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Trail · Saint Pierre, Saint Pierre
Anse à Henry
Cove at the northern tip of Saint-Pierre Island, reached by a marked trail of about 4.8 km. Archaeological site with traces of Indigenous and Paleo-Eskimo peoples and views of Grand Colombier.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Anse à Henry
Anse à Henry is a cove at the northern tip of Saint-Pierre Island, facing Grand Colombier. The site is one of the most important archaeological sites in the region: excavations have found evidence of successive occupations by Indigenous and Paleo-Eskimo peoples dating from around 3000 BCE, and thousands of rhyolite flakes, the stone used for tools. The site is protected as a historic monument and continues to be studied by teams from France and Canada, also because of marine erosion.
The narrow passage between the cove and Grand Colombier made the place a point for hunting marine mammals, fishing and collecting seabird eggs in spring. Much later, French fishermen built a stone pavement there to dry cod, also visible in the excavations.
The official trail, marked in yellow and green with benches along the way, is about 4.8 km and takes roughly 2 hours, an easy walk. It starts near Frecker Pond, crosses streams and peatlands and reaches the coast in front of Grand Colombier. At the second stopping point, stay on the same trail: the other path leads to Cap au Diable.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 hours on the official trail; add time for staying at the cove.
Best time
From June to September, when the path is drier. In dense fog the view of Grand Colombier disappears. In spring and summer seabirds commonly circle the islet.
How to get there
The trailhead is near Frecker Pond, above the town. You can walk from Saint-Pierre center in about 45 minutes, or take a taxi.
Tip
Wear waterproof boots: there are sections of damp peat. Do not remove stones or objects from the archaeological site. The tourist office provides information on guided walks to the site.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Anse à Henry
Is the Anse à Henry trail difficult?
No. It is rated easy: about 4.8 km, with little elevation change and yellow and green waymarks. It takes around 2 hours.
What can you see at Anse à Henry?
The cove and the archaeological site with remains of peoples who frequented the island from around 3000 BCE, plus the view of Grand Colombier, where seabirds nest.
How do you get to the start of the Anse à Henry trail?
On foot from central Saint-Pierre in about 45 minutes, or by taxi to the Frecker lagoon area, where the trail begins.