Jardin des Glaciers (Garden of the Glaciers)

Multimedia Zone: Located in a converted church, the Glacier Exploration Station takes visitors back in time via the boreal adventure 20,000 Years Under the Ice. Thanks to the magic of sound, image and light technologies, this multimedia experience explores the effects of climate change and will take you deep into the heart of the glaciers. Equipped with a headset through which scientific content is delivered, you will experience a gripping and extraordinary journey. To round out the experience, the Glacier Exploration Station also offers four self-guided thematic zones: the cinema room, the multimedia research room, the alcove hall and the exhibition room (all included in the price of admission). Duration: 2 hours.

Nature Zone: Become an explorer and enjoy the adventure of a guided tour. Step back in time and learn about postglacial phenomena while having fun.

1. Seashell Valley: In the heart of the boreal forest, discover a site that is unique in the world: an immense valley filled with banks of shells left behind by retreating glaciers at the end of the last ice age. Some 15 metres (50 feet) high, these exceptional banks are composed almost entirely of shellfish from 10,000 years ago! Excavation, identification and interpretive activities allow you to appreciate this unusual phenomenon. The tour takes place in an electric shuttle, which takes you through a natural setting along the Aux Anglais River. Duration: 2 h 30 min
   
2. Peoples of the Ice Age: Follow the steps of North America’s first inhabitants from west to east. This incredibly rich experience allows you to relive the climate changes that provoked their migration. Thanks to skillful thematic reconstructions (camps, tools, etc.), you can experience the history of this great migration from Asia to North America, all the way from 18,000 years ago to the present day. The tour takes place in an electric shuttle, within the Maritime Adventure Park. Duration: 2 h 30 min
3. Traces of the Glaciers: See another aspect of the St. Lawrence by participating in this boat tour, which will give you the opportunity to admire the extraordinary impact of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, the world’s largest glacier during the last ice age. It was this giant that sculpted and shaped the spectacular glacial grooves, canyons, moraines, bays and fjards (glacial inlets) that dominate the surrounding landscape. Note: This activity is unsuitable for children under 5. Duration: 3 hours.
    

Adrenalin Zone: Enter the Adrenalin Zone and experience extraordinary sensations. Explore breathtaking scenery while participating in exciting activities under the supervision of a professional guide. The following activities are available: 8 zip lines over waterways (for a total of 2.6 km / 1.6 mi.); 2 via ferrate along the St. Lawrence over 2.1 km (1.3 mi.), including one of the longest in North America; water activities; climbing wall; sea kayaking and hiking. Duration: Half-day to full day

Schedule

The Multimedia Zone is open year-round; the activities on offer in the Nature Zone and Adrenalin Zone are offered in the summer only. Visit our website for a complete schedule.

Cost

À la carte activities and packages available with or without lodging. Visit our website for information about rates. Group rates available upon request.

Note for this reservation

Recommended in high season and required in low season. Reserve online on our website.

Payment methods

• Cash
• Interac
• MasterCard
• Visa
• Travelers Cheque

Activities available in winter

Gardens and Natural Science

Enjoy a world-class multimedia show in the Glacier Exploration Station. Travel through 20,000 years of our history to understand the impact of the retreating glaciers on our territory.

Interpretation Sites

The maritime observation sites and interpretive panels as well as the three guided tours in the Nature Zone will introduce you to the last glacial era and the spectacular effects it had on the landscape.

Maritime Heritage

Travel back in time in the Nature Zone to understand post-glacial phenomena while having fun. Three guided tours are offered: Seashell Valley, Peoples of the Ice Age and Traces of the Glaciers.

Snowshoeing and Hiking

The hiking trails at the Jardin des Glaciers (Garden of the Glaciers) are accessible in the winter for self-guided snowshoeing and hiking. Maps of the trails are available on the website.

Unusual Accommodations

Wilderness camping: tent platforms, yurt and prospector tents.

Wildlife Observation

This site is a great place to observe marine mammals (minke whales, seals and harbour porpoises), birds of prey (osprey and bald eagles) and exceptional marine wildlife (starfish, sea anemones and sea urchins).

See what this partner is offering in fall, in spring or in summer.

Services

• Picnic area
• Pets allowed on leashes only
• Boutique
• Restaurant or snack bar
• Conference/meeting room
• Free parking

How to get there

From Route 138, take Route maritime (follow the signs for Jardin des glaciers). Turn right on Avenue de Maisonneuve and then left on Place St-Georges. 

Via downtown Baie-Comeau, follow the blue tourist signs along Boulevard Laflèche and then Boulevard Lasalle East. Then turn on Avenue Cartier. Keep right and go up Avenue de Maisonneuve. Turn right on Avenue de Salaberry and right on Place St-Georges.

Affiliations and distinctions

Affiliations
Aventure Écotourisme Québec (AÉQ)
Tourisme Côte-Nord - Manicouagan 
Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)
Hydro-Québec
Leave No Trace

Distinctions
Three-time winner of national Québec Tourism Awards (Grand Prix du tourisme québécois) in 2010:
   - Outdoor Recreational Activities (bronze)
   - Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism (silver)
   - Tourism Personality of the Year (Christian Bouchard, General Manager)
Coup d'Éclat Award for "New or Original Activity" (2009)
Winner of a regional Québec Tourism Award in the "Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism" category (2007)