Moisie, Quebec: History, Things to Do and Travel Guide
Moisie is a sector of Sept-Îles on the Côte-Nord, listed in this guide within Quebec’s Duplessis travel region. It sits near the mouth of the Moisie River, east of central Sept-Îles, where Route 138 meets river, beach, forest and salmon-fishing country.
How Moisie Started
Moisie began as a river-mouth and coastal settlement before becoming a municipality. The Commission de toponymie records the old city as no longer existing since February 12, 2003, when Moisie, Sept-Îles and Gallix were grouped into the present City of Sept-Îles. The name was preserved as a sector corresponding to the former city.
The older place-name record connects Moisie to the river name, used as early as the seventeenth century. The river and shore shaped settlement, travel and work: fishing, river access, the St. Lawrence coast and later industrial and military activity all left marks on the community’s identity.
What Moisie Is Like Today
Moisie is counted within Sept-Îles in current municipal and census reporting, so its last standalone population figure belongs to the former city era, not the 2021 Census. The useful travel fact is its role today: a distinct Sept-Îles sector with its own name, river setting and beach-side geography.
The Moisie River is the strongest contemporary anchor. Destination Sept-Îles describes it as one of North America’s important Atlantic salmon rivers and notes its Innu name, Mish-te-shipu, meaning “great river.” The river’s size, reputation and access points make Moisie feel different from central Sept-Îles, even though the two are municipally connected.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
Start with the river setting. Travellers come for views, salmon-river context, paddling stories, beaches and the sense of the river meeting the St. Lawrence. Access and fishing rules require advance planning, so use official tourism, river association or outfitter information before making activity plans.
Moisie also works as a quiet east-side extension of a Sept-Îles trip. Central Sept-Îles has the main accommodations, restaurants and services, while Moisie offers the river mouth, beach road atmosphere and a different view of the Côte-Nord coast. Route 138 makes the area reachable by car, but distances and weather should be respected.
Tourisme Côte-Nord points to outfitters, a ZEC and a beach off Route 138 in the Moisie area. Use those details as planning leads, then confirm access locally before expecting swimming, volleyball, fishing or river travel to fit the day.
For a very short stop, look for a safe river or shore viewpoint and keep central Sept-Îles as the practical service base.
Quick Facts
- Community type: sector of the City of Sept-Îles and former city
- Province: Quebec
- Region: Duplessis
- Current census context: counted within Sept-Îles; former city population was 930 in 2001
- Main waterway: Moisie River
- Main travel anchors: salmon river, shore roads and Côte-Nord beach scenery
Travel Notes
Check road, weather and activity conditions before heading east from central Sept-Îles. River access, salmon fishing and outfitted activities require current rules and reservations. If you are planning a short visit, combine Moisie with Sept-Îles services because restaurants or accommodations in the sector may be limited. Carry bug protection in warm months, especially near river and forest edges. Fog and wind can also change the feel of the shore quickly.