The lively community of Blanc-Sablon serves as the gateway to the eastern end of Lower North Shore. Ferries from Quebec and Newfoundland bearing passengers and cargo dock at the Blanc-Sablon wharf, alongside longliners and trawlers. The Quebec Lower North Shore borders Labrador at its eastern end in Blanc-Sablon. This border has been the subject of disputes between Quebec and Newfoundland since the 18th century. Blanc-Sablon officially became part of Quebec in 1927.

The mouth of the Blanc-Sablon River is home to an extraordinary concentration of archaeological sites, dating from the arrival of humans to the Lower North Shore some 9,000 years ago up until the 16th century. These finds represent the earliest archaeological contact sites between Aboriginal Peoples and Europeans in all of Canada. Known to early European explorers, Blanc-Sablon was named white sands in archaic French for the kilometre-long stretch of sandy beach along its shore. Historically, Blanc-Sablon was a major fishing port.  In the 1500s, fishermen from Brittany, Normandy, Portugal, Spain and the Basque countries fished seasonally from Blanc-Sablon. In the late 18th century, the Jersey firm De Quetteville opened a branch in Blanc-Sablon and maintained the headquarters of its seasonal cod fishing operations in the area for nearly a century.

Permanent settlement began in the 19th century with the arrival of French-Canadians, Acadians, and Jersey Islanders. This mostly French community became anglicized after the British company Job Brothers took over the De Quetteville fishery and brought fishermen over from Newfoundland.

WHAT TO SEE

• Tourist information center: A seasonal tourist information centre beside the ferry ticket office at the Blanc-Sablon terminal can give you tips and ideas for your stay in the Blanc-Sablon area. You can also pick up informational brochures for the whole area.

• Île au Bois: Hire a local boat owner to visit Île au Bois on your way to Greenly Island. Located about 3 kilometres (2 miles) south of Blanc-Sablon, Île au Bois was the site of early 18th century French fishing installations. It was also an important cod and seal-fishing station until the early 20th century. Vestiges of fishing “rooms” or installations are visible on the island, including circular stone formations for piling cod undercover for night.
• Blanc-Sablon Beach: Extending across much of the community’s shoreline, this beautiful beach is a great location for whale watching.  From here, you can see Isle aux Bois, a historic Jersey fishing station. You can also watch the arrival of fishing vessels and ships at the nearby federal wharf. In June, you may spot a “capelin roll” on the beach. These iridescent silver fish swim toward land and spawn in the sand, rolling in with the waves.
• Labrador Straits: The neighbouring Labrador Straits offer many other attractions. If crossing the border, remember that there is a time change between the two provinces.

WHAT TO DO

IN SUMMER : Hiking and walking, bird and whale watching, iceberg viewing, boat tours, sea kayaking, berry-picking, salmon fishing, wilderness camping, ATV

• Mont Parent Hiking Trail: Located on Mont Parent hill between the communities of Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon and Blanc-Sablon, this hiking trail was built to protect the Fernald's Milk-vetch, a rare plant that is a member of the pea family.  A series of interpretation panels provide information on the geology, botany, and history of the area.  Mont Parent hilltop also provides a wonderful view of neighbouring communities, nearby islands, and Newfoundland.

IN WINTER : Snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter carnival, hockey tournaments

• Hôtel Motel Blanc Sablon
  1043 boul. Camille Marcoux
  Lourdes de Blanc Sablon (QC)
  G0G 1W0
  Tél : (418) 461-3222
  1 866 461-9458
  Fax : (418) 461-2908
  www.blancsablon.ca
• Auberge Motel Quatre saisons
  2, Beaudoin
  Lourdes de Blanc Sablon (QC)
  G0G 1W0
  Tél : (418) 461-2024
  1 866 472-4766
  Fax : (418) 461-2007
  www.blancsablon.com

1. Partridge Garden (ouvert l’été)
   Blanc-Sablon (QC)
   G0G 1W0
   Tel : (418) 461-2287 
2. Pizza Delight
   Lourdes de Blanc Sablon (QC)
   G0G 1W0
   Tel : (418) 461-2999
   

• Jersey Enterprises Gift Store

• Chez Barney’s Store
  1549 boul. Camille Marcoux
  Blanc Sablon (QC)
  G0G 1W0 – P.O. Box 460
  Tel: (418) 461-2900
  Fax : (418) 461-2899
  [email protected]
• Station service Blanc-Sablon
  Blanc Sablon (QC)
  Tel.: (418) 461-2990 (Garage)
  (418) 461-2440 (Store)
• Visitor Information Center
  2 Jacques Cartier (500m from the Ferry dock)
  Blanc Sablon (QC)
  Tel.: (418) 461-3961

Jacques Cartier Trail, Flavour Route and Best of the Quebec-Labrador Coast