Saint Pierre Island

Saint Pierre Island is the principal island of the French overseas collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, located off the southern coast of Newfoundland in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It hosts the territorial capital, Saint-Pierre, and is the centre of local administration and population.

The island’s settlement pattern is compact, concentrated around the town and the harbour, which functions as the main fishing port and transport hub. Streets, shops and civic buildings reflect French influences and the community’s maritime economy.

Historically the islands served as seasonal and permanent bases for French cod fisheries and have remained under French administration while sitting close to Canadian waters. They retain a distinct Franco-Atlantic cultural character.

Geographically the island lies in the North Atlantic, near the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and is reached by sea or air from Newfoundland and from other points in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

• Political status: Officially part of the French overseas collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, the island uses the euro and follows French administrative systems.
• Access: Main access from the Canadian island of Newfoundland is by scheduled ferry or by flights to the local airport on nearby Miquelon or to Saint-Pierre-de-Miquelon Airport.

What to See #

• Saint-Pierre town: The town of Saint-Pierre is the administrative capital and contains the port, municipal services, shops and the main settlement cluster on the island.
• Port and waterfront: The island's harbour and quays form the focal point for fishing boats, passenger ferries and local maritime activity.