Saint Pierre and Miquelon Islands Cruise Port

Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a self governing overseas collectivity of France in the northwestern Atlantic, located about 30 kilometres south of Newfoundland. Cruise ships dock at Saint Pierre, the territory’s capital and port town on the eastern coast of St Pierre island. For cruise passengers, it is a port of call rather than a turnaround port, offering a chance to explore a distinctly French corner of North America.

The islands are the only remaining part of the former colonial territory of New France still under French control. Saint Pierre reflects centuries of French settlement, with a predominantly French speaking population descended largely from Norman, Breton and Basque settlers. Streets and squares carry the names of French figures including Jacques Cartier, Louis Pasteur and Charles de Gaulle, who visited in 1967.

Fishing has shaped the islands for centuries. Saint Pierre takes its name from Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, and the first permanent French fishing settlement was established here in 1604. Cod fishing became central to the local economy during the 19th century, although the industry later declined because of overfishing and competition. During Prohibition in the United States from 1920 to 1933, the islands also became a centre for alcohol smuggling. The Arche Museum recalls aspects of this history and contains a French guillotine that was used once, in 1889, before being retired after the execution reportedly horrified local residents.

The landscape is rugged, with mostly barren rock, frequent wind, rain and fog, and more than 600 shipwrecks recorded around the islands. St Pierre and Miquelon are separated by a six kilometre strait known locally among fishermen as the Mouth of Hell because of its fierce currents. Whales migrating towards Greenland can be seen off the islands in spring.

Miquelon-Langlade is larger but less populated, with a permanent population of 596 in 2022. Its coastline includes sandy and pebble beaches, lagoons and rocky cliffs, while the Grand Barachois lagoon in the south is home to seals and other wildlife. Miquelon is also known for bird watching, offering a quieter way to discover the natural side of the territory.