A long layover in Havre-Saint-Pierre is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Havre St Pierre Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of YGV:
- Can you legally enter Canada? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From YGV, the Taxi gets you to Havre-Saint-Pierre in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at YGV aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Havre-Saint-Pierre itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Havre-Saint-Pierre might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$19 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$39 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Havre-Saint-Pierre, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
How to Spend Your Time in Havre-Saint-Pierre
If you head into Havre-Saint-Pierre, here are two things worth checking out:
Havre-Saint-Pierre Boardwalk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Mingan Archipelago Interpretation Centre is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Havre-Saint-Pierre.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside YGV, you can spend time at Main Terminal Waiting Area or try Aircraft Observation Point. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Havre-Saint-Pierre Layover
- In the city: Restaurant La Marée Haute and Cantine du Quai are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Havre-Saint-Pierre.
- At the airport: YGV Airport Snack Counter and Coffee & Grab-and-Go Corner will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
WiFi at YGV should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Canada and you’re good to go.
Need a Nap? Options at YGV
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at YGV.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Havre-Saint-Pierre is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Havre-Saint-Pierre.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.