Sept-Îles is a coastal city located in eastern Quebec, in the Côte-Nord region of Canada. Known for its natural beauty, strong economy, rich Indigenous history, and strategic port, Sept-Îles plays a major role in Quebec’s northern development.

The city’s name, “Sept-Îles” (Seven Islands), comes from the archipelago that shelters its bay from harsh weather.

Quick Facts About Sept-Îles

 

• Province: Quebec

• Region: Côte-Nord

• Population (2021): 24,569

• Innu name: Uashat (meaning “bay”)

• Founded: 1650

• Official city status: 1959

History of Sept-Îles

 

Indigenous Roots

• The Innu (Montagnais) people have lived in the region for thousands of years

• Their culture is deeply connected to the land through hunting, fishing, and seasonal migration

• Indigenous knowledge has shaped the region’s identity and traditions

European Exploration

• Jacques Cartier mapped the area in 1535–1536 and named it Ysles Rondes

• Basque fishermen had already been whaling and fishing in the area before European settlement

Early Settlement

• 1651: Father Jean de Quen established the Ange-Gardien mission

• The area became a trading and fishing hub

• Later developed into an important fur-trading post, taken over by Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1800s

Industrial Growth

• Late 1800s–early 1900s: whale oil factory and pulp industry

• 1950s: construction of the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway

• Rapid growth due to iron ore mining and shipping

Geography and Climate

 

Location

• Situated on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River

• Approximately 230 km northeast of Baie-Comeau

• Between the Sainte-Marguerite and Moisie rivers

The Seven Islands

The archipelago protecting the bay includes:

• La Grosse Boule

• La Petite Boule

• La Grande Basque

• La Petite Basque

• Île Manowin

• Île du Corossol

• Îlets Dequen

These islands support bird sanctuaries and recreational areas.

Climate

• Subarctic climate

• Long, cold winters with heavy snowfall

• Mild summers with limited rainfall

Population and Demographics

 

Population Overview

• Total population: 24,569

• Population density: 14.1 people/km²

Age Breakdown

• 0–14 years: 16%

• 15–24 years: 10%

• 25–34 years: 12%

• 35–64 years: 41%

• 65+ years: 20%

Language

• French (mother tongue): 92.5%

• English: 2.8%

• Innu-aimun: 1.4%

• Bilingual (English & French): 1.1%

Ethnic and Religious Composition

• Indigenous population: ~4.2%

• Visible minorities: ~2.4%

• Catholic: 70.4%

• No religion: 22.5%

Economy of Sept-Îles

 

Sept-Îles has one of the strongest regional economies in Quebec.

Key Industries

• Mining: Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC)

• Aluminium: Alouette aluminium smelter (600+ employees)

• Port Operations: Canada’s largest mineral port

• Services: Healthcare, education, retail, professional services

Economic Highlights

• Port handles 22+ million tonnes of freight annually

• Generates over $300 million and 8,300 jobs

• Among the highest average wages in Quebec

• Reliable energy from 14 hydroelectric plants

Transportation and Infrastructure

 

Air

• Sept-Îles Airport

• Daily flights to Montreal and Quebec City

• Airlines include Air Canada Jazz, Air Inuit, Pascan Aviation

Road

• Route 138 connects Sept-Îles to the rest of Quebec

• Bus services by Intercar and Orléans Express

Rail

• Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway

• Tshiuetin Rail Transportation (First Nations–owned passenger rail)

Sea

• Deep-water Port of Sept-Îles

• Ferry connections to Anticosti Island and Lower North Shore

Education in Sept-Îles

 

Early Childhood & Primary

• CPE-BC Sous le bon toit

• École Maisonneuve

Secondary Education

• Managed by Centre de Services Scolaire du Littoral

Post-Secondary

Cégep de Sept-Îles

• Technical programmes: Accounting, Computer Science, Management

• Pre-university programmes: Arts, Literature, Natural Sciences

• Known for strong student support and career-focused education

Healthcare Services

 

Healthcare is managed by CISSS de Sept-Îles.

Major Facilities

• Centre multiservice de santé et de services sociaux

• Polyclinique de l’Anse

• Clinique Medicale Des Vents Et

• Vaccination clinic

Specialised Services

• Emergency care (24/7)

• Surgery

• Obstetrics & gynaecology

• Paediatrics

• Psychiatry

• Oncology

Living in Sept-Îles

 

Cost of Living

• Average monthly cost (single person): ~$3,570

• Average annual salary: ~$57,950

• Average household income: ~$101,200

Lifestyle

• Close-knit community

• Strong Indigenous presence (3,000+ Innu residents)

• Outdoor-focused lifestyle with easy access to nature

Things to Do in Sept-Îles

 

Nature & Wildlife

• Whale watching (minke, beluga whales)

• Beaches along the Saint Lawrence River

• Hiking trails and coastal walks

Attractions

• Sept-Îles Archipelago

• Parc Aylmer-Whittom

• Anticosti National Park (nearby)

Culture

• Vieux-Poste historical site

• Local festivals celebrating Indigenous and regional heritage

• Cruise ship tourism via the Saint-Laurent circuit

Food and Dining in Sept-Îles

 

Local Specialties

• Fresh seafood (snow crab, shrimp)

• Poutine

• Guedille (seafood sandwich)

• Wild game and local produce

Popular Restaurants

• Croque-Minute

• Bistro 7 – Hôtel Sept-Îles

• Pub St.-Marc

• Café Toscane

• Comptoir Sushi à la Maison

• Restaurant 560

Markets

• Marché Mellau

• La Poissonnerie Fortier

• Local butcher shops and microbrew retailer

Final Thoughts

 

Sept-Îles is a unique city in Quebec’s Côte-Nord, offering:

• Strong job opportunities

• High wages

• Rich Indigenous culture

• Stunning natural landscapes

• Excellent transport connectivity

Whether you’re considering moving, working, studying, or visiting, Sept-Îles offers a balanced mix of opportunity, culture, and nature.