This is my biggest tip to travellers. Make sure you make all your accommodations, restaurant reservations, things you would like to do BEFORE you take your trip. It is not like Canada where we can just go to a business and there is availabilities especially in some activities. If you want to book any outings such as tours these need to be book prior to your trip here. A day trip to Ile aux Marins is an exception to this as you just buy your ticket the day of.

I sadly see people online complaining that they came here and just wandered around the downtown area and there was “nothing to do”. That’s because they were not prepared or planned ahead. Do your research, connect with local businesses, take your time enjoying the food here, take a tour to learn the history and see the sights of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Even if you are here just on a day trip.

The weather in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is similar to that of the east coast of Newfoundland. We have beautiful days here but it is also important to prepare for days that have rain and fog. This is our normal and packing some extra layers, rain jacket and an umbrella means you can still enjoy your day out exploring.

I can not express enough how IMPORTANT it is to make reservations well in advance before your trip. How dining works here is once the entire restaurant is booked they do not take anymore reservations. It is also important to enjoy the dining experience here. Take your time eating. If you need help to make restaurant reservations, please reach out to me. Please be patient with response time from businesses as tourist season is very busy.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon uses the EURO. There is a limited amount of stores that will accept Canadian cash. Please prepare by bringing euros with you. You can also use the ATM here to get euros.

Please check with your bank, most tourists have no problem using their debit or credit here but please double check with your bank. Your bank may be different as well as additional charges may apply.

Please check with your cellphone provider if they cover Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Roaming charges may apply. Most of the hotels and businesses offer free wifi if you do not want to use your data while visiting. You can also go to the cellphone provider here for an eSIM card. If you need more information or the location of the cellphone provider, please reach out.

It is possible to drive in Saint Pierre, but the rules of the road are different. It can be complicated on the island of Saint Pierre. I would choose alternative options such as walking, taxi, renting eBikes, or you can get car rentals here.

In Miquelon it is much less complicated to drive. There are options to rent eBikes and car rentals. Walking is also possible.

Check out my informative driving blog post:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DitfCcZtn/

I can not stress this enough to tourists. Saint Pierre and Miquelon is the perfect place to relax, take your time and just enjoy the simple things. I know as a Canadian we can be programmed to “go, go, go” but here I really appreciate the effort that is made to slow down and just go with the flow. This is part of your trip experience. Enjoy your downtime, make sure to come here for enough time that you are able to see and experience everything without racing around.

Yes, it is true SPM does close for lunch hour which is typically 12pm with re-openings at 1:30 or 2pm. This excludes restaurants, cafes, and some other businesses. It is important to check business hours. How can you do that? Keep an eye on my Facebook blog story, I often post businesses and their updated hours as they become available. They may vary from week to week. Or you can just me an email or facebook message and I’d be happy to help you.

Yes, it is true MOST of SPM is closed on Sundays with the exception of restaurants, cafes, and some local stores. It is important to check business hours. How can you do that? Keep on eye on my Facebook blog story, I often post businesses and their updated hours as they become available. They may vary from week to week. Or you can just me a email or facebook message and I’d be happy to help you.

SPM uses power voltage of 220v. Typically items like cellphones, tablets, and laptop chargers will work here; you will just need a simple adapter to go on the end of your charging plug. On the charging plug of these items it should say 100-240v will work with just an adapter.

Items like blowdryers, flat irons and curling irons are not likely to work here. Please check the voltage of the items you want to bring. They may require a power converter.

If you are travelling you are a Canadian travelling to Saint Pierre, you do not need a passport to enter. A valid driver’s license is required. Upon returning to Canada, I recommend you also having your birth certificate with you if you are travelling using your driver’s licence. If you do have a passport, that would be the easiest route, and you will get a stamp as a memory in it.

If you are travelling from outside of Canada please check this website for the requirements you need to enter Saint Pierre.

https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/visa-wizard

YES! This is your chance to visit somewhere where you can feel free to explore and wander. As a former city girl, I finally feel like I can be free and not have to worry. Yes, take your typical precautions like being aware of where your personal items are, but that is just travel common sense to not leave your belongings all over the place that they could get lost.

When it comes to camping on the island, it all depends on how you plan to camp.

For campers in particular you need to check with the ticket office and customs office for the cost of travel here. The biggest expense is the insurance you have to take at the border if your insurance company doesn’t cover here.

There is a camper area where you can fill up water and dump your sewage. There are other locations that you camp and tent as well; just send me a email. I would be happy to send you the google maps.

The city does an amazing job at keeping this place clean and free of litter. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL and dispose of any garbage properly and don’t leave anything behind. Be kind to the environment.

Don’t forget to check with your health insurance provider to make sure you have travel health insurance. If you are travelling from Newfoundland or Canada your province health care card will not work here.

This question I get a lot. This is where I have to be completely honest and say that Saint Pierre and Miquelon both have something unique to offer. Although they are the same French territory they have something different to offer. If you are wanting the full experience and to say you visited two French islands, then you need to spend at least a couple days in both places because there is so much to do.

Now, it’s totally okay if all you can do is 1-2 nights here. I’m just being completely honest and want to help people make the most out of there trips so that they get to experience both islands. If you need any help with recommendations, tourist tips, and being connected to local businesses here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. My facebook messenger and email are always open for any type of question.

Please refer to the Canadian policies for returning to Canada with alcohol. If you have been here less than 48 hours, you are not permitted to bring back anything. Also, please make yourself familiar with also the quantity you can bring back. You are allowed a specific amount; anything over you may be subject to duty fees.

CLICK HERE FOR CANADIAN CUSTOMS GUIDE

When making accommodations and restaurant reservations please double check that you are booking on the right island you are travelling. Saint Pierre and Miquelon are NOT attached and is another 1.5 hour boat ride or 10 minute plane ride away. I don’t want you to get here and realize your bookings are incorrect and cancelling bookings that are not correct is business lost for the local businesses here.

There is another place in the world called Saint Pierre La Reunion and St. Pierre la Martinique. They are also French territories but are not related whatsoever to Saint Pierre and Miquelon. This has happened to tourists and they come here with no restaurant or accommodation reservations because of the mistake. The hotels book up quickly so the likelihood of being able to find an alternate stay may not be possible, so please triple check your bookings.

It is strictly not allowed to bring any form of weed across the border into Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Weed is illegal here that contains any THC. You can find a CBD store in Saint Pierre.