Making the most of Sept Iles
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
A new wharf costing CAD 20 million has been completed for future cruise stopovers and is within walking distance of town.
Sept Iles cruise schedule.
Sept-Îles is not a large cultural or historical city, but it is something of a paradise for nature lovers. The surrounding area has extensive forests, many sandy beaches and lakes, plus world-renowned rivers, notably for salmon fishing.
Getting around
Walking works for places in the city, but reaching the beach or anywhere even remotely outside it definitely requires a car.
During summer, Croisière Petite Pingouin and Les Croisières du Capitaine offer archipelago cruises and regular 10-minute ferries between Sept Îles port and the island. The adult/child fare is $20/13, making this a way to visit the nearby islands.
For an immersion in traditional First Nations life, take a train ride to a marshland Innu camp, with chanting, smoked salmon secrets, moccasin-making and medicine-making. Book this much-praised excursion through your cruise line.
Food and shopping
Tipping 10-15% of a restaurant bill is considered normal. Tips are also usually given to bell hops, concierges, room cleaners, cab drivers, hairdressers and hotel attendants, as well as bar staff by savvy drinkers.
Money
Canada uses the Canadian dollar.
ATMs are available in many grocery stores, malls, airports and elsewhere, and most connect to international networks, commonly Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro. A major credit card can also be used to withdraw cash at an ATM, though this is usually more expensive because a service fee applies and interest is charged immediately.
Staying connected
Canada’s principal languages are English 59.3% and French 23.2%, both official, with other languages accounting for 17.5%. Quebec and New Brunswick are the most "French" areas; the rest of the country is English speaking.