A Day in Saguenay: Québec's Quiet Wonder
A voyage with Seabourn through Canada & New England brings you to some of the region’s most striking coastlines, including the remarkable Saguenay Fjord. Carved more than 175 million years ago by a glacial collapse, it remains one of Québec’s most spectacular natural wonders. Stretching 64 miles through the Laurentian Mountains, this deep, sapphire channel feels both ancient and alive—its towering cliffs streaked with stone, its forests filled with yellow birch and fir, and its waters home to belugas, minke whales, humpbacks and, in summer, the mighty blue whale. Long before Jacques Cartier reached the region in 1535, Indigenous communities knew the fjord as Pitchitaouitchez, meaning “that which flows between two mountains.” Today, arriving by sea is still the most magical way to appreciate its grandeur.
Equally memorable are the communities that line the fjord. The town of La Baie, one of the welcoming gateways to the fjord, embodies the friendly charm travelers love about Québec. Along the waterfront, open-air markets, cafés and smiling locals set an inviting tone. The Saguenay Fjord Museum offers an engaging introduction to the region’s history, while the whimsical Ha! Ha! Pyramid—built after the 1996 flood—has become a beloved local landmark. Nearby, the reimagined Pulp Mill Museum showcases the area’s pioneering past with a modern flair.
Further along the fjord, the postcard-pretty village of L’Anse-Saint-Jean reveals another side of Saguenay: quiet marinas, traditional wooden homes, and artisan boutiques nestled beneath soaring mountains. The short stroll to L’Anse-de-Tabatière rewards visitors with one of the most breathtaking views over the fjord. And just outside town, the family-run Le Chevrier du Nord goat farm offers a warm rural welcome and exquisite mohair creations.
Saguenay is also famous for its wildlife. The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is a gathering place for whales—humpbacks, minkes, fins, and summer blue whales—along with the iconic, year-round belugas. Whale-watching cruises and shoreline lookouts offer unforgettable encounters. For a peaceful, close-to-nature experience, kayaking between May and October reveals the fjord’s scale and serenity in a completely different way.
And no visit to this region is complete without savoring its signature treat: blueberries. Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is one of Canada’s great blueberry-growing areas, and late summer brings markets, bakeries and roadside stands filled with fresh berries, jams and local specialties beloved by Québec families and visitors alike.
With its dramatic landscapes, cultural richness and warm, welcoming communities, a visit to Saguenay is a highlight of any Canada & New England voyage with Seabourn—an unforgettable blend of nature, heritage and charm that stays with you long after you sail on.
For more information, contact a complimentary Seabourn
Personal Cruise Consultant,
your Travel Advisor or call Seabourn