The Town of Port Saunders, with its health centre and other government services and facilities is a major hub of the northern region of Economic Zone 7. Combined with the towns of Port au Choix and Hawkes Bay the Ingornachoix Region is a major service centre for the central area of the Great Northern Peninsula. The town is named after British Admiral "Sir Charles Saunders" who, under the command of Major General James Wolfe, commanded the British Warship, Neptune during the successful expedition to capture Quebec from the French in 1760.

During his first survey and mapping of the Newfoundland coastline in July 1766, Captain James Cook named this sheltered harbour in honor of his commanding officer during the Battle of Quebec.

Port Saunders' well protected harbour has been a haven for many ships throughout its history and that proud marine tradition still continues with the fishing industry today. The town has a historical waterfront of individual fishing stages and wharves for the small boat fishers, dotted from one end of the harbour to the other. The Marine Service Centre services the large fishing fleet and is located at the bottom of the harbour. In years gone by, when boats were the dominant mode of travel, Port Saunders was a major port of call. Evidence remains in some of the old buildings on the wharves. Near the mouth of the harbour is Keppel Island, where the lighthouse guides the harbour entrance. Tourists can enjoy a visit to the island and view the lighthouse.

Community and business services for Port Saunders includes a K-12 school, French Shore Academy and a public library with public internet access – Community Access Centre. Health care is provided for the town and region at the Rufus Guinchard Health Centre that is located in Port Saunders. In addition, recreational services that are available include a ballfield, playground, recreational centre and trails. The regional arena is located in Port au Choix (9 kms north). Other community services include a post office, regional government services – forestry, Innovation Trade and Rural Development and Fisheries & Aquaculture and fire services. A number of fishing enterprises work out of Port Saunders and their fishing stores/sheds are located along the town's waterfront. Business services include coffee shop, grocery/convenience stores, beauty salon and credit union. Additional business services are found in the near by towns of Hawkes Bay and Port au Choix.