Île-aux-Marins
Island Small inhabited islet near Saint-Pierre, French territory
A small island in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon with preserved fishermen’s houses, a maritime museum and a lighthouse; visitors explore the village and seasonal boat links to St Pierre.
Île-aux-Marins is a small island in the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, belonging to the French overseas collectivity. It contains the remains of a former fishing community and is preserved as a historic site with restored buildings and a cemetery.
A compact cluster of traditional houses, a maritime cemetery and a lighthouse, all of which illustrate the island’s former role in the local fishing economy. The island is now a day-visit destination for visitors based on Saint-Pierre.
The island was settled and inhabited for centuries as part of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon community but was depopulated in the mid-20th century as residents moved to Saint-Pierre. The remaining buildings have been preserved for their cultural and historical value.
Île-aux-Marins lies a short distance off the main town of Saint-Pierre and is reached by local boat services; it sits in the North Atlantic close to the coast of Newfoundland but remains administratively part of the Saint Pierre and Miquelon territory.
- Access and current status: The island was inhabited historically but has been largely uninhabited in recent decades and is visited from Saint-Pierre by short boat trips for sightseeing and heritage walks.
What to See #
- Historic village and cemetery: A small former fishing village with preserved wooden houses and a cemetery that document the island's past population; the settlement is maintained as a historic site with interpretive signage.
- Lighthouse and maritime features: A lighthouse and maritime markers that served Saint-Pierre harbour and helped guide local fishing and transport vessels; these features are visible landmarks on the island's shoreline.
How to Get to Île-aux-Marins #
Regular small boat services connect Île-aux-Marins with Saint-Pierre (the crossing is short). Departures depend on tide and season; check local schedules at the Saint-Pierre harbour office.
Tips for Visiting Île-aux-Marins #
- Take the short ferry or water taxi from Saint-Pierre (schedule varies seasonally) and plan for brief visits - the island is small and most sights are clustered.
- Visit the Musée de l'Île-aux-Marins for the fishing village reconstructions and local photographs.
- Bring a light windbreaker; the exposed promontories can be windy even on warm days.
Best Time to Visit Île-aux-Marins #
Summer months are best for comfortable sailing and museum hours; shoulder seasons offer quieter visits but more unpredictable weather.
Weather & Climate near Île-aux-Marins #
Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1306 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (139 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and breezy conditions.