The Municipality of Côte-Nord-du-Golfe-Saint-Laurent was incorporated in 1963 and originally extended along the shores of the Saint Lawrence from the Natashquan River to the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial border, some 5,240 square kilometres (2,020 sq mi) roughly corresponding to the Basse-Côte-Nord territory.

It also includes the following abandoned settlements and ghost towns, in order from west to east: Musquaro, Wolf Bay, Aylmer Sound, Ettamiau, Pointe Amouri, Barachois, Chez Menneau, and Boulet's (also known as Bully's).

Tête-à-la-Baleine (50°42′10″N 59°19′23″W / 50.70278°N 59.32306°W / 50.70278; -59.32306), occasionally known as Whale Head in English, was settled in the 19th century after Michael Kenty bought the local trading post from the Labrador Company.

Identified as Mascoüarou on Louis Jolliet's map of 1694, the name went through numerous spelling changes, such as Nasquirou, Maskouaro, and Mahkuanu.

Its root meaning is "black bear tail" and may refer to the foothills of Mount Mascoüarou as shown Jolliet's map.

In recent years the municipality has lobbied for Highway 138, which currently ends at Kégaska, to be extended through the area.

In summer, maritime includes is much more pronounced than in winter and cools average July temperatures by about 5 °C (9.0 °F) compared to inland cities like Regina or Winnipeg.

List of former mayors:[12] Two community radio stations, CFTH-FM-1 in Harrington Harbour and CJTB-FM in Tête-à-la-Baleine, operate in the municipality.