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
The construction of a new wharf at the cost of CAD 20 million has been completed for future cruise stop overs. Within walking distance to town.
Cruise schedule for Sept Iles.
Sept-Îles is by no means a big, cultural or historical city; it is, however, quite a paradise for nature lovers: surrounding areas include a lot of forests, many sandy beaches, lakes and world-renowned rivers (notably for salmon fishing).
Getting around
For places within the city, walking is doable, but if you want to go to the beach, or any place remotely outside the city, you will definitely need a car.
Take a boat trip to the nearby islands. During the summer, Croisière Petite Pingouin and Les Croisières du Capitaine run regular 10-minute ferry crossings between the island and Sept Îles port (adult/child $20/13), as well as archipelago cruises.
Train-ride to a marshland Innu camp for immersion into traditional First Nations life, from chanting and smoked salmon secrets to moccasin and medicine-making. Book this excursion with your cruise line. It gets rave reviews.
Food and shopping
It's considered normal to tip 10-15% of a restaurant bill. Tips are also usually given to bell hops, concierges, room cleaners, cab drivers, hairdressers, hotel attendants and, by savvy drinkers, bar staff.
Money
Canadian dollar
You will find ATMs in many grocery stores, malls, airports and so on, and most are linked to the international networks, the most common being Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro. You can also grab cash from an ATM if you use a major credit card although this method tends to be more expensive because, in addition to a service fee, you'll be charged interest immediately.
Staying connected
In Canada the main languages are English 59.3%, French 23.2% (both official); other 17.5%. Quebec and New Brunswick being the most "French" The rest of the country is English speaking.