Summary
Saguenay serves as a serene retreat, nestled along the Saguenay River in the picturesque rift valley known as Saguenay Graben. This charming locale, located in Northern Quebec, offers an exceptional escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The city, along with its scenic surroundings, boasts an abundance of lakes, rivers, hills, and valleys, creating a tranquil atmosphere for a vacation. Furthermore, its lesser-known status compared to other Quebec cities enhances its allure. Comprising three boroughs, Saguenay presents visitors with a variety of experiences. Here are the top activities to engage in while visiting Saguenay:
1. Tour a massive pulp mill
Once recognized as the largest pulp mill globally, the La Pulperie de Chicoutimi – Regional Museum is a significant destination. Participate in a guided tour of the expansive mill and delve into the history of the pulp industry.
During your visit, you can explore over 26,000 artifacts and works of art displayed within the museum.
The museum also regularly hosts notable special exhibits that merit a visit. Be sure to check their calendar for cultural events and programs designed for children.
2. Explore the outdoors
Saguenay serves as an access point to the breathtaking Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, which is among the premier exploration sites in Quebec. With abundant activities available, the scenery is truly stunning.
Immerse yourself in nature through activities such as hiking, skiing, sailing, or kayaking within the park. The awe-inspiring views can be enjoyed during any season.
Additionally, Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park provides an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and observing diverse wildlife, including moose, beavers, porcupines, and even beluga whales.
3. Stare at marine life
You need not cast a line to observe marine life; simply venture to the aquarium at the Musée du Fjord.
This aquarium focuses on the Ha! Ha! Bay and its marine inhabitants. Observe marine life or engage with them in the touch pool.
Furthermore, an interactive kiosk allows visitors to converse and ask questions of certain fish species. For an enriched experience, visit during feeding time.
4. Touch insects
This experience is also available at the Musée du Fjord, courtesy of its vivarium, showcasing both exotic insects and those indigenous to Quebec.
Visitors can observe and even touch both preserved and live specimens at the museum. Notable species include large hairy spiders, vibrant butterflies, stick insects, and grasshoppers.
Other fascinating creatures on display at the vivarium include hermit crabs, frogs, salamanders, and even scorpions.
5. Head to the mountains
Adventurous souls should certainly make their way to Mont Lac-Vert when visiting Saguenay. This winter paradise is situated on the southwestern outskirts of the city near the Laurentians.
At Mont Lac-Vert, activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and fat biking are readily available. The ski resort also hosts special events throughout the season.
The resort features 240 meters of vertical drops, 20 slopes, and designated snowshoeing trails. Additionally, it boasts the highest tubing slide in the region and is renowned for its exceptional night skiing.
6. Enjoy a park
Regardless of the season, there are countless activities at Parc de la Rivière-du-Moulin. No matter when you visit, you can relish hiking or leisurely walks through this beautiful park.
With 35 kilometers of well-maintained trails at your disposal, 7.2 kilometers of which remain accessible during winter, this area accommodates various outdoor enthusiasts. If cycling is your preference, mountain biking routes are also available.
Bring your family along for a picnic while the children enjoy the playground. You may also rent a boat for canoeing or kayaking or visit in winter for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating opportunities.
7. Snap photos of jet fighters
If you hold an interest in aviation, consider visiting the Air Defence Museum, which stands as the only aviation museum within the province!
Capture photographs of aircraft such as the North American F-86 Sabre, CF-116 Freedom Fighter, Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck, and the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23. You may also view the Piasecki H-21 helicopter and Canadair CT-133 Silver Star jet trainer.
Take time to explore the museum, which highlights Quebec’s military aviation history. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may even have the chance to tour the active base.
8. Visit a pyramid
While it may not compare to the pyramids of Egypt, the Pyramid of Ha! Ha! remains an intriguing monument worth visiting. Constructed to commemorate the Saguenay Flood of 1996, this pyramid carries historical significance.
Named after the nearby Ha! Ha! River, the 21-meter-tall structure was erected by the residents of the La Baie borough.
During the summer months, visitors can ascend the stairs within to the observatory for panoramic views of the bay and the river. The surrounding park also offers live entertainment suited for the entire family.
9. Go back in time
A visit to The Val-Jalbert Historical Village transports you back to the year 1927, where the town appears to be preserved in time, complete with staff dressed in period costumes.
This authentic company town features a post office, convent school, general store, and pulp mill. After exploring the village, take a cable car ride to the summit of the mountain.
Learn about life in the village and the operations of the pulp mill during the 1920s, and appreciate the magnificent views of the Ouiatchouan Falls, or embark on a bike ride along the Canyon Trail.
10. Walk along a boardwalk
Appreciate the vistas and the gentle breeze while strolling along the boardwalk in Chicoutimi’s Port Area. Spanning one kilometer, the boardwalk is adorned with eateries and bars, yet it remains an inviting locale for a leisurely walk.
Summer months often feature live performances and a park equipped with a cooling area for children. Attend the Beauce Carnaval in June or the Saguenay Beer Festival of the World in July for added entertainment.
This port area also boasts historical significance and is home to several heritage buildings that have been refurbished and landscaped, enhancing its status as a prominent landmark.
11. Gaze at animals
Although Zoo Sauvage de St-Félicien is located nearly a two-hour drive from the city, it is an exceedingly rewarding excursion. It stands as one of the largest zoos in the province, offering ample opportunities to observe wildlife.
The zoo primarily focuses on the conservation of boreal climate fauna, while hosting a diverse array of animal species. Among its notable attractions are the polar bears, providing unique opportunities for underwater viewing.
Home to approximately 80 species, the zoo includes wolverines, Canadian lynx, grizzly bears, northern elk, Amur tigers, and Siberian ibex among its residents. Canoeing around Lac Montagnais offers opportunities to see caribou as well.
12. Spend a day at the beach
Travel approximately one hour west of the city to reach Pointe-Taillon National Park. This park offers a splendid venue for a leisurely day at the beach.
Positioned along the northern shoreline of Lac Saint-Jean, visitors can spend the day relaxing by the water, swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking.
If cycling is your preference, the park offers a 45-kilometer network of cycling paths that wind alongside the lake and the Péribonka River. For those seeking additional beach opportunities, the park features 72 campsites, some of which are accessible solely on foot or by bike.
13. Have fun at a theme park
Parc Mille Lieux de la Colline offers a delightful experience for families. Nestled within the foothills, this theme park presents an exciting location to spend an afternoon.
Engage in activities such as sliding, climbing, or rolling down the Montagne, or hop onto the Loco le Train for a ride around the park. Should you desire further adventure, navigate your way through the natural cedar tree maze or race on the Piste de Course track.
Additionally, a water park is available, providing a refreshing retreat on warm summer days. The park also houses a village with shops and dining options.
14. Go on a cruise
Embark on a delightful cruise around Lac Saint-Jean. The scenic beauty of the lake and its surroundings make this excursion particularly memorable.
Boat cruises are available both during the afternoon and evening hours, with a dinner cruise highly recommended. This two-hour experience concludes with a comedic performance.
Additionally, cruises along the Saguenay River offer breathtaking views of the 350-meter-high cliffs that envelop you, providing a remarkable perspective of the Saguenay Fjord.
15. Enjoy local food
Saguenay is renowned for its cheese, which is a hallmark of the region. Discover this culinary delight at local markets and cheese shops, or opt for traditional cheese and crackers at a nearby café.
Pack some cheese and a French baguette for a delightful picnic lunch. Be sure to also include a blueberry pie in your basket, another local specialty.
In August, sample chocolate-covered blueberries, and in the wintertime, indulge in tourtière (meat pie). Numerous local delicacies await to tantalize your taste buds in Saguenay.
