept Iles is not known for a bustling cultural or historical scene, it is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, boasting extensive forests, numerous sandy beaches, serene lakes, and world-renowned rivers, particularly favored for salmon fishing.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon disembarking, the town center is easily accessible on foot. However, for exploring Sept Iles' natural attractions such as the sandy beaches or any locations outside the immediate city area, a car is definitely required. For those interested in visiting the nearby islands, regular ferry crossings are available from the Sept Iles port. Croisière Petite Pingouin and Les Croisières du Capitaine operate 10-minute ferry services to the island, with adult tickets priced at $20 and child tickets at $13. They also offer archipelago cruises.
Attractions and Activities
- Island Boat Trips: Take a scenic boat trip to the nearby islands. Croisière Petite Pingouin and Les Croisières du Capitaine provide regular 10-minute ferry crossings to the island for $20 per adult and $13 per child. They also offer longer archipelago cruises, allowing you to explore the surrounding natural beauty by water.
- Innu Camp Immersion: Experience traditional First Nations life with a unique train ride to a marshland Innu camp. This highly-rated excursion, best booked directly through your cruise line, offers an immersive cultural experience including chanting, learning smoked salmon secrets, and insights into moccasin and medicine-making traditions.
- Nature Exploration: Sept Iles is a paradise for nature lovers. Explore the vast forests, relax on the many sandy beaches, visit tranquil lakes, or discover the world-renowned rivers famous for salmon fishing. Please note that a car will be necessary to reach these natural attractions located outside the city center.
Dining & Shopping
When dining out in Sept Iles, it is customary to tip between 10-15% of your restaurant bill. Tipping is also a common practice for service providers such as bellhops, concierges, room cleaners, cab drivers, hairdressers, hotel attendants, and bar staff.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). ATMs are widely available in grocery stores, shopping malls, and other public areas, and are typically linked to international networks like Cirrus, Plus, Star, and Maestro. While you can obtain cash advances using major credit cards at ATMs, be aware that this method often incurs both a service fee and immediate interest charges. In Canada, the primary languages are English (spoken by 59.3%) and French (spoken by 23.2%), both of which are official. Quebec, where Sept Iles is located, is predominantly French-speaking.