Discover the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, a true natural gem!

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is located at the confluence of the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay River, where the fresh water of the Saguenay Fjord and the salt water of the St. Lawrence meet. It’s a sight that will never cease to amaze you!

Home to nearly 2,200 plant and animal species, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park protects 1,245 km² of marine environment. Visit the park and observe seabirds and marine mammals, including endangered species such as the beluga whale and the blue whale.

You can access the park from four tourist regions: Bas-Saint-Laurent, Charlevoix, Côte-Nord and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.

25 years of protection and wonder

Founded in 1998, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park strives to protect the biodiversity and promote this region with a rich, long-standing history. Millions of years old, its cliffs are formed from either the crystalline rock of the Canadian Shield or the sedimentary rock of the Appalachian Mountains. Archaeological remnants reveal that the site has been used for approximately 8,000 years.

The park is both a meeting place for whales, seals and seabirds that travel thousands of kilometres to feed, and an ideal living environment for native species.

Enriching activities that respect the ecosystems

There’s nothing like heading out on the water to take in the vast beauty of the region! There are also great spots on the shore where you can set up and indulge in a moment of contemplation. In addition to cliffs, islands and lighthouses, you can admire marine mammals as they come up for air. Why not go scuba diving and admire the colourful seabed up close?

No matter which boat you choose, you’ll enjoy a guided tour into the heart of the protected marine area, while learning about this fascinating environment in complete safety. Protective measures are in place to promote peaceful coexistence with whales and other species in the park. If you want to use your own boat, follow the regulations and keep an eye on the weather conditions for a safe, responsible outing.

Discoveries galore

During your visit, satisfy your curiosity by exploring a network of more than 20 places of discovery around the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. This network is supported by municipalities and tourism organizations that have partnered with Parks Canada and Sépaq to make your journey into the marine environment an unforgettable experience.

Museums, interpretation centres, national historic sites and hiking trails – there's something for everyone! Among these are 3 sites administered by Parks Canada.

The first site is located in Baie-Sainte-Catherine in the Charlevoix region: the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre. Ideally located at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence Estuary, this is an incomparable site for observing beluga whales in their natural environment.