Havre-Saint-Pierre is a charming town nestled on Pointe-aux-Esquimaux, along the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada. This town, located approximately 200 kilometres east of Sept-Îles on Route 138, is the largest in the Minganie RCM and serves as its seat. It is a hub for various government, municipal, and regional services.
The town's history dates back to the 19th century when its first inhabitants, Acadian families from the Magdalen Islands, settled here. These settlers had been deported from Savannah, Georgia, in the United States. They established their new home on Eskimo Point (Pointe aux Esquimaux), and the first mass was held on June 29, 1857, the feast day of Saint Peter.
In 1872, the Parish of Saint-Pierre-de-la-Pointe-aux-Esquimaux was officially established, and its post office, named Esquimaux Point, opened. The following year, the area was incorporated as a municipality. In 1924, the post office changed its name to Havre-Saint-Pierre, and the town followed suit in 1927. This change was made to highlight the harbor, a defining feature of the area, while still retaining the original parish name. Havre-Saint-Pierre remained the largest town on the North Shore until 1936 when it was surpassed by Baie-Comeau.
The town's inhabitants speak a dialect that is more closely related to Acadian French than to Quebec French, a testament to the town's historical roots.
Despite its maritime location just above the 50th parallel, Havre-Saint-Pierre experiences a relatively harsh subarctic climate. The town endures cold winters and cool summers, with September, the fourth-warmest month, being relatively close to the 10 °C (50 °F) isotherm to be classified as cold humid continental. The high precipitation levels result in significant snowfall during the winter months.
Havre-Saint-Pierre is surrounded by several notable geological features. To the north and west lies the Romaine River, while the Manitou River to the west is home to the stunning les Chutes Manitou. Less than a kilometre offshore from the town is l'Ile du Havre, and on clear days, one can see Anticosti Island to the south of the town. These natural attractions add to the charm and appeal of Havre-Saint-Pierre, making it a must-visit destination in Quebec.
