Île aux Marins
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Île aux Marins, formerly known as Île-aux-Chiens until 1931, is a small uninhabited island off the coast of Saint-Pierre in the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago. Settled in 1604, it once supported a vibrant fishing community with a population nearing 700. The island's economy historically centered on cod fishing, with residents using traditional dories and wherries. Today, the island is mostly uninhabited year-round but hosts seasonal residents from May to November who maintain its cultural heritage. Several original buildings remain, including the Notre-Dame-des-Marins church, the Jézéquel house, and the Archipélitude Museum housed in the former school. The island's flat terrain stretches about 1.5 kilometers in length, with a maximum elevation of 35 meters at Cape Beaudry. The site of the shipwrecked Transpacific is accessible on the northern shore. Île aux Marins offers a unique glimpse into the maritime history and traditional way of life of the archipelago, preserved through its protected historic buildings and seasonal cultural activities.
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Tip: The best time to visit Île aux Marins is during the warmer months from May to November when seasonal residents are present and the island's heritage sites are accessible. Visitors should consider booking tours or ferry tickets in advance during peak season. While the island is small, comfortable walking shoes are recommended to explore the historic village and museum. No specific ticket prices are required, but checking local schedules for museum opening times is advised. Seasonal weather can be variable, so bringing appropriate clothing is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The island was formerly named Île-aux-Chiens ('Island of the Dogs') until 1931.
- •The bow of the shipwrecked vessel Transpacific remains on the northern shore and is accessible to visitors.
- •Several buildings on the island, including the Notre-Dame-des-Marins church and the Jézéquel house, are protected historic monuments.
- •The Archipélitude Museum is housed in the island's former school building, which closed in 1963.
- •A tsunami in 1929 caused flooding and displaced houses but no deaths on the island.
History
Île aux Marins was first settled in 1604 and grew into a thriving fishing village with up to 700 inhabitants by the 19th century.
Originally called Île-aux-Chiens, its name was officially changed to Île aux Marins in 1931.
The island remained an independent commune until 1945 when it was annexed by the commune of Saint-Pierre.
A devastating tsunami in 1929 caused flooding and damage but no casualties.
Population decline began in the mid-20th century as residents moved to Saint-Pierre, leaving the island largely uninhabited by the 1960s.
Since the 1980s, restoration efforts have preserved many historic buildings, some of which received protected status from the French Ministry of Culture in 2011 and 2014.
Place Guide
Archipélitude Museum1988 (museum establishment)
Located in the former school building, this museum showcases the island's maritime heritage and local history, preserving artifacts and stories of the fishing community.
Notre-Dame-des-Marins Church
A historic church that served the island's fishing community, now a protected cultural monument reflecting the island's religious heritage.
Jézéquel House
A traditional fisherman's home that has been preserved and protected as part of the island's cultural heritage.
Transpacific Shipwreck1971
The bow section of the Transpacific shipwreck from 1971 remains on the northern shore, accessible to visitors and serving as a maritime landmark.
