Major city · Canada
Rivière-Saint-Jean
Go only if you are already driving Route 138: one night, two at most, for the barachois, the wharf and the Magpie trails. No town, no nightlife.
Rivière-Saint-Jean is a small riverside municipality in Minganie on Quebec's North Shore, made up of two villages: Rivière-Saint-Jean at the mouth of the Saint-Jean River and the hamlet of Magpie across Magpie Bay. There is no real town centre and no cell network, so it works as a quiet one-night stop on the Route des Baleines between Sept-Îles and Havre-Saint-Pierre, or as a base for salmon fishing and forest trails. Come for the barachois, the wharf and the coastal views, not for services.
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)
- Airports
- YZV · YGV
- 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 Rivière-Saint-Jean911 ▾
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 Rivière-Saint-Jean, 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
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are isolation, weather, wildlife and long distances between services.
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.
- AirportYZV Sept-Îles Airport (About 148 km (92 mi) west by Route 138; the usual arrival airport for the region).YZV Sept-Îles Airport (About 92 mi (148 km) west by Route 138; the usual arrival airport for the region).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical way to move: Route 138 is the only main road and links the two villages and the region.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or snack at a general storeC$3–7 (≈ US$3–6)
- Sit-down mealSimple restaurant mealC$18–30 (≈ US$14–25)
- BeerBeer at a store / in a barC$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)
- Budget bedRV parking, no services (max 3 days), a night, per roomC$0 (≈ under US$1)
- Mid-range bedSt-Jean Pavilion room, a night, per roomC$130 (≈ US$95)
- High-end bedSt-Jean Pavilion room, a night, per roomC$190 (≈ US$140)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
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 148 km (92 mi) west by Route 138; the usual arrival airport for the region) · YGV Havre-Saint-Pierre Airport (About 2 h 45 min east by Route 138)YZV Sept-Îles Airport (About 92 mi (148 km) west by Route 138; the usual arrival airport for the region) · YGV Havre-Saint-Pierre Airport (About 2 h 45 min east by Route 138)
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
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Dec
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Rivière-Saint-Jean: 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)
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
12 rd
Feb
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°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)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 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
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
13 rd
Dec
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°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 to move: Route 138 is the only main road and links the two villages and the region. Intercar runs a bus several days a week between Sept-Îles and Havre-Saint-Pierre, stopping in the area (check days and times). Trails and the wharf are short walks from the villages.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Route 138 east by car
Beach, waterfront boardwalk and the marine mammal museum; pairs well with a Mingan islands trip.
Door to door: About 2 h by car
Route 138 east by car, or Intercar bus
Main service town for the region and the gateway to the Mingan Archipelago; stock up here.
Anticosti
overnightDoor to door: Half a day or more
Ferry or flight from the Havre-Saint-Pierre area (check schedule)
Quebec's largest island, 38.3 km (24 mi) offshore at the shortest point; needs its own trip, not a day return.Quebec's largest island, 24 mi (38.3 km) offshore at the shortest point; needs its own trip, not a day return.
Rivière-au-Tonnerre
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Route 138 west by car
Gateway to Minganie; coves, falls and whale watching along the way.
Door to door: About 3 h
Route 138 east by car
Long drive for a day; better as a stop if you are continuing east.
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.
Village of Rivière-Saint-Jean (rue Saint-Jean / Route 138)
The main village at the river mouth: church, municipal hall, post office and the St-Jean Pavilion lodging are all here.
Magpie (west side of the Magpie River)
The hamlet opposite Magpie Bay, near the Pourvoirie de la Haute-St-Jean; quieter, mostly fishing and outfitter accommodation.
Rue de l'Église RV parking
No-service RV parking, maximum 3 days; dump station on Rue du Ruisseau.
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
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| St-Jean Pavilion room1 × 1 night × C$130 | C$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Fuel, Sept-Îles return (about 300 km)1 × C$45 · check | C$45 |
| Intercar bus, Sept-Îles–Havre-Saint-Pierre leg2 × C$60 · check | C$120 |
| eSIM or data plan for the region2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$64 |
| Trip total≈ C$350 per person per day, bed included | C$699≈ US$550 |
check
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; long-distance travel to the region excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or snack at a general store | C$3–7 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Simple restaurant meal | C$18–30 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer at a store / in a bar | C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) / C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Gasoline, per litre | C$1.60–1.90 (≈ US$2) |
| Camping or RV night, no services | C$0–30 (≈ US$0–25) |
| Salmon fishing day with an outfitterPermits and rules apply | C$150–400 (≈ US$110–300) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No cellular network in the area; there are a few municipal Wi-Fi zones and a phone booth near the general store.
- Fuel, food and lodging are limited and seasonal: fill up and buy supplies in Sept-Îles or Havre-Saint-Pierre.
- Distances are long: Sept-Îles is about 148 km (92 mi) west, Havre-Saint-Pierre about 2 h 45 min east by road.Distances are long: Sept-Îles is about 92 mi (148 km) west, Havre-Saint-Pierre about 2 h 45 min east by road.
- Wildlife and tides: keep distance from seals and other marine animals, and watch the tide on the barachois flats.
- Hunting is active in the backcountry in season: wear bright colours on trails in autumn.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Rivière-Saint-JeanRivière-Saint-Jean
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé811
Embassy
No consulates here; the nearest are in Québec City or Montréal. US citizens: US Consulate General in Montréal or Québec City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Sept-Îles → Rivière-Saint-Jean by car: about 148 km (92 mi), roughly 2 h on Route 138about 92 mi (148 km), roughly 2 h on Route 138
- Intercar Sept-Îles → Havre-Saint-Pierre: runs several days a week, about 2 h 45 min end to end
- RV parking, Rue de l'Église: no services, maximum 3 days
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mer-SEE)
- Parlez-vous anglais ? — Do you speak English? (par-lay VOO ahn-GLEH)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Où est le quai ? — Where is the wharf? (oo eh luh KAY)
- J'ai besoin d'aide — I need help (zhay buh-ZWAN DED)
No cellular network in the area; a few municipal Wi-Fi zones and a phone booth near the general store.
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 Rivière-Saint-Jean. 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 →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialTourisme Côte-Nord
- officialTourisme Québec
- officialIntercar
- secondaryWikivoyage: Rivière-Saint-Jean, revision 5250088 (CC BY-SA 4.0)