Do you dream of seeing the whales and admiring Québec’s famous coastal landscapes? Explore the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park from the shore or by boat and discover a region rich in nature and culture. Visit the park’s website (
parcmarin.qc.ca) for more information on what to see and do!
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is a protected marine area. Its mission is to preserve marine life while promoting scientific research and educational and recreational activities for the sake of today’s and tomorrow’s generations.
Covering an area of 1245 km
2 (480 sq. mi.), the Marine Park protects part of the St. Lawrence Estuary, from La Malbaie to Les Escoumins, as well as part of the Saguenay Fjord. Every living organism in the park is protected, from the seabed to the surface of the water.
Come and find out why the Marine Park is one of the
best whale-watching sites in the world. Participate in a sea excursion and visit coastal sites. Learn more about the history of the Aboriginal people, Basque whalers, sailors and lightkeepers. Observation sites, campsites and hiking trails offer you stunning views of the Marine Park.
The Marine Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience unique maritime adventures and discover marine life.
- Opening dates
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SEA EXCURSIONS: April/May to October/November.
COASTAL SITES (observation sites, interpretation centres and hiking trails): May/June to October. Some are open year-round. Visit the website for more information.
- Schedule
- Varies depending on the site and activity. Visit the website for more information.
- Cost
- Varies depending on the site and activity. Visit the website for more information.
- Reservations
- SEA EXCURSIONS: Reserve with the excursion company. VIRTUAL DIVE: Reserve by calling the Marine Environment Discovery Centre: 418-233-4414.
- Activities available in summer
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Aboriginal Heritage
Visit the Archéo Topo Centre in Les Bergeronnes to learn more about how Aboriginal peoples lived on the banks of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers some 8000 years ago. This rich history is an important part of Québec and Canadian heritage.
Hiking
Enjoy hiking in nature and vacationing by the sea! The hiking trails offer excellent views of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence Estuary. Be sure to pack a picnic!
Interpretation Sites
Have fun while learning about nature and the history of the Marine Park by visiting one of the many interpretation centres along its shores. Discover the history of the region and learn about marine life. It is a whole new world to discover!
Lighthouses
Seven lighthouses stand guard over the Marine Park, each with a fascinating story to tell. Still today, lighthouses guide vessels to safety. Learn more about the history of local lightkeepers.
Maritime Heritage
A meeting point for European settlers and Aboriginal people, the Tadoussac area is an important historic site. Explore the vestiges of the past from yesteryear to today.
National Parks and Wildlife Reserves
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is managed by both Parks Canada and Parcs Québec. Its mission is to preserve marine life while promoting scientific research and educational and recreational activities in a unique marine environment.
Scuba Diving
Enjoy unique experiences in one of the most beautiful diving sites in North America: the Marine Environment Discover Centre in Les Escoumins. Observe starfish, anemones and other marine organisms during a guided dive.
Sea Excursions
Choose your own adventure! Enjoy a memorable experience whether you opt for a sea kayaking excursion or a boat trip—several different types of vessels offer excursions.
Sea Kayaking
The Marine Park offers you the opportunity to experience a thrilling maritime adventure: accompanied by an experienced guide, discover the pleasures of sea kayaking. Find out more about this sport to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Whale Watching
Visitors come from all over the world to observe the St. Lawrence whales. With any luck, you will hear their blows as they surface! You can observe several species in the park, including porpoises, minkes, fin whales, belugas and even blue whales.
Wildlife Observation
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is one of the best places in the world to observe whales. You can also see seals, seabirds and other marine animals such as starfish and sea cucumbers.
See what this partner is offering
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- How to get there
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By road: - Via Route 138, from La Malbaie in the Saint-Fidèle sector of the Charlevoix region to Les Escoumins in Manicouagan, Côte-Nord.
- Via Route 170 from Saint-Siméon to the town of Saguenay or Route 172 from Tadoussac to the town of Saguenay.
- Via Route 132 or Highway 20 in Bas-Saint-Laurent, from Rivière-du-Loup to Trois-Pistoles.
By water:Visitors travelling by boat can stop in any of the 11 marinas that border the park:
In the St. Lawrence: - Cap-à-l’Aigle refuge harbour
- Rivière-du-Loup yacht club
- Trois-Pistoles marina
- Tadoussac marina
- Les Bergeronnes yacht club
In the Saguenay River: - Chicoutimi yacht club
- La Baie marina
- Sainte-Rose-du-Nord
- L’Anse-Saint-Jean yacht club
- L’Anse-de-Roche tourist association
- Affiliations and distinctions
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The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is jointly managed by Parks Canada (
parkscanada.gc.ca) and Parcs Québec (
sepaq.com). It is one of the first protected marine areas in Canada.
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