The national cultural identity and history Canada is defined, in a large part, by the French, particularly in the province of Quebec. But the people who live there are Canadians, many of whom have strong French roots. It turns out there is a slice of France itself on the Canada side of the Atlantic.
St. Pierre and Miquelon is an archipelago of eight islands off the coast of the Canadian province of Newfoundland & Labrador. It is defined as self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France. If that seems like a mouthful, it is. Basically, it's both separate from France and not at the same time.
At this point, these islands are all that's left of the New France territories in North America during the era of European Colonization. For anyone looking to experience a bit of Europe without flying across an ocean, this also represents a very unique opportunity.
The goings on
To be honest, St. Pierre and Miquelon is going to be a low key experience for you. And that is the main reason to go. It may be a French territory but this is still subject to that Maritimes spirit of enjoying life and taking each day as it comes. Less than 6,000 people call this place home, so no big city stuff.
When you arrive, you will immediately feel like you're in France, despite the fact the landscape is exactly like Newfoundland's. There are French flags and the currency is Euros. You can enjoy French cuisine with a bit of a Canadian twist.
There are plenty of historical sites to explore but enjoying the outdoors is a big part of the appeal. Naturally, there are boat tours to take as well as options to go fishing. Really, you're there to enjoy the quiet, relaxed life that comes with the small town vibes of being on a French island.
Getting there
Canadian residents with proper ID don't need a passport to travel to St. Pierre and Miquelon visitors from other countries do. Visas may also be required. You can fly there via a few Canadian airports as well as direct from France. There's also the option to take a ferry from Newfoundland.
When you're there, you'll find plenty of hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from. There are also numerous restaurants and places to shop. Just keep an eye on the hours of operation as many businesses are not open and closed exactly when you'd expect them to be.
If you're looking for an adventure or a purely French experiences, St. Pierre and Miquelon is not right for you. While there is heavy influence from the Maritimes, France, and Europe, this place is something unique and special on its own. Go looking for that experience.