Kayak-Camping Circuits (suggested circuits)

We hope that your experience of discovering the fjord will meet your expectations. We ask you to become familiar with the basic safety rules by consulting the sea kayak security guide offered free by the Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak or by visiting the website at www.canot-kayak.qc.ca (also the Boating Security Guide)

• Pick up a Tides table
• Pick up the Maritime Trail map.
• We strongly advise against using river kayaks and canoes. They are very dangerous for those who choose to ignore this recommendation. Only sea kayaks are appropriate for expeditions on the Saguenay Fjord.
• Navigation in kayaks must always be done in one direction - from Ville Saguenay (Arrondissement de La Baie) to the mouth (Baie Sainte-Catherine or Tadoussac). No platforms may be reserved for going in the opposite direction.
• It is dangerous to kayak in the fjord in October and November because of high autumn tides (± 20 feet). Campsites are closed during these months, despite high demand.
• Beware of the boat launch area at low tide because of the clay soil and extremely slippery rocks.
• Kayak storage on campsites. Make sure to store kayaks well above the high-tide line, or else strong tides could sweep away all the equipment.
• Since there is heavy boat traffic at the river mouth, stay visible and watch out for the ferries. Never pass in front of a moving ferryboat. Stay behind it, and wait until it has passed the ferry dock.
• Obey the signs of the Société des traversiers du Québec.
• Follow marine park rules on distances to respect while observing marine mammals.
• For the protection of the beluga whales, you are strongly advised not to launch your boats or take them out of the water in Baie Sainte-Marguerite. Since the belugas swim everywhere in this zone, you risk finding yourself less than 400 metres from the whales, and getting a ticket.
• Non potable water at the taps on the sites (boil 5 minutes before drinking).

For your first experience on the fjord, we recommend several of our partners who are members of the AEQ (Aventure Écotourime du Québec) and who can arrange a safe and enjoyable guided tour for you:

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Fjord en kayak
Saguenay Aventures
Mer et Monde Écotours