From Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean to Bas-Saint-Laurent, via Charlevoix and Côte-Nord, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is a marine protected area that is home to more than 2,200 wild species ranging from microscopic algae to the gigantic blue whale.
A visit to whale country
The Marine Park is one of the best places in the world to observe whales. From established coastal sites or aboard tour-operator vessels, watch them break the surface and listen for their powerful blows.
When is the best time to see whales?
Opportunities to see whales in the Marine Park are good at any time of the day from May to the end of October. Depending on the species and their level of activity whales surface to breathe every 15 to 30 minutes.
Pleasure and wonder
Between the cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord and the horizon overlooking the St. Lawrence Estuary, the landscapes of the marine park are sure to delight you. Explore them at sea on a kayak, boat or sail excursion, or discover the colourful seabed by scuba diving or on a high-definition screen. On the shoreline, explore amazing places of discovery.
Regulations
The Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations provide a framework for activities in the marine protected area. One of its main objectives is to reduce the impact of navigation on marine mammals. Anyone navigating in the marine park is required to comply with these regulations.
The essentials
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park’s must-see experiences are as entertaining as they are diverse. Between whale watching, contemplating larger-than-life landscapes at the end of a wharf or on top of a mountain, enjoying water sports and visiting museums, there’s something for everyone. Discover the unforgettable experiences offered in the four corners of the marine park.
Places of discovery
A network of 21 places of discovery is distributed all around the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Nicknamed the Discovery Network, it invites you to encounter the marine environment in a variety of ways in the four tourist regions surrounding the park: Bas-Saint-Laurent, Charlevoix, Côte-Nord and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
To discover these locations, browse the map below before exploring the shores of the marine park!
Plan your vacation
Where to sleep?
The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is surrounded by four regions that offer a wide variety of accommodations. Refer to the regional tourist associations to learn about the different possibilities or stop at a tourist information office on your way. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the peak season (mid-July to late August).
When to visit?
Most of the sites around the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park are open from May to October.
When is the best time to see whales?
For sightings, no one time is better than any other during the day. Observations may vary during the summer since the whales follow their food. To this day, we cannot predict their movements.
What to bring?
Even in summer, it is colder at sea and on the coast. At around 4C, the water cools the air above the surface of the park. Comfortable clothing is highly recommended.
In addition to bringing a good windbreaker and binoculars, we recommend that you bring the following items:
Visitor Guide
A must have tool to plan a trip in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park surroundings.
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