Quite possibly one of the oldest settlements in North America, the origins of the name Blanc Sablon are clouded somewhat in history. Mentioned by French explorer, Jacques Cartier, in the text of his first voyage to North America, it is believed to first have been a Breton fishing post. However, Basque whalers were known to have been stationed in the area at about the same time. More recently, Blanc Sablon has been settled by cod fishing families from the British Jersey Channel Islands.

Blanc Sablon has the uniques distinction of being the landing point of the first trans atlantic airplane flight going from east to west. In 1928, the Bremen crash landed on nearby Greenly Island instead of it's intended safe and welcomed arrival in New York city. A plaque on the island commemorates this historical event.

On a clear day, across the Straits of Belle Isle, one can view whales and discern the silhouette of the neighbouring island of Newfoundland.

Blanc Sablon is also the province of Quebec's easternmost community, only a stonesthrow away from the Labrador border.

Blanc Sablon is linked to the communties of Lourdes do Blanc Sablon, Brador, Middle Bay, Saint Paul's River and Old Fort Bay by a section of the 138 highway.

A ferrie operates on a seasonal basis to Saint Barbe Noufoundland.

Île au Bois (or Wood Island) is three kilometres south of Blanc Sablon. History tells of French explorer Jacques Cartier who refers to this island as isle de Bouays in his chronicle of his first voyage to North America in 1534. The French had installations on this island as early as the 18^th century. One can still find the circular stone ruins of "rooms" used for piling cod overnight.

Community Events

• Spring: Hockey tournament, winter Carnival, Church sales and darts tournament
• July: Baseball tournament

  Only a couple of communities operate a seasonal tourist bureau. But several have a local tourism association to assist visitors.