Nature and culture

Through science and history, discover the secrets of the marine environment and sea life. Enthusiastic guides and fascinating exhibits will show you a whole new side of the marine area.

A Rich History

The exceptional nature of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence has attracted visitors for thousands of years. Archaeological remains indicate that Indigenous communities have frequented the area around the current Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park for over 8,000 years. In the past, waterways like the St. Lawrence River were places where communities gathered in the summer for feasts, trade and commerce. This region’s rich history has always been closely tied to the sea: this has been the common thread since the nomadic, hunter-gatherer era, the initial contacts between the First Nations and the French, and the development of maritime transport, lighthouse keepers and scientific research.

Scientific Discoveries

The St. Lawrence estuary is teeming with life and is highly biodiverse. This is why every year, several species of whales, seals and birds travel thousands of kilometres to reach it. For decades, scientists have been interested in better understanding the behaviours and lifestyles of the mammals that visit the waters of the marine park. Mainly thanks to scientific discoveries, you can travel the marine park’s shores and visit its Discovery Network sites, where you’ll get to learn more about these visitors.

Enriching Visits

Travel through time when you visit the nature centres and museums along the marine park’s shores. The park’s dynamic interpreters will be happy to speak with you. Original and diversified exhibits will take you on a journey through time. You’ll discover the marine park’s past and present from the surface to the deep, colourful sea bed.

The entire story of the park’s marine life will be portrayed through starfish and sharks, and through the history of lighthouses and Indigenous communities.