The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, a place where everything flows!

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park’s mandate is to preserve the species and ecosystems of a portion of the St. Lawrence Estuary and of the Saguenay Fjord. In addition to this important mission, the Marine Park is an impressive environment for learning and becoming aware of this fascinating heritage. This conservation park is unique because of its
exclusively marine environment. It covers an area of over 1,138 km2, including a representative portion of the northern half of the St.Lawrence Estuary and over two-thirds of the Saguenay Fjord.

With its varied coastline, cold saltwater, and deep pools, the St. Lawrence Estuary is home to a diverse, abundant and mysterious array of marine life that has drawn humans throughout the ages. As for the Saguenay Fjord, it dazzles visitors with its spectacular relief. It also casts another kind of spell as it reveals the secrets of its deep, dark waters, which were long thought to be unfathomable. The confluence of these two giant bodies of water is the heart of the Marine Park.

Like a heart beating to the rhythm of the tides which control the movement of the dark waters of the Fjord and the green waters of the Estuary. The confluence is also more than a meeting of the waters, it is a gathering place for humans, who have been benefiting from this environment for thousands of years and taking advantage of the abundant marine resources. Alongside four Québec tourist regions, the Marine Park invites you to explore its Discovery Network. Because of its constant evolution, it is an ideal way to delve deeper into park themes.

Visit the islands, towns, and villages near the Marine Park to enjoy outdoor activities and visit several interpretation centres in order to live a marine, a coastal or an island experience. Sea kayaking, hiking, scuba diving, fishing, and a lighthouse tour are some of the activities you can choose from to make the most of your stay in the Marine Park area. A crossroad of life as well as a source of exchange and richness, the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is where the discovery adventure begins.

Marine Activities Regulations — A Gift for the Future!

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park was created to increase the protection of marine ecosystems. To ensure the conservation of this fascinating yet fragile environment, Parks Canada adopted the marine activities regulations in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park in 2002, in cooperation with cruise operators, scientists and other representatives in the field.

Feeding, resting, and reproduction are the main activities of marine mammals in the area. The Marine Park is a major feeding ground for whales in the St. Lawrence River. Their food
sources, like krill and capelin, are particularly abundant due to the unique oceanographic
conditions.

Certain factors like large concentrations of boats near the animals, rapid approaches, and
sudden changes in direction can disturb the whales.

The marine activities regulations, created in partnership with people in the field, are intended to ensure that all human activities on this rich and fascinating environment known as the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park are harmonized. The regulations are also in place to guarantee the preservation of this exceptional ecosystem for today’s and tomorrow’s generations.

General Provisions
• The number of permits issued to marine tour businesses is limited. Permit holders are
identified by a flag.
• A boat must follow its course at a constant speed without deviating when marine
mammals appear near the boat.
• It is forbidden to exceed a speed of 25 knots inside the Marine Park. However, in the
presence of marine mammals, this speed must be reduced.
• Any collision with a marine mammal must be reported to Marine Park authorities.
• Flying over the Marine Park is prohibited at an altitude inferior to 2,000 feet.
Important! The beluga whale and blue whale populations of the St. Lawrence River are both endangered. For this reason, these species are excluded from marine observation activities, but may be observed from the shore.

The Discovery Network — Exploring the Marine Park with dry feet!

Since the Marine Park is composed entirely of water, you can get in touch with the marine environment without having to leave land! The mysteries and riches of this great ecosystem will be revealed by the interpretation and observation sites located outside of the park boundaries. Each of these sites presents a theme related to the marine environment, and together they form the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Discovery Network.

By visiting the Discovery Network, the Marine Park invites you to discover, understand and appreciate the marvels hidden beneath the surface of the water.

WHALES SECTOR: An underwater valley swarming with life
Beyond Tadoussac, the Laurentian Channel plunges some 300 metres deep, forming an underwater valley teeming with activity. Follow the “whale route” for a fascinating encounter with these great mammals, either from the shore or from the water. Visit the Centre de
découverte du milieu marin in Les Escoumins, the Centre d’interprétation et d’observation de
Pointe-Noire in Baie-Sainte-Catherine, the Centre d’interprétation Le Béluga in the Parc
national du Saguenay in Sacré-Coeur, the Centre d’interprétation Archéo Topo in Les Bergeronnes, the Centre d’interprétation des mammifères marins in Tadoussac, the Centre d’interprétation et d’observation of the Cap-de-Bon-Désir in Les Bergeronnes, and the Centre d’interprétation la Maison des Dunes in the Parc national du Saguenay in Tadoussac.

FJORD-SUD SECTOR: A sea of mountains
Journey into the heart of the Saguenay! With its numerous access points to the Fjord, Route 170 winds through a sea of mountains where trees bow and sway to the wind.

FJORD-NORD SECTOR: A landscape that changes to the rhythm of the tides
Winding its way along the Rivière Sainte-Marguerite parallel to the Fjord, Route 172 passes througha valley where superb views of the magnificent Saguenay are revealed at every turn.

ESTUAIRE SECTOR: From St. Lawrence River to St. Lawrence Estuary
The gateway to the Marine Park for many visitors, Route 138 follows the Charlevoix coast, providing a view of the marine environment from atop the steep cliffs overlooking the
St. Lawrence River.

NAVIGATEURS SECTOR: The rhythm of the St. Lawrence River, a maritime culture
Rich in maritime culture, this region lives according to the rhythm of the St. Lawrence
River. Route 132 runs alongside the St. Lawrence River, revealing seascapes and island views. This region is accessible from the Côte-Nord by ferry going through the Marine Park.