Permit Application
Before engaging in an activity in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, you must check if a permit is required. Most commercial activities are regulated and subject to obtaining a permit, in accordance with the Marine Activities in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations (SOR/2002-76).
Permits ensure the protection of marine ecosystems, visitor safety, and the harmonious coexistence of park activities.
Evaluation of applications
Obtaining a permit is not automatic. Each application is evaluated based on its objectives and the Marine Park’s regulatory obligations. Before submitting an application, make sure to complete all applicable fields on the form and attach all required documents to prevent any additional delays. Administrative fees apply and other fees may be added depending on the nature of the application.
Select your activity
You will be redirected to the appropriate permit.
- Conduct a film shoot
- Create content
- Perform maintenance work
- Fly over the park at less than 2000 feet
- Organize (and coordinate) an event
- Conduct scientific research activities
- Operate an international cruise ship
- Offer a shuttle service
- Offer guided kayak or paddleboard tours
- Offer sailboat tours
- Offer boat tours
- Offer guided diving services
- Offer sport fishing support services
- Offer whale-watching cruises
Promote your activity
Now that you have your permit in hand, do you want to tell the public about your activity? See the promotion best practices to ensure that your messages comply with the regulations in force in the Marine Park. You will find tips there for designing attractive, authentic products that respect this precious environment.
Types of Permits
Simplified media
Pilot in 2026
To simplify the filming permit process for small production teams with limited equipment, a new permit will be tested in the summer of 2026.
Examples of projects: Hosting a content creator on board a vessel operated by an excursion provider in the Marine Park, media coverage of a research project, tourism promotion for a marine excursion company, video production for social media broadcasting, etc.
Validity period
The permit is valid for the duration of the scheduled shoot, including reserve days in case of bad weather.
Eligibility criteria
For a project to be eligible for the simplified media permit, it must meet the following criteria :
The purpose of the production is to promote the Marine Park and the educational, recreational or scientific activities that take place there.
The production team is accompanied by a person or an organization authorized to carry out their activities in the Marine Park or will go to one of the four observation centres managed by Parks Canada.
The film crew and extras include a maximum of six (6) people.
The production will be carried out using portable equipment (e.g., microphone, camera, tripod, etc.).
No drones will fly over the Marine Park or the observation centres managed by Parks Canada. No underwater drone will be used.
Fees and processing time
- This permit is free.
- The processing time for applications is 10 business days.
If your film project does not meet these criteria, you must submit an application for a special activity permit.
Special Activity
If you wish to conduct an aerial survey of the Marine Park by drone, plane, or helicopter, or to organize an event there, such as a regatta, you must apply for a special activity permit.
If you wish to carry out a shoot and it does not meet the criteria for the simplified media permit, you must apply for a special activity permit.
Validity period
A special activity is a non-recurring, one-time event that takes place in the Marine Park. The permit is then valid for the duration of the activity, including reserve days in case of bad weather.
Information required to submit an application
Before filling out the form, make sure you have the following information on hand:
- The areas of use in the park where you plan to carry out your activity.
- The registration number in the case of drone use.
- The pilot’s certificate if the drone is used (for all drones, including those weighing less than 250 g).
- Proof of liability insurance if the activity is to take place at a site operated by Parks Canada.
- Information about the company if marine tours are planned.
- The flight plan.
Fees and processing time
- Administrative fees apply and site usage fees may be added according to the rates in effect at Parks Canada.
- Expect a processing time of approximately 30 business days between the receipt of the completed application and the issuance of the permit.
Scientific Research
To conduct research or collection activities within the Marine Park boundaries, whether from the shore, by scuba diving, by boat, or by aircraft, you must obtain a research and collection permit from Parks Canada.
Validity period
The permit may be valid for up to 3 years.
Before submitting an application
Before submitting your application, we recommend that you consult the Applicant’s Guide from Parks Canada.
Processing time
Please allow at least sixty (60) days prior to the start date for the application to be evaluated and permitted.
Cruise Ship
The cruise ship permit applies to passenger vessels offering overnight accommodation for at least 100 people, excluding the crew.
Validity period
The permit is valid for one year for all transit and stopover dates scheduled in the Marine Park. A new application must be submitted each year.
Information required to submit an application
Before filling out the form, make sure you have the following information on hand:
- The scheduled cruise dates.
- The detailed itinerary within Marine Park territory, specifying whether it includes the Saguenay Fjord.
- All transit dates in the estuary (between Les Escoumins and La Malbaie or within the expanded park boundaries) and in the fjord.
- The dates and locations of all scheduled stopovers within the Marine Park or along the park’s edge (Tadoussac bay or Saguenay port).
Fees and processing time
- Administrative fees apply.
- Expect a processing time of approximately 30 business days between the receipt of the completed application and the issuance of the permit.
Shuttle Service
This is for a shuttle service that is operated for the purpose of carrying passengers by water for compensation.
Validity period
The permit is valid for a period of 2 years from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
Information required for the application
- The description of the types of goods and services you intend to offer and the operating conditions (number of trips, schedules, etc.).
- The areas of use in the park where you plan to operate the shuttle.
- The planned operating period.
Fees and processing time
- Administrative fees apply.
- Expect a processing time of approximately 30 business days between the receipt of the completed application and the issuance of the permit.
Class 3 Permit
This permit application applies to marine excursion companies whose activities take place aboard a human-powered craft.
Each Class 3 permit is issued only to the business owner. It may apply to several boats.
The holder of a Class 3 permit must ensure that all craft they use under this permit display, on both sides, an approved mark of their business name.
Validity period
The permit is valid for a period of 2 years from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026. It is renewable every 2 years.
Information required for the application
- The list of guides and their qualifications (licences, certificates, etc.).
- Information on the human-powered craft fleet (number of boats by type: single-seat plastic kayaks, double-seat plastic kayaks, single-seat fiberglass kayaks, double-seat fiberglass kayaks, single-seat wooden kayaks, double-seat wooden kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, etc.).
- If you use one or more motorized boats to accompany or assist clients, you must indicate the type, model, and identification number for each.
Fees and processing time
- Administrative fees apply.
- Expect a processing time of approximately 30 business days between the receipt of the completed application and the issuance of the permit.
Class 2 Permit
This permit application applies to marine excursion companies whose activities take place on board a boat, except for a human-powered craft, and that offer activities other than guided observation of marine mammals.
Note that special conditions may apply depending on the business line.
Maritime estuary: authorized activities are limited to the following activities: sailing school, diving accompaniment or guided sport fishing.
Saguenay Fjord: downstream from Île Saint-Louis, authorized activities are limited to the following activities: sailing school, accompanying divers or guided sport fishing. Upstream from Île Saint-Louis, other activities could be authorized.
In other areas of the marine park, Class 2 permit conditions will take conservation priorities into account and may also limit the activities permitted there.
Validity period
The permit is valid for a period of 2 years from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
Information required for the application
- Information about the vessel: name, registration number, identity in the maritime mobile service (IMMS), type and model, passenger capacity, navigation equipment, engine type, propulsion type, fuel type, etc.
- A recent photo of the boat.
- The Transport Canada inspection certificate.
- The passenger marine transportation permit from the Commission des transports du Québec.
- The list of captains and their training (licences, certificates, etc.).
Fees and processing time
- Administrative fees apply.
- Expect a processing time of approximately 30 business days between the receipt of the completed application and the issuance of the permit.
Class 1 Permit
This permit application applies to marine excursion companies whose activities take place on board a boat that offers guided observation of marine mammals.
Each Class 1 permit is issued only to the business owner. It applies only to one boat.
The number of boats allowed to navigate in the Marine Park under the Class 1 permit is limited.
Validity period
The permit is valid for a period of 2 years from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
Information required for the application
- Information about the vessel: name, registration number, maritime mobile service identity (MMSI), type and model, passenger capacity, navigation equipment, engine type, propulsion type, fuel type, etc.
- A recent photo of the boat.
- The Transport Canada inspection certificate.
- The passenger marine transportation permit from the Commission des transports du Québec.
- The list of captains and their training (licences, certificates, etc.).
Fees and processing time
- Administrative fees apply.
- Expect a processing time of approximately 30 business days between the receipt of the completed application and the issuance of the permit.