Discover the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, a true natural gem!

Attractions to discover, June 5, 2023 2023-06-05
quebecvacances.com
quebecvacances.com
Aerial view of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
Photo credit: Patric Nadeau

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is located at the confluence of the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay River, where the fresh water of the Saguenay Fjord and the salt water of the St. Lawrence meet. It’s a sight that will never cease to amaze you!

Home to nearly 2,200 plant and animal species, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park protects 1,245 km2 of marine environment. Visit the park and observe seabirds and marine mammals, including endangered species such as the beluga whale and the blue whale.

You can access the park from four tourist regions: Bas-Saint-Laurent, Charlevoix, Côte-Nord and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.

25 years of protection and wonder

Founded in 1998, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park strives to protect the biodiversity and promote this region with a rich, long-standing history. Millions of years old, its cliffs are formed from either the crystalline rock of the Canadian Shield or the sedimentary rock of the Appalachian Mountains. Archaeological remnants reveal that the site has been used for approximately 8,000 years.

The park is both a meeting place for whales, seals and seabirds that travel thousands of kilometres to feed, and an ideal living environment for native species.

Enriching activities that respect the ecosystems

There’s nothing like heading out on the water to take in the vast beauty of the region! In addition to cliffs, islands and lighthouses, you can admire marine mammals as they come up for air. Why not go scuba diving and admire the colourful seabed up close?

No matter which boat you choose, you’ll enjoy a guided tour into the heart of the protected marine area, while learning about this fascinating environment in complete safety. Protective measures are in place to promote peaceful coexistence with whales and other species in the park. If you want to use your own boat, follow the regulations and keep an eye on the weather conditions for a safe, responsible outing.

Visitor experience at the Marine Park
Photo credit: Parks Canada

Discoveries galore

During your visit, satisfy your curiosity by exploring 21 places of discovery around the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. This network is supported by municipalities and tourism organizations that have partnered with Parks Canada and Sépaq to make your journey into the marine environment an unforgettable experience.

Take your pick of museums, interpretation centres or national historic sites. But that’s not all! Follow the hiking trails to admire breathtaking views and observe belugas and other species in their natural habitats, from a safe and respectful distance.

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