The quaint waterfront town of Saguenay is situated in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean—a stunning region named after two standout geographical features that were formed by glaciers: Lake (or Lac) Saint-Jean and the Saguenay River, which winds through one of the longest fjords in the world. These natural glories allow visitors to Saguenay access to a number of seasonal outdoor activities, from kayaking on Lac Saint-Jean and hiking and biking in Saguenay Fjord National Park to winter sports galore.
Saguenay merged with the former paper- and pulp-making town of Chicoutimi in 2002. The role of the region in Québecois history is celebrated at nearby preserved villages, a theatrical show called La Fabuleuse Histoire d'un Royaume and at the Chicoutimi Pulp Mill, a museum dedicated to Chicoutimi’s paper-making past. (The museum’s collection includes a Canadian national treasure: the home of artist Arthur Villeneuve.)
Saguenay is also a gateway to whale-watching opportunities along the majestic St. Lawrence River at Tadoussac, where you have the chance to see up to 13 species of whales. Shoppers: Don’t forget to explore La Route des Artisans (Craftsmen Road), home to 90 small local artisans that specialize in different fields, including paper, textiles, glassblowing and ceramics.
