Île aux Marins, Saint Pierre and Miquelon Travel Guide
Discover Île aux Marins in Saint Pierre and Miquelon: A tranquil island steeped in maritime history, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historic charm.
Île aux Marins, located in the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago, is a small island filled with rich history and serenity. Once known as Île-aux-Chiens, it served as a bustling fishing village, where the remnants of this industrious past can still be seen today. The island is a living museum, with preserved houses, fishing stages, and the church of Notre-Dame-des-Marins, which form a picturesque backdrop to your exploration. As you stroll through the island, you'll be transported back in time. The island's museum, Archipélitude, offers a deeper understanding of the island's history and the lives of its inhabitants. The quiet paths and untouched nature provide a perfect escape from the modern world. The island's isolation has preserved its unique character, making it a perfect spot for those interested in maritime history, photography, or simply a peaceful retreat. Nature lovers will also appreciate the island's scenic landscapes. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, making it a great spot for bird watching and exploring tidal pools. The pristine air, the sound of the waves, and the stunning views make Île aux Marins a destination that appeals to all senses.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Île aux Marins.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the island is best explored on foot.
- Bring a packed lunch and water, as there are limited facilities on the island.
- Check the ferry schedule in advance, as the service is seasonal and weather-dependent.
- Visit the island's museum, Archipélitude, for a deeper understanding of its history.
- Bring a camera; the island's historic buildings and scenic views are very photogenic.
Destinations in Île aux Marins
Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.
Explore Île aux Marins: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More
Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more
Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Île aux Marins
Top-rated picks
Best Attractions
Browse the full guide
All Attractions
Archipélitude Museum
Explore the rich maritime history and cultural heritage of St. Pierre & Miquelon at the Archipelitude Museum on Ile aux Marins.
Transpacific Shipwreck
Discover the haunting beauty of the Transpacific Shipwreck on Ile aux Marins, a significant historical site in St. Pierre & Miquelon.
Island Fort
Experience the historical allure and breathtaking views of Island Fort, a must-visit fortress in Saint-Pierre, rich in heritage and scenic beauty.
Ancien Lavoir
Explore the historic Ancien Lavoir in Saint-Pierre, a charming attraction showcasing the maritime heritage of St. Pierre & Miquelon.
Best landmarks in Île aux Marins
Top-rated picks
Best Landmarks
Browse the full guide
All Landmarks
The Jezequel House
Experience the authentic flavors of St. Pierre & Miquelon at The Jezequel House, a culinary treasure on Ile aux Marins.
Ile aux Marins
Explore Île aux Marins: A serene island getaway in St Pierre and Miquelon with stunning landscapes and rich maritime history.
Archipélitude Museum
Discover the rich maritime heritage of St. Pierre & Miquelon at the Archipélitude Museum on Île aux Marins, where history comes alive.
Transpacific Shipwreck
Explore the captivating Transpacific Shipwreck on Ile aux Marins and immerse yourself in the maritime history of St. Pierre & Miquelon.
Best bars in Île aux Marins
Top-rated picks
Best Bars
Browse the full guide
All Bars
Le Feu de Braise
Savor the authentic tastes of Saint-Pierre at Le Feu de Braise, a top-rated pizza restaurant with a cozy ambiance and local ingredients.
Les P'tits Graviers
Experience the exquisite flavors of St. Pierre & Miquelon at Les P'tits Graviers, where every meal is a celebration of local cuisine.
Hotel Robert
Experience the charm and comfort of Hotel Robert, your ideal base for exploring the beauty of Saint-Pierre, St. Pierre & Miquelon.
Bar Le Rustique
Experience the charm of Saint-Pierre at Bar Le Rustique, where delightful drinks and a friendly atmosphere await every visitor.
Best nightclubs in Île aux Marins
Top-rated picks
Best Nightclubs
Browse the full guide
All Nightclubs
Bar Le Rustique
Discover the charm of Bar Le Rustique, a cozy bar in Saint-Pierre, St. Pierre & Miquelon, perfect for experiencing local flavors and hospitality.
Chez Txetxo
Experience the local charm and vibrant atmosphere of Chez Txetxo, a must-visit bar in Saint-Pierre, St. Pierre & Miquelon, perfect for relaxation.
Le Baratin
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Le Baratin, a beloved bar in Saint-Pierre, offering exquisite drinks and exceptional service for unforgettable evenings.
Le Bar Du Joinville
Discover the charm of Le Bar Du Joinville in Saint-Pierre, where local flavors and a vibrant atmosphere await.
Best shops in Île aux Marins
Top-rated picks
Best Shops
Browse the full guide
All Shops
Centre de Rénovation Marcel Dagort S.A.R.L.
Discover the Centre de Rénovation Marcel Dagort, your go-to hardware store in Saint-Pierre Et Miquelon for all home improvement needs.
Chez Julien Butcher and Grocery Store
Experience the rich flavors of St. Pierre & Miquelon at Chez Julien Butcher and Grocery Store, your go-to for quality meats, cheeses, and local products.
Graves Bakery and Pastry
Discover the authentic flavors of Saint-Pierre at Graves Bakery and Pastry, where tradition meets taste in every delightful bite.
Chez Clochet
Discover local flavors and unique treasures at Chez Clochet, Saint-Pierre's beloved general store, offering a taste of authentic island life.
Explore Île aux Marins on the Map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Île aux Marins, mapped for you.
Île aux Marins Essentials
-
Île aux Marins is accessible via a short ferry ride from Saint-Pierre, the main town of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago. Ferries operate regularly during the tourist season, typically from June to September, and the journey takes about 10-15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal in Saint-Pierre or online in advance. There are also occasional boat tours that include Île aux Marins as a stop.
-
Île aux Marins is a very small island and best explored on foot. There are no cars or public transport services on the island. Walking allows visitors to fully appreciate the historic sites and natural beauty. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable, as some paths can be uneven. Bicycles are not commonly used, and there are no rental services available on the island.
-
The official currency in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are accepted in some establishments, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting Île aux Marins, as there are no ATMs on the island. Ensure you have enough cash for small purchases, museum entry fees, and any local crafts or snacks you might want to buy.
-
Île aux Marins is generally very safe for tourists. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. However, standard safety precautions should always be taken. It is advisable to stay on marked paths and avoid isolated areas, especially after dark. Keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy ferry terminals.
-
In case of emergency, visitors should return to Saint-Pierre where medical facilities and emergency services are available. Dial 17 for police, 18 for fire services, and 15 for medical emergencies. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, carry a basic first aid kit as there are no pharmacies on Île aux Marins.
-
Fashion: Do wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and the quiet, contemplative nature of religious sites. Public Transport: There is no public transport on Île aux Marins. Plan to walk. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour'. Don't be overly familiar without invitation. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties if available. Don't leave litter; take your trash back to Saint-Pierre for proper disposal.
-
To experience Île aux Marins like a local, take time to visit the small museums and historical buildings, such as the Archipelago Museum and the Church of Notre Dame des Marins. Engage with local guides who can provide in-depth historical insights. Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the scenic shores, but remember to leave no trace. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can provide a more peaceful experience as the island can get busy during peak hours.
When is the best time to visit Île aux Marins?
Useful Local Phrases for Île aux Marins
You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.
— Eve
Here are the phrases I use most often in Île aux Marins. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️
-
- HelloSalut
[sah-loo] - GoodbyeAu revoir
[oh ruh-vwahr] - YesOui
[wee] - NoNon
[noh] - Please/You’re welcomeS'il vous plaît
[seel voo pleh] - Thank youMerci
[mehr-see] - Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
[ehk-skew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay] - How are you?Comment ça va?
[koh-mohn sah vah] - Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
[byahn. eh voo] - Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
[par-lay voo ahn-glay] - I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
[zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]
- HelloSalut
-
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
[zhuh voo-dray vwah le meh-nu, seel voo pleh] - I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
[zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyahnd] - Cheers!Santé!
[sahn-tay] - I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
[zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
-
- Help!Au secours!
[oh seh-koor] - Go away!Allez-vous en!
[ah-lay voo ahn] - Call the Police!Appelez la police!
[ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees] - Call a doctor!Appelez un docteur!
[ah-peh-lay uhn dok-teur] - I'm lostJe suis perdu
[zhuh swee pair-due] - I'm illJe suis malade
[zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- Help!Au secours!
-
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
[zhuh voo-dray ah-sheh-tay] - I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
[zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst] - How much is it?C'est combien?
[seh kohm-byahn] - That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
[seh troh shair] - Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
[poo-vay voo beh-say le pree]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
-
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
[kel uhr eh-teel] - It's one o'clockIl est une heure
[eel eh tyoon uhr] - Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
[dees uhr eh duh-mee] - MorningMatin
[mah-tan] - AfternoonAprès-midi
[ah-preh mee-dee] - EveningSoir
[swahr] - YesterdayHier
[ee-ehr] - TodayAujourd'hui
[oh-zhoor-dwee] - TomorrowDemain
[duh-mahn] - 1Un
[uhn] - 2Deux
[duh] - 3Trois
[trwah] - 4Quatre
[katr] - 5Cinq
[sank] - 6Six
[sees] - 7Sept
[set] - 8Huit
[weet] - 9Neuf
[nurf] - 10Dix
[dees]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
-
- Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?
[oo eh uhn/ewn] - What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
[kel eh la-dress] - Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
[poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)] - When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
[kahn eh luh proh-shen (bus)] - A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
[uhn bee-yay (poor ....)]
- Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?
History of Île aux Marins
-
Île aux Marins, formerly known as Île-aux-Chiens, was first settled by French fishermen in the early 17th century. The island served as a seasonal fishing base for the bustling cod fisheries industry, attracting settlers from France's Basque and Breton regions.
-
During the 19th century, Île aux Marins experienced its peak as a thriving fishing community. The island was bustling with activity, housing over 600 residents at its height. Fishermen would work tirelessly during the summer months, preserving their catches of cod through salting and drying processes.
-
In 1921, a devastating fire swept through Île aux Marins, destroying many of the island's wooden structures. The fire marked a turning point in the island's history, leading to a gradual decline in population as residents relocated to the larger and more developed nearby island of Saint-Pierre.
-
By the mid-20th century, the once-thriving fishing industry on Île aux Marins had significantly declined. Overfishing and changes in fishing regulations led to reduced catches, prompting many of the remaining islanders to seek employment opportunities elsewhere.
-
In the 1960s, Île aux Marins was officially abandoned as a permanent settlement. The last remaining residents moved to Saint-Pierre, leaving behind a ghost village. The abandoned houses and structures now serve as a poignant reminder of the island's vibrant past.
-
In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Île aux Marins. The island has become a popular tourist destination, with restored buildings such as the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Marins and the Jézéquel House offering a glimpse into its storied past.
-
Île aux Marins holds a special place in the hearts of the residents of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The island's history is celebrated through annual events and festivals, and it remains a symbol of the region's rich maritime heritage and resilient spirit.
Neighbouring Regions of Île aux Marins
The closest regions to Île aux Marins, if you have time for more than one.
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
Explore More of Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Looking beyond Île aux Marins? Discover Saint Pierre and Miquelon for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.
Explore Saint Pierre and MiquelonÎle aux Marins in Photos
Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.
Île aux Marins: A Maritime Time Capsule
Île aux Marins, located in the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago, is a small island filled with rich history and serenity. Once known as Île-aux-Chiens, it served as a bustling fishing village, where the remnants of this industrious past can still be seen today. The island is a living museum, with preserved houses, fishing stages, and the church of Notre-Dame-des-Marins, which form a picturesque backdrop to your exploration. As you stroll through the island, you'll be transported back in time. The island's museum, Archipélitude, offers a deeper understanding of the island's history and the lives of its inhabitants. The quiet paths and untouched nature provide a perfect escape from the modern world. The island's isolation has preserved its unique character, making it a perfect spot for those interested in maritime history, photography, or simply a peaceful retreat. Nature lovers will also appreciate the island's scenic landscapes. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, making it a great spot for bird watching and exploring tidal pools. The pristine air, the sound of the waves, and the stunning views make Île aux Marins a destination that appeals to all senses.