Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Aerodrome

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Airport sits on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, about six kilometers east of the town center. It is a small regional aerodrome with a single asphalt runway and no control tower, serving general aviation, air charters, and occasional medevac flights. The airport is not a hub for scheduled airlines; instead, it supports the local community’s connection to the outside world, particularly for fly-in fishing camps, forestry operations, and tourism. For anyone heading to the northern Gaspé region, this airport offers a direct way in, bypassing the long drives from larger cities.

Getting There

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Airport is located at 1200 Boulevard Perron Est, about five minutes by car from downtown Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. From Route 132, the main coastal highway, turn onto Rue de l’Aéroport and follow the signs. The drive from Montreal takes roughly six and a half hours (about 540 kilometers) via Autoroutes 20 and 85, then Route 132 east. From Gaspé, it is a two-hour drive west along Route 132. There is no public transit serving the airport; taxis and rideshares are available from the town, but service is limited. Most travelers arrange a rental car from one of the agencies in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts or coordinate pickup with their accommodation. Parking at the airport is free and ample, with a small lot directly in front of the terminal building.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Airport is a single-story building with a functional, no-frills design. The main waiting area contains several plastic chairs, a few tables, and a small desk used by airport staff during operating hours. The airport has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park, with designated spaces near the door. Inside, there is one toilet (wheelchair-accessible) but no separate gender facilities. There are no food outlets, vending machines, or shops; passengers should bring their own snacks and drinks. The atmosphere is quiet and uncrowded. Security screening is minimal – typically a brief check by the staff before boarding charter flights. Departing passengers check in at the desk and then wait until their aircraft is ready. Arrivals simply walk from the tarmac through the door into the terminal. The entire process from car to plane can take as little as ten minutes. Note that the terminal is not open continuously; it is staffed only during scheduled flight times and by appointment. If arriving outside those hours, there is no access to the building, though the parking lot remains open.

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Airport and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts (population around 6,500) is the main service center for the northern Gaspé Peninsula. The town sits where the Sainte-Anne River meets the St. Lawrence, at the base of the Chic-Choc Mountains. This location makes it a prime base for outdoor activities. The biggest draw is Parc national de la Gaspésie, located about 30 kilometers south of town. The park protects the highest peaks in Quebec (Mont Jacques-Cartier, 1,268 meters) and offers hiking trails that range from easy walks to multi-day backcountry routes. Caribou herds roam the alpine plateau, a rarity south of the boreal zone. In winter, the park becomes a cross-country skiing destination with over 100 kilometers of trails. Anglers come for Atlantic salmon in the Sainte-Anne River, one of Quebec’s premier salmon rivers. The St. Lawrence shoreline provides opportunities for sea kayaking, whale watching (fin, humpback, and minke whales are common), and birding. Culturally, the Gaspé region has a strong Acadian and maritime heritage. The town itself has a few small museums, a waterfront promenade, and local restaurants serving seafood like lobster rolls, fish chowder, and poutine. The economy relies on tourism, fishing, and forestry, with several sawmills still operating. The airport is vital for air taxi services that take anglers and hunters to remote lodges inland, as well as for medical evacuations and cargo. It also serves private pilots exploring the Gaspé coast. While the airport is modest, it provides an essential link for this part of Quebec, where road distances are long and winter weather can isolate communities.

Practical Information

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Airport is not open every day; its operating hours depend on flight schedules and staff availability. The busiest times, based on activity, are Monday at noon and Tuesday at 11:00 AM, Wednesday at 3:00 PM, and Thursday at 5:00 PM. It is closed on weekends unless a charter is booked. Contact the airport at +1 418-763-5189 to confirm hours or arrange access. The website (https://villesadm.net/aeroport/) provides general information. There is no ATM or Wi-Fi at the terminal. Fuel (100LL and Jet-A) is available from a self-serve pump during daylight hours; call ahead to confirm. The nearest services (gas stations, grocery stores, hotels) are in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, a five-minute drive away. If arriving on a charter, coordinate your pickup or rental car in advance, as taxis may not be waiting. One concrete piece of advice: always call the airport before heading out – the terminal may be locked if no flight is scheduled, and you don’t want to be stuck in the parking lot with no facilities.