Mingan Archipelago facts for kids
The Mingan Archipelago is a group of many islands found in Quebec, Canada. It's located along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, which is a very large river. This archipelago is famous for its unique natural beauty.
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What is the Mingan Archipelago?
The Mingan Archipelago is a chain of about 40 main islands. However, if you count all the tiny rocks and islets, there are over 2,000 of them! These islands stretch for about 109 miles (175 kilometers) along the coastline.
The area is protected as the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada. This means it's a special place where nature is kept safe.
Where is it located?
The Mingan Archipelago is in eastern Quebec. It's quite a distance from big cities.
- To the southwest, Quebec City is about a 9 to 10-hour drive away.
- Just 12 miles (19 kilometers) south, across a channel, is Anticosti Island.
- Further south from Anticosti is the eastern tip of the Gaspe Peninsula.
- To the east, the coastline has no roads, all the way to Newfoundland and Labrador.
- To the north, you'll find tundra, lakes, bogs, and rocks.
Unique Stone Sculptures
One of the most amazing features of the Mingan Archipelago is its limestone monoliths. These are tall, natural stone pillars that have been shaped by the wind and waves over thousands of years. They look like giant sculptures rising from the sea. One famous island with these monoliths is Île Niapiskau.
Who looks after the islands?
Most of the islands in the Mingan Archipelago are part of the town called Havre-Saint-Pierre. The islands furthest to the west belong to a different town, Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan. These towns help manage and protect the islands, especially since they are part of a national park reserve.
