The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park protects every living organism found in it, from the seabed to the surface of the water. Species at risk like the St. Lawrence population of beluga whales and the blue whale roam its waters. See how the park protects its biodiversity.
The regulations govern activities at sea within the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park in order to protect marine mammals, including species at risk such as the beluga and the blue whale.
Regardless of your type of craft (boat, sailboat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, etc.) or activity (diving, fishing, swimming, etc.), you are responsible for knowing and following the Regulations.
While navigating in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, you are in the marine mammals habitat.
When a marine mammal approaches or is close to you, your presence can disturb and cause the animal to change its normal behaviours. He might stop feeding, resting, taking care of its young, or change its diving rhythm to breathe.
At all times and regardless of the type of craft, it is prohibited to disturb marine mammals. Disturb means:
The endangered species that regularly visit the marine park are the beluga and the blue whale. Rarely, North Atlantic Right Whale may also come to the marine park, this is also an endangered species.
If you are within 400 metres of an endangered species: you are in violation. What to do?
* 400 metres equals 4 football fields.
On a motorboat or sailboat
When navigating within half of a nautical mile from a beluga whale:
On a kayak or stand-up paddle board
Within 400 m: you are in violation. What to do?
If you are within 200 metres of another species than endangered species: you are in a violation. What to do?
If you are between 200 m and 400 m:
*200 metres equal 2 football fields.
An observation zone of a ½ nautical mile is created around any boat engaged in whale watching. An observation sector consists of two or more contiguous or overlapping observation zones.
Conversion chart* :
*Speeds are measured relative to the sea bed.
Within the boundaries of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, it is prohibited to:
In the event of a discrepancy, the text of the Marine Activities in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations shall prevail over the information provided on this page.
Outside the boundaries of the marine park on the St. Lawrence River, the Marine Mammal Regulations apply.
Located in the heart of the Saguenay Fjord, Sainte-Marguerite Bay is a place where beluga whales give birth. Your presence can attract their attention and reduce the amount of time they spend looking after their young, feeding, and resting. For their sake, this area is protected to ensure a peaceful environment.
From June 21 to September 21, it is forbidden for boats to enter Sainte-Marguerite Bay of the Saguenay Fjord . Special authorizations are granted only for kayaks, canoes and recreational fishermen who must travel without stopping along a corridor within 10 metres of the shore in shallow areas.
It is therefore strongly recommended at all times to navigate the indicated transit zone in front of the bay, between 5 and 10 knots without stopping.
See how to navigate around Sainte-Marguerite Bay with these videos.
It is possible to observe the belugas that frequent Sainte-Marguerite Bay from the shore by visiting this sector of the parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. A member of the Marine Park Discovery Network.
Get your answer by completing the Navigating Whale Habitat training course.
It’s free, quick and tailored to your type of craft.