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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park |
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3415 Grand Bay Blvd S, La Baie, QC G7B 1G3
Phone: 418-544-7388 or 800-561-1616
Fax: 418-697-1550
Open All Year
Overview. Situated at the confluence of the St. Lawrence estuary and the Saguenay River, this park features an extraordinary diversity of marine life that lies beneath the water's surface. When the cold sea water of the St. Lawrence meets the highly oxygenated river water, the two systems churn together to create six different ecosystems. Most importantly, the mix of oxygen and cold supports enormous quantities of plankton and krill. Whales migrate from thousands of miles away to feast on these tiny creatures.
For years, industry along the shoreline polluted the waters so heavily that the one resident species, the St. Lawrence beluga whale, became endangered after its food supply was contaminated. But today the joint efforts of government and industry strive to preserve the whale's habitat. Visitors to this park enjoy exploring mysteries of the deep and watching whales amidst the scenic backdrop provided by the Saguenay fjord's steep cliff shoreline walls.
What to see and do. Take advantage of the extensive visitor facilities designed to maximize your enjoyment of this park's unusual offerings. Spend a few hours at Cap-de-Bon-Desir, which is open from mid-June until mid-October with variable hours. After watching a presentation at the interpretation center, join one of the guided shoreline walks. Be sure to bring binoculars so that you may closely observe the several species of whale. Minke, finback, beluga, and blue whales all frequent these rich feeding grounds. Blues are a special sight – they're the largest animals to have lived on earth. Diving naturalists conduct talks and programs that introduce the underwater wonders of Saguenay. Other exhibits feature the region's maritime history.
At Pointe-Noire, be sure to hike along the scenic trail located close by. Along the way, use your binoculars to spot whales offshore or view the Saguenay cliff walls up close. Participate in one of several naturalist-led activities that give you hands-on experience with the park's resources. This center is open daily from mid-June until early September, when the hours are reduced to weekends only until mid-October. Both visitor centers feature observation decks. Handicapped-access is available.
Fee: A fee is charged at the Cap-de-Bon-Desir Interpretation and Observation Centre.
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