Île-aux-Marins Island

Address: Île-aux-Marins, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (short boat crossing from Saint-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.

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.

• 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.