Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay

Baie-Éternité, Baie-Sainte-Marguerite and Baie-de-Tadoussac sectors

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.

Chart of hiking trails

Period: May 20 to October 30, 2022

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. Several rustic campsites, two lean-to and huts are available.

Vehicle transportation services are offered in collaboration with regional partners (Saguenay Aventures for Les Caps trail and Ferme 5 Étoiles for Le Fjord trail). 

Backpacking circuits (with a hut stay)

Backpacking circuits (with a rustic camping and lean-to stay)

Topographic profile of Les Caps trail (difference in elevation)

Topographic profile of Le Fjord trail (difference in elevation)

Periods:

• Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector: May 27 to October 16, 2022
• Baie-Éternité and Tabatière sectors : June 3 to October 16, 2022

Baie-Éternité, Baie-Sainte-Marguerite and Baie-de-Tadoussac sectors

Kayakers can take a break on one of 13 primitive campsites that border both banks of the fjord. Anse-Creuse hut is also available with more amenities. During your expedition, you’ll navigate the waters of the Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park and spend the night on the territory of Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. These two protected areas join forces to protect a unique natural environment.

Boat Launching Sites:

• Baie-Éternité
• L'Anse-de-Roche
• Petit-Saguenay (Village Vacances Famille)
• L'Anse-Saint-Jean
• La Baie
• Saint-Fulgence (Parc Aventures Cap-Jaseux)
• Sainte-Rose-du-Nord
• Tadoussac
• Baie-Ste-Catherine

We strongly advise against launching kayaks at Baie Sainte-Marguerite, given the regulation on sea observation activities.

Note to kayakers: To kayak safely on your own on the Saguenay Fjord, you need navigational skills and experience. We strongly recommend purchasing the kayak-camping route map (in French only). It contains all the security rules for a safe expedition.

Suggested Documentation

• Regulations on Marine Activities
• Tide, Currents and Water Levels
• Guide to practice and safe supervision of outdoor activities (in French only)

Period:

• June 3 to October 9, 2022

See GPS for kayak-camping (in French only)

Suggested kayak-camping circuits

Baie-Éternité, Baie-Sainte-Marguerite and Baie-de-Tadoussac sectors

Short Guided Excursions

Baie-Éternité Sector

On the program: Exploring the Fjord and its steep rocky walls at your own pace and at the pace of the tides! Ideal for discovering the marine environment, sea kayaking is a way to get up close and personal with nature. These kayaks are stable, comfortable and safe. No experience necessary.

Details:

• Duration: 2 or 3 hours
• Rates
• Conditions to be observed for children:
  • Minimum age: 6 years old
  • At least 1m15 tall
  • Must be accompanied by an adult (same watercraft) if under 12 years of age.
• Period: June 11 to October 10, 2022 (detailed schedule)
• Bookings: 418-272-1509, ext. 3 or 1-800-665-6527

To fully enjoy your experience, consult this checklist.

Baie-de-Tadoussac Sector

The "Land and Sea Excursion" is offered in partnership with Mer et Monde Écotours (Quality Safety Certified). In a sea kayak, navigate along Tadoussac beach to L'anse à la Barque. Slip into your hiking boots and climb to the top of a mountain to have lunch with a magnificent view of the fjord. Then get back to your kayaks with hopes of seeing seals, belugas and minke whales on the way back.

Details:

• Duration : 7 hours
• Rates
• To reserve, call 1 866 637-6663.
• Period: departure dates

Baie-Sainte-Marguerite Sector

Ferme 5 étoiles (Quality Safety Certified): sea kayaking at the Anse-de-Roche

Near the Baie-Sainte-Marguerie sector, climb aboard a sea kayak and discover the natural wealth and splendour of the Saguenay Fjord at l'Anse-de-Roche. You’ll have a totally safe, unforgettable experience in the company of a professional guide. The beautiful colours of sunset await you at the Anse-de-Roche kayak departure point. You can book your departure directly at the Bleuvet Discovery and Visitors Center or by booking online.

Details : http://ferme5etoiles.com

Long Guided Excursions

You can also explore the Saguenay Fjord without any hassles and in total safety on one of the 3-day guided expeditions, offered in partnership with Fjord en Kayak (Quality Safety Certified), expeditions are called "The Wild Fjord" and "On the way to the Estuary", or with Saguenay Aventures (Quality Safety Certified) which is offered the "From Beach to Beach" package.

Note to kayakers: To kayak safely on your own on the Saguenay Fjord, you need navigational skills and experience. We strongly recommend purchasing the kayak-camping route map. It contains all the security rules for a safe expedition.

Cap Jaseux Park Adventure (Quality Safety Certified): sea kayaking upstream from the Saguenay fjord

Discover by sea kayak the secrets of the Saguenay fjord and its ecosystem.

Details: capjaseux.com

Baie-Éternité sector

Take a seat aboard an inflatable boat. You’ll experience an unforgettable journey and discover the sights and sounds of the fjord. With the captain/naturalist, you’ll enter an ecosystem unique in the world. Get a front-row seat to understand the formation of a landscape that will never fail to impress you. Reserve by calling 1 800 665-6527.

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

Period: June 11 to October 10, 2022

Bookings: 418-272-1509, ext. 3 or 1-800-665-6527

Rates

Detailed schedule

To fully enjoy your experience, consult this checklist.

Baie-Éternité sector

Take a seat aboard Fjord Saguenay II and leave from Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay for a cruise where you will admire the breathtaking headlands of the fjord and the mythical statue of Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay. Once on land, take advantage of a stopover in the picturesque village of L'Anse-Saint-Jean to visit its boutiques and savour its gourmet delights, discover the beauty of its landscapes, and immerse yourself in its heritage.

Nicknamed the "bateau-mouche" (fly boat) because of its roof that provides a 180-degree panoramic view, Fjord Saguenay II offers direct visual access to the fjord. With a capacity of 121 passengers, it offers a panorama of striking landscapes punctuated by capes and infinitely deep water that is almost mysterious and allows you to admire the statue of Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay from the fjord.

Period: June 25 to September 5, 2022 (schedule)

Rates

To fully enjoy your experience, consult this checklist.

Book

Baie-Éternité sector

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

Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector

Five lakes are now accessible by truck 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: June 4 to September 11, 2022

Regular and high seasons dates

Rates

Day Fishing Plan – 2022 (in French only)

Documentation and statistics

Practical guide for apprentice enthusiasts

Book

In winter, the Baie-Éternité sector and the Anse-de-Tabatière sector change scenery and offer to visitors the opportunity to take a short or long snowshoe hike in a majestic setting with snow! Simply consult the trail chart to find out what trails we have to offer.

Period: mid-December to late March (depending on snow conditions)

Chart of hiking trails

Map of winter trails

During winter, the Baie-Éternité sector offers more than 30 km of short and long hiking trails. During your visit, you will find breathtaking landscapes, snow in an impressive quantity and above all, a vast territory where it is possible to relax.

Period: mid-December to late March (depending on snow conditions)

Chart of hiking trails

Map of winter trails

Baie-Éternité sector

In the Baie-Éternité sector, the Méandres à Falaises trail, which combines water views and forest, is great for wildlife watching, especially in the morning. Besides a wide variety of forest and aquatic birds, visitors regularly see moose early in the morning at the mouth of the river.  Continue your hike towards the river trail near parking lot 3 to see the beaver’s habitat. With a little luck and patience, you may see this master builder at work on his dam. Whether you’re on the Sentier de la statue trail or by the bay, you may hear the call of the Peregrine Falcon. A pair of these birds nests in the nearby cliffs every year. Visitors often see the porcupine and the Ruffed Grouse throughout the area as well.

Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector

In the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector, the beluga whale definitely steals the spotlight. This small white whale is regularly seen at the mouth of the river, and La Halte du Béluga lookout is the perfect spot to watch herds of them, often made up of juveniles and adults. If conditions are favourable and the belugas show up, listen carefully. You may have the pleasure and surprise of hearing them make a few vocalizations. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled. It’s not a rare occurrence to see moose along the banks of Rivière Sainte-Marguerite.

Baie-de-Tadoussac sector

The Baie-de-Tadoussac sector takes on its full meaning in the summer on La Pointe-de-L’Islet trail, where you can watch marine mammals from the shore. Comfortably seated on the rocks, all you have to do is keep your eyes on the water and listen: you may just see a beluga’s white back or hear the “pssshh!” of a minke whale’s breath. In the fall, the whales head off to their wintering spots, but the migratory birds arrive to present their show. Amateur and expert bird watchers will be interested in the marine terraces, where the Observatoire d’oiseaux de Tadoussac (OOT) counts no less than 300,000 birds every year, including 15,000 birds of prey!

See our list of species (in French only) and take part in the discovery activities (in French only) presented by the park wardens, a great way to plunge into the incredibly diversified world of Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay!

Baie-Éternité sector

How do you feel about a sailboat outing under the stars on Baie Éternité? Experience the sailor’s life during your very own maiden voyage with Voile Mercator Navigation. You’ll enjoy a package deal featuring a three-course dinner, a night on board, and breakfast the next day.

Period:

• every day, from June 23 to September 6, 2022
  (boarding at 1:45 p.m.)

For reservation, please contact Voile Mercator (Quality Safety Certified) at 1 888 674-9309 or voilemercator.com.

Baie-Éternité, Baie-Sainte-Marguerite and Baie-de-Tadoussac sectors

With a magnificent waterway etched all the way through it, Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay offers a wide range of outdoor adventures in the backcountry. Winter and summer alike, hikers will have close contact with lakes, forests, mountains and valleys. The ever-present fjord, with its succession of bays, coves and tidal moods, is the common thread running through all backcountry excursions.

Summer

Whether for a stay or for a day, you can hike your way into the summer backcountry zone. Above the steep rock faces that wall in the fjord, a 228 km2 playground offers adventurers a succession of peaks, valleys and cliffs that will delight anyone who loves the wilderness and breathtaking scenery. Take Des Caps trail, connecting the south-shore villages of Rivière-Éternité and Petit-Saguenay to Mont Céleste and Montagne Blanche, from which you’ll see magnificent views of the fjord.

Summer backcountry zone

Winter

The winter backcountry covers an area of 280 km2, accessible on snowshoes or backcountry skis.

From Route 172 on the north shore, summer roads in the fishing lakes sector lead to some large lakes - Otis, Hibou and Biscambi.  In this sector, which is located on the high plateaus between the hamlet of Saint-Basile-de-Tableau and the village of Sacré-Coeur, the hardiest trekkers will discover old forest roads leading to Anse de l’Ermite at the foot of Rivière Saguenay.

On the south shore, the area between the road to Baie-Éternité and the village of L’Anse-Saint-Jean offers the most adventurous trekkers a territory dotted with lakes encased in valleys and summits culminating in barren peaks. Changing weather conditions here may present a number of physical challenges. A mature, slightly open forest invites fans to explore a wilderness with a thousand-and-one faces.

Winter backcountry zone

Reservation Terms and Conditions

To enter the backcountry, it is mandatory to hold an access permit. See Reservation Terms and Conditions for all the important details.

Access and Parking

Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector

The Halte du Béluga lookout is a feature of the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector that’s not to be missed. The 2.3 km trail you’ll take to get there isn’t too steep and is easily accessible by bike, making it ideal for families with young children! Hugging Rivière Sainte-Marguerite along the way, you’ll discover the remnants of Bay Mills, campsites, and Pointe-du-Moulin Pavilion. You can rent a bike at Le Béluga Discovery and Visitors Centre.

Period: May 20 to October 10, 2022

Free bikes for the children

Free bike loans for children of 17 years of age and under in a family situation. Limited quantities. First come, first served basis.

Baie-Éternité sector

Discover the via ferrata circuit on the imposing cliffs of Baie Eternité. We’ve set up three circuits with incredible views of the Saguenay Fjord’s magnificent bay, always changing with the moods of the tides.

During your climb, you’ll move along safely at your own pace. A professional guide will accompany you. This is an exclusive experience with a small group (maximum of 8), ensuring the proximity of the professional guide at all times.

To reserve, call 418-272-1509, ext. 3 or 1-800-665-6527, or go to Baie-Éternité Discovery and Visitors Center.

Period : June 4 to October 10, 2022

Trails details - 2022 Season

To fully enjoy your experience, consult this checklist.

Book

Consacrée à cette petite baleine blanche de même qu'à l'historique du secteur, l'exposition permanente du centre de découverte et de services mérite un détour!

Détails :

• Lieu : Centre de découverte et de services Le Béluga
• Horaire : selon les périodes et les heures d'ouverture du Centre de découverte et de services
• Durée : à votre rythme
• Gratuit

Site privilégié pour l'observation terrestre des mammifères marins, ce sentier est bordé de panneaux où le fjord, le Saint-Laurent et l'histoire de Tadoussac sont à l'honneur.

Détails :

• Lieu : Sentier de la Pointe-de-l'Islet, dans le village de Tadoussac, près du quai
• De la mi-juin à la fin octobre
• Horaire : en tout temps
• Durée : à votre rythme
• Gratuit

Découvrez les multiples facettes de  l’Anse-de-Tabatière à travers les panneaux de découverte qui parsèment le court sentier de randonnée d’où le fjord se dévoile d’est en ouest.

Détails :

• Lien : L'Anse-de-Tabatière, à 25 minutes du secteur de La Baie-Éternité, du côté de L'Anse-Saint-Jean
• De la mi-mai à la mi-octobre
• À votre rythme, en tout temps
• Durée : environ 20 min.
• Gratuit

Voyez le fjord et la baie Éternité sous un angle nouveau à la halte Bellevue! Avec un garde-parc, découvrez l'aventure géologique unique d'un paysage qui se forme et se transforme depuis près d'un milliard d'années!

Détails :

• Type d'animation : activités postée
• Lieu : Halte Bellevue, sentier de la statue
• Fin juin à la fin août
• Horaire : consultez la programmation sur les babillards et au comptoir des centres de découverte et de services.
• Durée : les activités postées durent environ 15 min. et sont répétées plusieurs fois durant la présence du garde-parc.
• Gratuit

Un voyage au fil du temps pour comprendre le rôle majeur du Fjord du Saguenay dans les évènements qui ont construits le Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean d’aujourd’hui.

Détails :

• Lieu : Belvédère principal de l'Anse-de-Tabatière, à 25 minutes du secteur de la Baie-Éternité, du côté de l'Anse-St-Jean
• Fin juin à la fin août
• Horaire : consultez la programmation sur les babillards et au comptoir des centres de découverte et de services.
• Durée : les activités postées durent environ 15 min. et sont répétées plusieurs fois durant la présence du garde-parc.
• Gratuit

Pourquoi les bélugas du Saint-Laurent fréquentent-ils la baie Sainte-Marguerite? Cette population est-elle vraiment en danger? Trouvez réponse à plusieurs questions en vous rendant au belvédère où un garde-parc vous attend!

Détails :

• Type d'animation : activité postée
• Lieu : Au belvédère La Halte du Béluga
• Fin juin à la fin août
• Horaire : en après-midi. Consultez la programmation sur les babillards et au comptoir des centres de découverte et de services.
• Durée : les activités postées durent environ 15 min. et sont répétées plusieurs fois durant la présence du garde-parc.
• Gratuit

La baie Sainte-Marguerite, c’est bien plus que le béluga! Sur terre comme sur mer, le territoire grouille de vie! Cette activité ludique vous permettra de connaître, toucher, voire et même gouter aux multiples trésors que la baie Sainte-Marguerite et le sentier Le Fjord ont à vous offrir. 

Détails :

• Type d'animation : causerie
• Lieu : centre de découverte et de services Le Béluga
• Fin juin à la fin août
• Horaire : les lundis, mercredis et samedis, de 19 h à 20 h 30
• Durée : 1 h 30
• Gratuit

Parcours autoguidé offert au camping Le Bleuvet. Partez à l’aventure et remontez le temps avec l’aide de trois personnages : Anadabijou, Louison et Annie, qui vous promettent de belles découvertes! 

Détails :

• Lieu : départ au bloc sanitaire du camping
• De la fin juin à la mi-septembre
• Durée : environ 1 h
• Gratuit

Dans l’eau, sur terre et dans les airs, le parc protège une faune et une flore unique et diversifié. Apprenez en plus sur la fragilité du béluga, la résilience du faucon pèlerin, les mystères du requin du Groenland, et plus encore!

Détails :

• Type : causerie
• Lieu : salle communautaire du bloc A du camping de la Baie-Éternité
• De la fin juin à la fin août
• Horaire : les lundis, mercredis et samedis, de 19 h à 20 h 30
• Durée : 1 h 30
• Gratuit

Tout ce que vous avez toujours voulu savoir et n'avez jamais osé demander! C’est votre chance d’y remédier en venant à la rencontre d’un garde-parc naturaliste. Qu’elles sont les actions de conservation du parc? Qu’est-ce qu’un Fjord? Quels animaux puis-je observer dans les sentiers? Autant de questions et encore plus de réponses. Découvertes et fascinations garanties!

Détails :

• Lieu : aire de groupe derrière le  Centre de découverte et de services Le Fjord du Saguenay
• Activité gratuite

Directement sur la pointe de l’Ilets, à la jonction du Fjord du Saguenay et du fleuve Saint-Laurent, découvrez comment la rencontre improbable de ces deux géants a créé un milieu foisonnant de biodiversité.

Détails :

• Type d’animation : activité postée
• Lieu : Pointe de l’Ilets
• Fin juin à la fin août
• Durée : les activités postées durent environ 15 minutes et sont répétées plusieurs fois pendant la présence du garde-parc.
• Gratuit

As a site for conservation and education, national parks are true laboratories in a natural setting. Come to class with our dedicated park wardens or welcome them to your school!

Park educational activities

Elsewhere at Sépaq