Studies of large ports dominate research in maritime transportation. The small and medium size ports are usually ignored or are dealt with only in passing. This paper attempts to redress the imbalance. It draws upon research being carried out on Québec's ports. We analyse the contribution of 28 small and medium size ports to the maritime trade of Québec. We then explore the diverse contributions they make to this activity, identifying a number of important functional niches they occupy. The paper goes on to discuss some of the implications of the roles played by the ports in terms of their contributions to local and regional economies, facilities requirements, and administrative jurisdiction.