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The Saguenay Fjord is a long, deep channel carved by glaciers, running from the city of Saguenay to the St. Lawrence at Tadoussac. Steep cliffs, dark water and forested slopes give it a dramatic, northern feel, and the cold, salty layers at its mouth support a rich marine life. Much of its shoreline is protected within Saguenay Fjord National Park.
Baie-Éternité is the park's centerpiece, with trails up Cap Trinité toward the statue of Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay overlooking the water. At Baie-Sainte-Marguerite, a lookout lets visitors watch for belugas. Cruising the fjord by boat, or paddling it by kayak, shows off the cliffs at close range. In the Saguenay area, the Musée du Fjord explains the fjord's natural history, the Pyramide des Ha! Ha! commemorates the 1996 flood, and the Pulperie de Chicoutimi preserves an old pulp mill. The aluminum bridge at Arvida and the memory of the Saint-Jean-Vianney landslide add industrial and local history.
The fjord suits hikers, paddlers and travelers who appreciate wild scenery. Small villages such as Sainte-Rose-du-Nord make peaceful stops, while Tadoussac at the mouth is the base for whale watching. Summer is the main season, with fall bringing color.
WiserMap travel guideSaguenay Fjord Quebec Belugas Fjord Cliffs and BlueberriesPlan a Saguenay Fjord trip in Quebec: fjord cliffs, belugas, Saguenay National Park, Chicoutimi, La Baie, Tadoussac and blueberry country around Lac-Saint-Jean.Read the guide
The main visitor area of Saguenay Fjord National Park, a cove framed by Cap Trinité and Cap Éternité, with a discovery centre, campground and trails. The Statue trail and via ferrata start nearby. Arrive early in summer, as parking fills, and bring layers for the cooler air by the water.
A large white statue of the Virgin Mary placed in 1881 on a ledge of Cap Trinité, high above the fjord. It is reached by a steep trail from Baie-Éternité or seen from the water on fjord cruises. The hike is demanding but has superb views; allow about three hours return.
A pyramid in La Baie covered with thousands of yellow yield signs, built as a symbol of resilience after the 1996 Saguenay flood. Stairs inside lead to a lookout over the bay. It stands in a park beside the river; visit with a quick walk around the flood memorial area.
The world's first bridge built entirely of aluminum, completed in 1950 over the Saguenay River in Arvida, a district built by the aluminum industry. It is now a pedestrian landmark. Walk across it and visit the nearby Arvida heritage district, built as a planned company town.
A bay on the north shore of the fjord where belugas often gather in summer, with an interpretation centre and a trail to lookouts over the water. Naturalists explain the endangered St. Lawrence belugas. Bring binoculars and patience, and visit in July or August for the best chance of sightings.
Boat trips on the Saguenay Fjord between towns such as La Baie, Sainte-Rose-du-Nord and Tadoussac, passing steep cliffs, Cap Trinité and its statue. Some cruises include whale and beluga watching near the mouth. Book in advance in summer and bring a warm jacket, as it is windy on deck.
A tiny village on a cove of the fjord, surrounded by cliffs and listed among the most beautiful villages of Quebec, with a wharf, a small church and trails to lookouts. It is quiet and picturesque. Walk to the end of the wharf for views up the fjord, and stop for lunch at one of its inns.
A village on the south shore of the fjord known for its red covered bridge, sea kayaking, horseback riding and the Mont-Édouard ski area. The bay offers easy access to the water. Rent a kayak to paddle along the fjord, and photograph the covered bridge in the morning light.
An adventure park in Saint-Fulgence on the north shore of the fjord, with treetop courses, a via ferrata, sea kayaking and unusual lodgings such as tree houses and suspended spheres. It is fun for families and groups. Book activities and lodging in advance, especially on summer weekends.
A museum in La Baie devoted to the Saguenay Fjord's natural environment, with an aquarium of fjord marine life, touch tanks and exhibits on its geology and history. It is a good introduction before a cruise. Children enjoy the aquarium; allow about two hours.
A former pulp mill on the Chicoutimi River, now a regional museum with industrial ruins and the house of painter Arthur Villeneuve, whose walls he covered with naive paintings. Exhibits explain the region's pulp and paper history. Allow two hours to see the mill site and the house.
The site of a village that was swallowed by a massive landslide in 1971, now a memorial area with paths and panels that tell the story of the disaster. It is a sobering and quiet place near Saguenay. Read the panels to understand the clay soil that caused the slide, and stay on marked paths.
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