Parc marindu Saguenay–Saint‑Laurent

Location

Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent lies in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Charlevoix, Côte-Nord and Bas-Saint-Laurent tourism regions.

This unique park is entirely made up of water. It includes the entire Saguenay riverbed downstream from Cap à l'Est, as well as the northern half of the St. Lawrence Estuary from Gros cap à l'Aigle upriver to Pointe-Rouge (Les Escoumins) downriver. It extends up to the high-water mark.

A series of land-based sites make up the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Discovery Network. Depending on your itinerary, the organizations in this network suggest you discover different facets of this unique and mysterious environment: whales, birds, marine fauna, archaeology, Indigenous presence, navigator history, and local culture. Take the time to stop off at one of the many places of contemplation offered by the Marine Park's tourism partners. Consult the Visitor's Guide to find out about the various places not to be missed, according to your interests.

Area: 1,245 km²

 

Access and Operating Period

The park is open year-round, but the land discovery sites and ocean tours have a seasonal schedule. When planning your activities, find out when the services are available for each sector.

La Malbaie (Saint-Fidèle sector)
 Visitors Centre
2820, boul. Malcom-Fraser
418 434-2299

Trois-Pistoles
Tourist Information Office
51, route 132 Ouest
418 851-3698

Rivière-du-Loup
Tourist Information Office
189, boulevard de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
418 862-1981

Les Escoumins
Tourist Information Office
154, route 138
418 233-2663

Baie-Sainte-Catherine
Baie-Sainte-Catherine Pier
151, route 138

Pricing

No park entry fees apply on the waters of Parc marin du Saguenay-Saint-Laurent. However, some of the Discovery Network locations have a fee for access.

Services

Boutique Nature

In the Boutique Nature stores of Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, you’ll find a wide range of souvenirs, trendy clothing for adults and children, discovery products for kids, and outdoor items.

Other Services

• Several places offer healthy meals and snacks in the heart of nature. Bring your lunch!

Public Transit

Regular bus routes serve all municipalities along Highway 138. Intercar bus compagny also offers a route between Chicoutimi and Tadoussac 4 days a week. Three ferry circuits are available in the marine park: between Rivière-du-Loup and St-Siméon (seasonal); between Trois-Pistoles and Les Escoumins (seasonal); and a year-round service linking Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac. A maritime shuttle also travels between the villages of the fjord during the summer.

Universal Access

The following places offer access to the mobility-impaired:

• Baie-Sainte-Marguerite sector (Sacré-Coeur, Sépaq)
• Baie-Éternité sector (Baie-Éternité, Sépaq)
• Cap-de-Bon-Désir and Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centres (Parks Canada)
• Marine Environment Discovery Centre (Parks Canada)

Nearby Services

Accommodations and Restaurants

Depending on the park sector you wish to visit, several types of accommodation and food services are available. To find out the tourism offer by sector, please refer to the regional tourism association in question.

Contact Information

Mailing Address (Sépaq - Parc marin du Saguenay—Saint-Laurent):
91, Notre-Dame
Rivière-Éternité (Québec)  G0V 1P0

Telephone : 418-272-1509, ext. 6711 (No reservations at this number)

parc.marin@sepaq.com

Mailing Address (Parks Canada - Parc marin du Saguenay—Saint-Laurent):
182, Rue de l'Église
Tadoussac (Québec)  G0T 2A0

Telephone : 418-235-4703, ext. 0 (No reservations at this number.)

saguenay@pc.gc.ca

Safety

Changeable weather patterns and strong marine currents can make your activity very challenging indeed. If you sail, make sure to have on hand all tools and equipment recommended by the various federations regulating your activity. During sea excursions, it is recommended that you wear warm and comfortable clothes, even during the summer. Long pants and closed shoes, a hat, gloves and a scarf, a windbreaker and binoculars are strongly suggested for the fullest possible experience. 

SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

Regulations in effect

Special rules for navigating among marine mammals are in effect in Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent. Approach distances and speed limits must be respected. Before navigating in the marine park, please see the main rules and recommendations to properly plan your visit. Details

Important

Filming

A private individual or production company must obtain prior authorization to carry out a video shoot or photo session on Sépaq-managed territories. Find out more

Documentation

Visitor's guide Careful by nature Marine activity regulations Boater's Guide (in French only) Master Plan 2010 (in French only)

External Links

Eco-Whale Alliance Association touristique régionale du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean Associations touristiques régionales de la Côte-Nord Association touristique régionale de Charlevoix Association touristique régionale du Bas-Saint-Laurent La communauté innue d’Essipit Société des traversiers du Québec Rivière-du-Loup / St-Siméon Ferry Tide tables: Port-Alfred Tide tables: Tadoussac Tide tables: Rivière-du-Loup Camping Québec Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak Canadian Coast Guard Group for research and education on marine mammals (GREMM) Bonjour Québec Environment Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada Le Québec maritime Transport Canada ROMM Association maritime du Québec (AMQ)