In one area, the Saguenay River runs through a spectacular fjord. Upstream, the immense Lac Saint-Jean appears like a veritable inland sea. When the water temperature approaches 25 °C, the surrounding territory, steeped in history, offers up a variety of cultural and adventure activities in the heart of magnificent landscapes that the eyes never tire of contemplating.
How to get there
Distance between main cities
Did you know?
To be discovered absolutely
An inland sea encircled by a bike path, one of the longest fjords in the world, and a lively village known for its rich history.
Lac Saint-Jean
Covering 1,100 km², Lac Saint-Jean is almost as big as a sea. But, of course, it’s not salt water. Nonetheless, with its white sandy beaches, you’d swear you were at the seaside. Water temperatures can climb to 25 °C in summer.
You can circle the lake by car or bike, and enjoy lots of family-oriented activities along the way!
You could take up a different type of challenge with the Traversée internationale du lac Saint-Jean open-water swimming competition in July. This 32-km (20 mi.) athletic undertaking from Péribonka to Roberval has become a major festival featuring shows and a supper held at a table stretching one km (0.6 mi.) long through the streets of Roberval. The festive spirit is just as huge as the local blueberries! Incidentally, Lac Saint-Jean locals are affectionately nicknamed “Bleuets,” and they are always proud to welcome you!
210 km (130 mi.) of shoreline and 42 km (26 mi.) of sandy beaches, for southern feel in the north!
There’s always a special event or festival happening around here.
City of Saguenay
For a taste bud explosion, head to the city of Saguenay. Born from the merger of three municipalities, the city has three lively downtown districts. Its restaurateurs serve up local gourmet dishes: broad bean soup, meat pies, blueberry pies and other boreal flavours. The area’s microbreweries and distilleries also produce local brews.
Saguenay offers the best of two worlds: a vibrant city to indulge yourself and explore local culture – a show on the history of the region (the “Royaume”) is presented here – and, nearby, an abundance of nature at the Parc national des Monts-Valin.
Chicoutimi, Jonquière and La Baie are the three boroughs of Saguenay.
The Saguenay fjord
The Rivière Saguenay fjord is among the longest in the world, stretching 105 km (65 mi.) and set between steep cliffs. Admire its sheer immensity by boat as you explore the gorges and capes bearing such divine names as Trinité and Éternité. And you’re sure to wonder how a statue of the Virgin Mary could possibly be perched so high!
Several lookouts punctuate the trails of the Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, providing breathtaking views. The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park protects the marine area. The mouth of the fjord, in the St. Lawrence estuary, attracts belugas and other sea mammals that come to feed from June to October. You can spot them from the shore or take a boat cruise for a closer look.
The fjord cliffs stand more than 400 m (1,312 ft.) high.
A unique Québec attraction, our fjord can also be explored by land, on hiking trails that offer lookouts for admiring the view. Take the Fjord Route (Route du Fjord) by car to discover the vast surrounding wilderness and several charming villages.
