Marine Environment Discovery Centre

Dive right into the heart of the St. Lawrence! Explore one of the most beautiful underwater worlds in North America.

Enjoy a unique experience: A virtual dive in the St. Lawrence!
The “St. Lawrence Live” activity gives you the opportunity to follow divers underwater without getting wet. Experience a dive virtually on the big screen. A special mask allows the divers to interact with the audience and answer questions. You can even ask them to look for a particular animal for you! The activity is offered four times a week; consult the schedule and phone for reservations.

Want to scuba dive? The Marine Environment Discovery Centre is where you want to be! The Marine Environment Discovery Centre has one of the most fully equipped diving bases in the province of Québec. Professional divers will guide you underwater. Three sites give you safe and easy access to the water. Take advantage of the amenities and services available on site: guided dives, equipment rentals, air filling station, hot showers and fresh water tank to rinse your gear.

Observe whales, seals and seabirds near the shore. Our guides are there to answer your questions. Bring a picnic and a windbreaker.

Do your children love to explore? Request the Xplorers booklet at the reception desk.

Opening dates

From June 22 to October 14, 2013

Schedule

CENTRE: June 22 to September 2: Daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; September 3 to October 14: Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ST. LAWRENCE LIVE: June 29 to August 24: Wednesday to Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. DIVING BASE: HIGH SEASON: June 22 to September 2: Daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. LOW SEASON: May 17 to 20, June 14 to 21 and October 11 to 14: Friday, from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except June 16, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Monday (May 20 and October 14), from 8 a.m. to noon.

Cost

Individual, family and group rates available

Reservations

Recommended for groups and for the "St. Lawrence Live" activity

Payment methods

• Cash
• American Express
• Interac
• MasterCard
• Visa

Activities available in summer

Interpretation Sites

The “St. Lawrence Live” activity will introduce you to the underwater world of the St. Lawrence, to the delight of young and old alike. Other activities and an exhibit are sure to satisfy your curiosity. Guides are on hand to answer your questions.

National Parks and Wildlife Reserves

Breathe in the sea air and observe marine wildlife! The Marine Environment Discovery Centre is located on the shore of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, which is jointly managed by Parks Canada and Parcs Québec.

Scuba Diving

The Marine Environment Discovery Centre is one of the best scuba diving sites in North America. Dive in complete safety with a professional diver. Access to the water is easy and safe. Hot showers, equipment rentals and air filling station on site.

Whale Watching

The Marine Environment Discovery Centre is one of the best coastal sites to observe the whales and is part of a network of land-based whale-watching sites in Côte-Nord. With any luck, you will hear the blows of the whales as they surface!

Wildlife Observation

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is an essential feeding ground for the St. Lawrence whales. Aquatic birds also use the marine park as a place to breed, rest during migration or overwinter.

See what this partner is offering in fall.

Services

• Picnic area
• Pets allowed on leashes only
• Free parking

How to get there

The Marine Environment Discovery Centre is located 36 km (22 mi.) or about 30 minutes from Tadoussac and 165 km (100 mi.) or about 2 hours from Baie-Comeau.

Take Route 138 to Les Escoumins and follow the signs to the Marine Environment Discovery Centre (Centre de découverte du milieu marin).

Affiliations and distinctions

Affiliation
Parks Canada manages a network of national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. Discover for yourself the many wonders, adventures and learning experiences that await you in such sites. Visit parkscanada.gc.ca to plan your next vacation!