Parc national du Saguenay

Nick-named the bateau-mouche (fly boat) because of its roof, which offers a 180o panoramic view, and its retractable windows, the Fjord Saguenay II provides direct visual access to the fjord. This trendy and ecological ship holds 125 passengers. It offers striking scenery punctuated with capes, and glides along water so infinitely deep that it’s almost mysterious. Departures from Rivière-Éternité.

Period: June 1 to September 30, 2010

For safety reasons, no canoes or river kayaks are allowed on the fjord.

Short Excursion in a Sea Kayak or Zodiac

The park offers short guided outings in a sea kayak or zodiac. Experienced guides will help you discover the fjord's geomorphology as well as the resident wildlife and plant life in complete safety. These excursions last two to three hours and, in the summer, there are several departures per day. Reservations at 1 800 665-6527.

Speckled trout anglers can practise their favourite pastime on a network of lakes. You can also fish for sea trout on Rivière Éternité. These bodies of water are accessible in van-type vehicles. A fishing licence is mandatory, as are the fishing right of access and the park entry fee.

Periods:

• May 21 to September 6, 2010
• May 21 to July 5, 2010 (with accommodations)

Five lakes and a river (waders) are available for day fishing, in the Baie-Éternité sector (south shore of the park). Four lakes are now available (truck is advised) on the north shore, in Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector. A boat is provided on all of the lakes. Anglers can fish for speckled trout.

Period: May 28 to September 12, 2010

Short Hikes

Several itineraries lasting a day or less allow you to walk along the fjord atop its capes. The scents of the sea and the forest will intoxicate your senses.

Table of trails

Backpacking

A network of over 100 km of trails offers you the possibility of getting away from it all for a period of 2 to 9 days while discovering coastal and mountain landscapes on both shores of the fjord. Vehicle transport and ferry shuttle services are offered. Several primitive campsites and huts are available.

Suggested circuits

Period: late May to late October.

Please note that the Saint-Thomas road entrance for the trail to Montagne Blanche (a section of the trail outside the park) is closed from September 26 to October 18, 2009 for the hunting season.

For short backcountry skiing treks, the Baie-Éternité sector offers one winter trails. On the north shore, part of Le Fjord trail is also accessible for a view of Baie Sainte Marguerite.

Sentier Les Caps, which links Rivière-Éternité to L'Anse-Saint-Jean, awaits backcountry skiers who want to do longer treks (marked, ungroomed trail). Climbing skins (synthetic skins formerly called seal skins) are strongly recommended. A shuttle service is available.

Period: mid-December to late March

Suggested circuits

Every winter, little villages spring up on the ice of the Saguenay Fjord. Ice-fishing buffs come to tease bottom fish: redfish, cod, Greenland halibut and, in some places, rainbow smelt. You can enjoy ice fishing by the day or with cabin accommodations.

Period: mid-January to mid-March

General information

In the winter, Parc national du Saguenay is a well-guarded secret for many outdoors lovers. For short treks, there are 4 trails in the Baie-Éternité sector, such as the Blanche-Éternité trail, which runs along the river. Snowshoe rental is available for this sector. On the north sore, a section of Le Fjord trail is open, offering a  view of Baie Sainte-Marguerite. Backpackers will love Les Caps trail, which links Rivière-Éternité to L'Anse-Saint-Jean. Shuttle service is available.

Period: mid-December to late March

Suggested circuits

A place for conservation and education, Parc national du Saguenay is a laboratory in a natural setting. Come to class with our dedicated park wardens or welcome them to your school! The beauty, integrity, and cultural/historical characteristics of this territory have inspired six recreational/educational activities. Aimed at elementary, high school or college students, these activities will help them get in touch with their environment, make them understand its fragility, and take them through a memorable real-world experience ...

Consult the brochure Explore. Discover. Learn (in French only) (pdf: 1.16 MB)