Population: 336
Tête-à-la-Baleine is one of the three francophone communities on the Lower North Shore. It is also known as Whale head by the few English speaking residents.
Tête-à-la-Baleine is still the site today of a local migratory habit, known as "Transhumance". Every summer, local inhabitants move to the outer islands into summer cottages. The origin of this habit was that the move allowed them to be closer to the cod fishing grounds. In fact, Tête-à-la-Baleine originally referred to this group of islands, one of which has a smooth red rock pushing out into the sea resembling the head of a whale
Today, Toutes Iles operates an animated boat tour service that visits Providence Island where these dwellings are preserved and maintained in their original state.
Landmarks and historical sites
Kenty Island is the location of the first residence, the first church and the first cemetery. It is named after Michael Kenty who bought the Tête-à-la-Baleine trading post in the early 1820s.
Providence Island is situated within a few kilometers of Kenty Island. Ste. Anne's Chapel can be found here, the oldest extant chapel on the Lower North Shore, and visitors are welcom. Remnants of an old foundry and many still in use summer homes can also be seen here.
Attractions
Community Events
Spring: Hockey tournament, winter Carnival, Church sales and darts tournaments
Fall: Crab Festival and Church sales
Only a couple of communities operate a seasonal tourist bureau. But several have a local tourism association to assist visitors.
