Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Saguenay?
1. Explore the Saguenay Fjord by kayak
It’s the region’s natural crown jewel. Powerful, majestic, almost mystical: the Saguenay Fjord is best experienced by gliding slowly across the water, paddle in hand. Whether you head out for a few hours or follow a multi-day route, its sheer cliffs, curious seals, and deep, striking silence will stay with you. With a local guide, you’ll also learn about the fjord’s glacial origins, marine life, and the Indigenous myths woven into its shores.
2. Hike in Saguenay Fjord National Park
Breathtaking views, trails for every level, and total immersion in the boreal forest: welcome to one of Quebec’s most beautiful parks. From the overlooks, the sweeping views down over the fjord are unforgettable. Along the trails, you may spot white-tailed deer, birds of prey, and sometimes even a moose around the bend. The Statue Trail, which leads to the famous Notre-Dame du Saguenay statue, is a classic, while travelers looking for more peace and quiet will also enjoy the Caps Loop.
3. Taste the region’s boreal flavors
If you love discovering a place through its food, the Saguenay region has plenty to surprise you. Menus feature signature ingredients from the boreal forest: wild blueberries, northern mushrooms, hand-foraged spices, and game. Several local chefs reinterpret Quebec cuisine with a modern, authentic touch. For a refined, locally rooted meal, head to Auberge Carcajou in Saint-David-de-Falardeau. And if you’d like to bring a little forest home with you, look for artisan products at La Pulperie in Chicoutimi.
4. Step into history at La Pulperie de Chicoutimi
Behind its old stone walls and industrial architecture, La Pulperie is a museum full of life and history. Once a pulp mill complex, it’s now a lively cultural space where you can explore the Saguenay’s working-class past, local culture, and Quebec artists. The permanent exhibition on Arthur Villeneuve, the region’s colorful folk artist, is worth the visit on its own. Art, history, and nature come together here in a leafy setting along the river.
5. Go stargazing in Monts-Valin National Park
Just a 35-minute drive from the city of Saguenay, the Monts-Valin area offers a surprisingly alpine setting. In winter, it’s a paradise for snowshoeing and snowmobiling. But in summer, it becomes an exceptional place to watch the stars. Once night falls, light pollution fades away and the sky fills with stars. The climb to Pic Dubuc, the park’s signature trail, takes you to one of the highest summits in the region, at 3,228 feet. From the top, the whole Saguenay region spreads out before you.
6. Wander the lanes of Old Chicoutimi
This is a gentle stroll among century-old buildings, art galleries, and small shaded patios. The Old Port district in Chicoutimi is the city’s historic soul. You’ll find former homes influenced by French and English architecture, lively docks, and beautiful views of the Saguenay River. In summer, farmers markets and street performances bring the squares to life. It’s ideal for an easygoing end to the day, with the scent of fresh bread in the air and the musical accents of locals all around you.
7. Experience a Quebec winter at Roberval’s Village on Ice
When Lake Saint-Jean freezes over, locals build a village… right on the ice! In Roberval, about an hour and a half away by car, you’ll find a true winter hamlet, complete with streets, colorful cabins, a giant skating rink, and outdoor activities. You can skate, fish, and sometimes even dance there. It’s an authentic immersion into a Quebec winter, where the temperatures bite but the warmth of the people makes you forget the cold. A magical family experience.
8. Travel back in time at La Fabuleuse Histoire d’un Royaume
This iconic Saguenay show blends theater, music, special effects, and contagious passion. Performed by a cast made up almost entirely of amateur actors, it traces the region’s history from Indigenous legends to the present day. It’s a true emotional ride, with laughter, chills, and plenty of heart. Every summer, thousands of spectators are swept up in this epic production, a powerful expression of local pride and deep attachment to the land.
9. Meet the artisans and foragers of the backcountry
Away from the main roads, the Saguenay region is full of small villages and passionate producers. Off the beaten path, around Saint-Félix-d’Otis or Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, you’ll meet people who live in step with nature. Beekeepers, Labrador tea foragers, herbalists… They all share ancestral know-how and a way of life rooted in self-sufficiency and respect for the living world. These encounters leave a deeper impression than any postcard ever could.
10. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kénogami
When summer arrives in the Saguenay region, Lake Kénogami becomes a little slice of paradise. Its clear waters meet quiet beaches, perfect for swimming or a family picnic. Whether you’re on a paddleboard, in a canoe, or simply stretched out on the sand, you can savor the soft sunshine and rare sense of calm. For a night near the water, several guesthouses and cabins offer sweeping views of the lake. In the morning, as the mist slowly lifts, nature seems to whisper something timeless.
Add the Saguenay region to your tailor-made trip in Canada
With Evaneos, you can travel with peace of mind, supported by local, English-speaking experts who live and breathe Canada every day. These on-the-ground specialists know every corner of the country, including its lesser-known places, and generously share their advice to help shape an itinerary that feels like you.
Dreaming of exploring the Saguenay fjords, watching whales, or hiking through boreal forests? They’ll design a 100% tailor-made trip for you, close to nature and the people who call this region home. A one-of-a-kind journey shaped by authentic encounters and their passion for Canada.
