Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Sacré-Coeur?
1. Watch whales in Tadoussac Bay
Sacré-Cœur is a quiet gateway to an unforgettable marine spectacle: the whales of the St. Lawrence. From the Anse-de-Roche wharf, you can board a Zodiac boat or kayak to observe these ocean giants from a respectful distance. Minke whales, fin whales, belugas, and sometimes even blue whales... the scene feels almost unreal. In the morning, mist skims the water, and the whales' blows echo like a secret shared at dawn. An experience to savor with the rhythm of the tides.
2. Paddle the Sainte-Marguerite River
Silent and wild, the Sainte-Marguerite River winds between forested cliffs and white pebble beaches. It’s one of the most beautiful places to explore by kayak or canoe. You glide over clear water with green reflections, sometimes broken by a leaping salmon on its migration. Light filters through the leaves, and a moose could appear at any moment. For an even deeper nature immersion, spend the night in a riverside shelter, lulled by the sound of the current.
3. Hike in Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park
Sacré-Cœur sits on the edge of one of Quebec’s most beautiful places: the Saguenay Fjord. Deep and majestic, it’s best discovered from above. The Cap Éternité hike and the Cliffs Trail offer dizzying views over its dark, mysterious waters. The Statue Trail climbs to nearly 1,000 feet, facing the Virgin Mary statue that watches over sailors. Breathe in. The scent of evergreens fills the air. Woodpeckers tap against the trunks. Silence reigns.
4. Take in the fjord from the Anse-de-Roche lookout
Some places make you stop and breathe. Just breathe. The Anse-de-Roche lookout is one of them. Accessible on foot or by car, this viewpoint overlooks the Saguenay Fjord and its shimmering surface. At dawn, mist drifts around the treetops. In the evening, the sky glows above the cliffs. It’s the perfect spot to pull out a thermos of hot chocolate, sit on a bench, and take in the vastness of the landscape.
5. Sleep in an unusual forest hideaway
In Sacré-Cœur, nature is everywhere. And to experience it fully, nothing beats a night in an unusual stay tucked among the trees. A suspended cabin, a yurt, a tiny house with a green roof: several micro-shelters are scattered around the fjord and the river. The comfort is simple, but the experience? Powerful, refreshing, unforgettable. The rustle of leaves, the call of an owl, and a sky full of stars. Perfect for a true off-the-grid pause.
6. Explore Sainte-Marguerite Bay
About nine miles from the village, Sainte-Marguerite Bay is a natural gem within the national park. Sheltered and almost intimate, it’s best discovered by paddle. Here, sea kayaking is the gentlest and most sensory way to explore this corner of Quebec. Curious seals may watch you from the water, while a bald eagle circles above the bay. A spark of beauty, guaranteed.
7. Fish for trout in lakes or rivers
If you love casting a line into cold waters, the area around Sacré-Cœur is full of perfect spots for trout fishing. Whether at an outfitter, on a remote lake, or along the Sainte-Marguerite River, anglers can enjoy incredible natural settings. Brook trout are the star here. And even if you don’t catch anything, the moment is still precious: nature as your only soundtrack, and the gentle lapping of the water inviting you to be fully present.
Make Sacré-Cœur a stop on your tailor-made trip to Canada
Traveling with Evaneos means connecting directly with local, English-speaking experts based in Canada. These specialists live there, know every corner of the country and, most importantly, understand its hidden treasures far from the usual routes. They’re the best people to help you experience the real Canada, including a peaceful stop in Sacré-Cœur, between fjord, forests, and authentic encounters.
They’ll design a tailor-made itinerary with you, shaped around your interests, pace, and travel style. Whether you’re dreaming of wild nature, Indigenous culture, or local food, your trip will be one of a kind.
