Major city · Canada
Port-Cartier
Go for one night as a Route 138 stop between Québec City and Sept-Îles: 11 km (6.8 mi) beach, salmon trap in July, islands walk. Two nights if you fish.Go for one night as a Route 138 stop between Québec City and Sept-Îles: 6.8 mi (11 km) beach, salmon trap in July, islands walk. Two nights if you fish.
Port-Cartier is a mill and mining town on Québec's North Shore, 62 km west of Sept-Îles on Route 138. Travellers stop for the 11 km sand beach, the Rivière aux Rochers salmon trap and the Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles wildlife reserve. Sights are small and spread out; a car is the practical way in. One night covers the town, two nights add the reserve or a fishing day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Apr (cold, snow, many services closed)
- Airport
- YZV
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Port-Cartier911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Port-Cartier, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetySmall-town Québec, low street crime.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYZV Sept-Îles Airport (About 62 km (39 mi) east by Route 138; the practical air gateway for the region (check)).YZV Sept-Îles Airport (About 39 mi (62 km) east by Route 138; the practical air gateway for the region (check)).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical way: sights run 20–30 km (12–19 mi) along Route 138 and buses are limited.A car is the practical way: sights run 12–19 mi (20–30 km) along Route 138 and buses are limited.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCAD 2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealSandwich or poutineCAD 10–18 (≈ US$8–14)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at the storeCAD 7–10 (≈ US$6–8)CAD 2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekCAD 20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedHostel or dormitory bed, a night, per personC$35 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomC$240 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YZV Sept-Îles Airport (About 62 km (39 mi) east by Route 138; the practical air gateway for the region (check))YZV Sept-Îles Airport (About 39 mi (62 km) east by Route 138; the practical air gateway for the region (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Feb
Avoid
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Mar
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Apr
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
May
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Nov
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Port-Cartier: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
12 rd
Feb
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
10 rd
Mar
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
11 rd
Apr
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
11 rd
May
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Oct
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Nov
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
13 rd
Dec
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical way: sights run 20–30 km along Route 138 and buses are limited. The town has about 6 km of bike paths plus a 2.6 km islands loop and a 2 km taiga trail on Patterson Island, all walkable from downtown.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Sept-Îles
goDoor to door: About 45 min by car
Route 138 west, about 62 km (39 mi) by car; Intercar bus also runs the corridorRoute 138 west, about 39 mi (62 km) by car; Intercar bus also runs the corridor
Bigger town with the old trading post and boat trips to the islands; easy half-day or overnight.
Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles wildlife reserve
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min to the gate
Chemin de la Réserve-de-Sept-Îles-Port-Cartier, north of town by car
SÉPAQ reserve, open May–September: Walker Lake, MacDonald Falls footbridge, trout and salmon fishing, cabins and camping.
Pointe-aux-Anglais and Rivière-Pentecôte
goDoor to door: About 25–40 min
Route 138 west by car
Beach, Louis Langlois Museum (late Jun–late Aug, W–Su 09:00–17:00) and the Rivière-Pentecôte historic site.Beach, Louis Langlois Museum (late Jun–late Aug, W–Su 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) and the Rivière-Pentecôte historic site.
Les Goélands outdoor base
cautionDoor to door: About 15–20 min
Route 138 south of town by car
Trails, beach and birdwatching; open year-round but the restaurant and dormitory run on seasonal hours — check before driving out.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / avenue Parent
Walk to the P'tit Quai promenade, restaurants and the history centre; best for one night without a car.
Boulevard des Îles / Galeries des Îles
Mall, supermarket, motels and the road out to McCormick and Patterson islands.
Rochelois beach area
Near the beach and bike path; hostel and quieter streets, 5–10 min drive from downtown.
Pointe-aux-Anglais / Rivière-Pentecôte
West along Route 138, 20–30 km (12–19 mi) out: beach, Louis Langlois Museum, gîtes and campgrounds.West along Route 138, 12–19 mi (20–30 km) out: beach, Louis Langlois Museum, gîtes and campgrounds.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CAD 90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- CAD 150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- CAD 250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or inn double room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Rental car, one day, plus fuel1 × C$90 · check | C$90 |
| SÉPAQ wildlife reserve day access2 × C$10 · check | C$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$63 |
| Trip total≈ C$347 per person per day, bed included | C$693≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; travel to the region excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | CAD 2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Sandwich or poutine | CAD 10–18 (≈ US$8–14) |
| Restaurant main, seafood or grill | CAD 20–35 (≈ US$15–30) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at the store | CAD 7–10 (≈ US$6–8) / CAD 2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Grocery run for two, one day | CAD 40–70 (≈ US$30–55) |
| Fuel, 100 kmcheck | CAD 12–18 (≈ US$9–14) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | CAD 20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are long: Pointe-aux-Anglais is about 25 km (16 mi) west of downtown, Rivière-Pentecôte further.Distances are long: Pointe-aux-Anglais is about 16 mi (25 km) west of downtown, Rivière-Pentecôte further.
- Most museums, the salmon trap and the tourist office run June to September only.
- The Rochelois beach is unsupervised; the St. Lawrence is cold and the tide moves fast.
- Fuel and grocery stops thin out west of town on Route 138: fill up before you leave.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Port-CartierPort-Cartier
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé (24 h health advice)811
Embassy
No embassies here; the US has a consulate general in Québec City and Montréal, and most countries keep embassies in Ottawa (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Intercar bus, Port-Cartier → Sept-Îles: about CAD 15–25 (≈ US$11–19), about 1 h (check)
- Taxi, downtown → Rochelois beach: about CAD 12–18 (≈ US$9–14) (check)
- Rental car, one day plus fuel: about CAD 80–110 (≈ US$60–80) (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
- Où est la plage ? — Where is the beach? (oo ay la PLAZH)
- Je ne parle pas français — I don't speak French (zhuh nuh PARL pah fran-SAY)
French is the everyday language; English works in hotels and the tourist office but not everywhere on Route 138.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Port-Cartier. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Apr (cold, snow, many services closed) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YZV: last flight times, taxi and shuttle fallback, overnight rung in Sept-Îles.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: avenue Parent, boulevard des Îles, Rochelois beach, the islands.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (history centre, Louis Langlois Museum, salmon trap, wildlife reserve) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.