12 unique and adventurous things to do in Saguenay, Quebec

At just two o’clock in the north of Quebec, the region known as Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean invites adventurers of all ages. It is an area where the French language is dominant, the northern spas accompany small country inns, the curd cheese is fresh, the landscapes extend largely and the waterfalls.

The Saguenay Quebec region, which is three times the size of Belgium, extends from Tadoussac to the Saint Lawrence River to Lac (Lake) Saint-Jean. The region’s division in two is the Saguenay fjord, which 105 km long is one of the longest fjords in the world. From rolling hills to lakes and rivers, Saguenay is a playground for outdoor and mature lovers with unique experiences.

I visited this region in the spring (if you can call the start of May “spring” so far north) to learn more about the fun things to do in Saguenay. The snow always melted in pieces through the ground, and the lake, which had been solid ice, a week earlier, was slowly broken to see the pools of water below. It comes close and far to enjoy the adventures in hot weather in the region.

By exploring and learning more about the region during a press trip, it was clear that Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean, in Quebec, is a perfect destination for those looking for the adventure. Here are some of the unique experiences to live in Saguenay Québec.

Things to do in Saguenay, Quebec

Note: My trip was organized by Tourisme Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and my meals, my accommodation and my activities were complementary. All opinions are mine. This article includes some affiliation links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I can receive a small commission.

Helicopter on Saguenay Fjord

Most of the Saguenay Fjord is surrounded by the National Park and is difficult to access on the ground, apart from a dissemination of villages. You can certainly see the fjord by boat, like the Northern sea shuttles Offers boat visits and shuttle services throughout the Fjord.

But if you are ready for a little adrenaline, take the air. From the city of the Bay, which is also a terminal of a cruise ship, Peak aviation Offer visits of 10, 20 and 35 minutes from the Fjord. Bring your camera (and your transport evil pills!)

Navigate in Via Ferrata

There are many places for the zip line and challenge you with string lessons in the Saguenay region, but none as exciting as the road via Ferrata Fjord National Park. Here you can make your way along the rocky cliffs of Cap Triné, with a breathtaking view of the Saguenay Fjord and Bay. This air course combines climbing and suspension bridges and is open to beginners and advanced adventurers.

I did not have the opportunity of this here, but I did a via Ferrata in Banff, it was exhilarating!

Kayak near Beluga whales

The Beluga whales live in the Saint-Laurent river and in summer, they mount the Saguenay fjord in Baie Sainte Maguerite, where they are breastfeeding their young people. Although you had to be careful not to approach these beautiful creatures, especially in conservation areas, it is not uncommon for the fjord kayakers to have close encounters with Belugas.

Get closer to Caribou (and other wild animals)

St-Félicien wild zoo is different from other zoos. Here you will find more than 75 different species from the boreal forest and cold regions of the world. But what really distinguishes it is the trail nature park seven kilometers away, where North American animals like the bison and the black bear, move without semi-free.

Most visitors will make a one -hour tram journey through the park, but these more adventurous can also register for animal meetings.

Sleep in a bubble

HAS Cap Jaseaux Adventures ParkThe accommodation options range from rustic log cabins to tree huts, suspended spheres and even a bubble dome that allows you to lie down in bed and Stargaze at night. During the day, the adventure continues with sea kayak, zip line, an air adventure course and a via ferrata class along the cliff over the Saguenay fjord.

I did a lot of glamping, especially by staying in a bubble dome in New Brunswick, and it’s a great way to discover nature.

Wolf

The wolf takes a look at humans, perhaps from its mythical placement in fairy tales and horror stories. However, it is rare that we can meet wolves in nature, not to mention closely and personal. And frankly, most of us are afraid of our skin to be in the length of the arm of a wolf.

However, at Aventuraid wolf camp In Saguenay, there is a pack of wolves that printed humans. This means that they have been around humans since birth, so they see us like friends, not prey. Here you can not only meet these wolves, but you can also sleep in a yurt and wake up the howling the wolves to the moon above.

Bike between the Blueberries

The Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region produces 23 million kilos of blueberries each year. You can cycle in certain blueberries on the Bleuets Véloroute Cycle path. This road surrounds Lac-Saint-Jean for 256 kilometers, crossing 15 picturesque municipalities and the Pointe-Taillon National Park.

With a flat path, which is mainly out of the road, this circuit is perfect for families and also offers options for restaurants, campsite, hotel and bed & breakfast. Equinox Adventure Makes a easy bike vacation taking care of bicycle rental, hotel reservations and baggage and cyclist transport.

Do canyoning in gorges

All these cliffs and water in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean are required to lead to exciting adventures. H2O expeditions leads excursions to canyoning through caves and secret rivers, you can do rafting in bright water through class rapids three to five. There may even be an involved cliff jump!

Stay in a haunted village

If the authentic historic village of the 1920s of Val Jalbert is haunted or not, I cannot say. But it is not difficult to believe that this ghost city, which is slowly restored to its old charm, has mysteries inside. You can visit the city with its period houses, its pulp mill and its general store. Or, you can spend the night in a beautifully designed room in one of the houses or camp near the breathtaking waterfall.

Bear

Okwari Adventures Offers outings in a Rabaska canoe that allow families to learn and observe black bears in their natural habitat. A full day experience will include a walk in nature, a lunch in a log cabin by the river, learn to call a moose and meet a “trapper”.

Of course, a visit to Saguenay Lac Saint Jean does not have to be a question of adventure. There is a lot to do in and around the lake, as well as the cities of Bay and Chicoutimi. For the less adventurous, there are still a lot to do in Saguenay Lac Saint Jean, in particular:

Dig for sea creatures

THE Fjord Museum Offers a nice little aquarium and the history of the fjord and the surrounding area. However, what children will really love are some of their programs that come out on the banks of the Ha Ha bay to dig into the sand for sea creatures.

Learn to make cheese

Perron cheese dairy is the only establishment in Quebec to offer a practical cheese manufacturing workshop at CHEDDAR cheese museum. In less than an hour, you will learn to make cheese in a simple workshop to follow. Honestly, I made tons of food visits and cooking lessons and it was one of my favorite activities linked to the food that I have experienced so far.

Even if you don’t want to go cheese, at least taste the cheese. Either there or in Medard in Saint-Gédéon.

Where to stay in Saguenay Lac Saint Jean

If you do not sleep in a tree or do not hang out with animals, there are a number of small country inns dispersed in the region. Many include a complete Nordic spa experience, or at least a whirlpool for hot soaking after a busy day. Most also specialize in local cuisine, from gastronomy to local favorites like Putin. My recommendations include:

Auberge des 21 – Renowned for their terroir cuisine, the spa and their magnificent view of Baie des Ha! Ha!
621, rue Mars, La Baie, G7B 4N1

Auberge des Iles – An inn with a full service nestled on the shores of Lac Saint-Jean with beautiful views and outdoor hot tubs.
250, row of the islands, St-Gédéon, G0W 2P0

Chalets and Spa Lac Saint-Jean – These condos by the lake offer many options for large and small families, as well as an authentic Nordic experience.
96, Chemin du Parc-Municipal, Chambord, G0W 1G0

To safeguardTo safeguard