Pointe aux Canons, Saint Pierre and Miquelon Travel Guide

Discover Pointe aux Canons, a historic and scenic landmark in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, where maritime heritage meets breathtaking coastal views.

Pointe aux Canons, located in the archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, is a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty. Visitors will be enthralled by its picturesque lighthouse, which has been guiding ships safely into harbor since the 19th century. The lighthouse, with its striking red and white stripes, stands as a testament to the island's rich maritime heritage. A walk along the Pointe aux Canons offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. The area is a haven for bird watchers, with numerous seabirds making their home along the cliffs and shores. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks provides a soothing backdrop to the serene landscape. History enthusiasts will appreciate the cannons that give the point its name. These relics from past naval battles offer a glimpse into the strategic importance of Saint Pierre and Miquelon in maritime history. The nearby museum provides further insights into the island's past, including its role during the Prohibition era when it was a hub for alcohol smuggling. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Pointe aux Canons is a must-visit destination. Its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and tranquility makes it a memorable stop on any tour of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pointe aux Canons.

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven around the cliffs and lighthouse.
Bring binoculars for bird watching and to get a closer look at the distant ships.
Visit the local museum to learn more about the history of the cannons and the area's maritime significance.
Check the weather forecast before heading out, as the area can be windy and chilly, even in summer.
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the seaside, but be sure to leave no trace to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Explore Pointe aux Canons: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Pointe aux Canons

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Ark Museum

Explore the Ark Museum in St. Pierre & Miquelon: A treasure trove of history and culture awaits at this national museum and archive.

4.5

Fort Lorraine Observatory

Experience breathtaking views and rich maritime history at Fort Lorraine Observatory in Saint-Pierre, a must-visit for all tourists.

4.3

Island Fort

Discover the captivating Island Fort in Saint-Pierre, a historic fortress with stunning coastal views and rich maritime history.

Best landmarks in Pointe aux Canons

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Ark Museum

Discover the rich cultural heritage of St. Pierre & Miquelon at the Ark Museum, where history and local stories come alive.

4.5

Heritage Museum

Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of St. Pierre & Miquelon at the Heritage Museum, a captivating destination for every traveler.

4.5

Cathedral of Saint Pierre at Saint Pierre et Miquelon

Explore the stunning Cathedral of Saint Pierre, a spiritual and architectural wonder in Saint Pierre et Miquelon, rich in history and cultural significance.

3.9

La Pointe aux canons et le phare

Discover the breathtaking coastal views and rich maritime history at La Pointe aux Canons and its iconic lighthouse in Saint-Pierre & Miquelon.

4.6

Best restaurants in Pointe aux Canons

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Le Feu de Braise

Discover authentic pizza at Le Feu de Braise in Saint-Pierre – where tradition meets flavor in every slice.

4.4

Les P'tits Graviers

Experience the flavors of St. Pierre & Miquelon at Les P'tits Graviers – where local cuisine meets cozy charm.

4.4

Hotel Robert

Discover comfort and local charm at Hotel Robert in Saint-Pierre - your perfect base for exploring St. Pierre and Miquelon.

4.2

Bar Le Rustique

Experience the charm of Bar Le Rustique in Saint-Pierre - where cozy vibes meet delightful drinks on this beautiful island.

4.6

Best bars in Pointe aux Canons

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Le Feu de Braise

Experience the authentic taste of Saint-Pierre at Le Feu de Braise, where every pizza is a masterpiece crafted from the freshest local ingredients.

4.4

Les P'tits Graviers

Experience the essence of St. Pierre & Miquelon at Les P'tits Graviers, where local flavors and fresh seafood meet exquisite dining.

4.4

Bar Le Rustique

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at Bar Le Rustique in Saint-Pierre, the perfect spot for relaxation and socializing.

4.6

Le Select

Experience the finest French cuisine and local flavors at Le Select in Saint-Pierre, a culinary gem that delights every palate.

4.9

Best nightclubs in Pointe aux Canons

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Bar Le Rustique

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Saint-Pierre at Bar Le Rustique, a local favorite for drinks, music, and a lively atmosphere.

4.6

Complexe Hôtelier Les Terrasses du Port

Discover the elegance and comfort of Complexe Hôtelier Les Terrasses du Port in St. Pierre & Miquelon, where relaxation meets adventure.

4.9

Café de la gare

Experience the best of local cuisine at Café de la Gare in Saint-Pierre, where delightful dishes meet warm hospitality in a charming atmosphere.

4.4

Nuits Saint-Pierre, Hôtel Unique

Experience comfort and local charm at Hôtel Unique in the stunning Nuits Saint-Pierre archipelago.

4.7

Best shops in Pointe aux Canons

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Ré-Créations - Parfumerie & Cadeaux

Explore Ré-Créations in Saint-Pierre, the ultimate destination for unique gifts and exquisite local perfumes, capturing the island's charm.

4.6

Victoire&Léon

Discover the essence of local fashion at Victoire&Léon, a stylish clothing store in Saint-Pierre offering a diverse range for the whole family.

5.0

Épicerie fine 4 épice

Discover gourmet delights and local delicacies at Épicerie Fine 4 Épice in Saint-Pierre, a perfect stop for unique gifts and souvenirs.

5.0

Maison Hélène

Discover unique fashion and local craftsmanship at Maison Hélène, a charming clothing store in the heart of Saint-Pierre, St. Pierre & Miquelon.

4.8

Explore Pointe aux Canons on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Pointe aux Canons, mapped for you.

Pointe aux Canons Essentials

Pointe aux Canons in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is accessible primarily via air and sea. The main entry point is Saint Pierre Airport (FSP), with flights from Canada, particularly from St. John's, Newfoundland. During the summer months, ferry services are also available from Fortune, Newfoundland. Once on Saint Pierre, you can easily get to Pointe aux Canons via taxi or rental car. Note that there are no direct international flights, so plan to connect through Canada.
In Pointe aux Canons, transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and bicycles. The area is relatively small, so walking is also a viable option for exploring local attractions. For longer distances or if you're planning to visit other parts of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, renting a car is recommended. Public transportation is limited, but local buses do operate within the town.
The official currency in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in the town, but it’s wise to have sufficient cash on hand, especially if you plan to explore more remote areas.
Pointe aux Canons and the broader Saint Pierre and Miquelon area are generally safe for tourists. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Local law enforcement is visible and responsive.
In case of an emergency, dial 17 for the police, 18 for fire services, and 15 for medical emergencies. The local hospital, Centre Hospitalier François Dunan, is well-equipped for most medical situations. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Casual and practical clothing is generally acceptable. Avoid overly revealing outfits. Religion: Do respect local religious practices. When visiting churches, dress modestly and be quiet. Public Transport: Do be polite and respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local seafood and French-inspired cuisine. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.
To experience Pointe aux Canons like a local, visit the Pointe aux Canons Lighthouse and the nearby museum to learn about the area's maritime history. Local markets offer fresh produce and seafood. Engage with locals, who are often willing to share stories about the island's unique blend of French and North American cultures. Don't miss the opportunity to attend local festivals and events, which provide a deeper insight into the community's traditions and way of life.

When is the best time to visit Pointe aux Canons?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Pointe aux Canons

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

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Pointe aux Canons. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwar]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-coor]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-leece]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-sheh-tay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhoo-stuh]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr eh-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ehz oon uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demi
  [dees uhr ay dem-ee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kat]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [sett]
- 8Huit
  [wheat]
- 9Neuf
  [nuff]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh...]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-shang (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Pointe aux Canons

Saint Pierre and Miquelon, an archipelago nestled off the coast of Newfoundland, was first settled by the French in the early 17th century. Pointe aux Canons, located in Saint Pierre, became a key strategic point for the French due to its prime location for maritime activities and defense.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Pointe aux Canons played a significant role in the bustling cod fisheries that defined the economy of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The area was home to numerous fishing stations and processing facilities, and the iconic cannons were installed to protect these valuable resources from privateers and rival nations.
Pointe aux Canons witnessed several Anglo-French conflicts, particularly during the Seven Years' War and the Napoleonic Wars. The cannons at Pointe aux Canons were a part of the island’s defense system, and the area saw skirmishes and blockades as French and British forces vied for control of the North Atlantic.
During the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), Pointe aux Canons became a hive of clandestine activities. The proximity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon to the United States made it an ideal base for rum-runners. The cannons and other defensive structures were repurposed to monitor and protect these smuggling operations from law enforcement.
During World War II, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, along with Pointe aux Canons, played a crucial role in the Free French Forces. The archipelago was a strategic refueling and resupply point for the Allies in the North Atlantic. The cannons and other fortifications were maintained and upgraded to defend against potential Axis threats.
Today, Pointe aux Canons stands as a historical monument, echoing the rich and diverse past of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The cannons and fortifications are preserved as part of the island’s cultural heritage, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists alike who come to marvel at this testament to maritime defense and resilience.