Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon is a captivating locality nestled within the municipality of Blanc-Sablon in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec, Canada. This unconstituted locality is the largest of three communities forming the municipality of Blanc-Sablon, which also includes Blanc-Sablon and Brador Bay.
The historical roots of Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon date back to 1534 when the famous explorer Jacques Cartier landed at this place. He set up a cross near the current site of Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon, marking a significant event in the history of this locality. Interestingly, the name Blanc-Sablon was known even before Jacques Cartier's explorations. In his accounts of the 1534 voyage, Cartier cites Blanc-Sablon three times without any explanation. The term 'Sablon' is an old French term meaning 'Fine Sand'.
In 1858, the Mission of Longue-Pointe-de-Blanc-Sablon was established, which later took the name Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon or Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes at the end of the 19th century.
Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon is strategically located on the headland that separates Brador Bay from Blanc-Sablon Bay. Originally known as Longue-Pointe (Long Point) until the beginning of the 20th century, this locality boasts a small natural harbour and has long depended on the fishing business. As per the 2011 census, the population of Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon was 828.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon had a population of 827 living in 324 of its 357 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -2.6% from its 2016 population of 849. With a land area of 9.25 km2 (3.57 sq mi), it had a population density of 89.4/km2 (231.6/sq mi) in 2021.
Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon experiences a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) that is influenced by the surrounding sea. This maritime influence moderates summer temperatures and ensures winters are less severe than inland. However, by global standards for the latitude, this region of Quebec is severely cold annually.
