Saguenay Fjord offers you the perfect itinerary for three days
Are you taking a short trip to Saguenay? Here are our favourite activities for an unforgettable three-day stay in Saguenay! Each day you’ll discover several interesting places where you can eat a delicious meal, take in the region’s beautiful scenery and visit various attractions.
DAY ONE IN SAGUENAY FJORD
La Baie Tourist Information Office
Start your day off on the right foot; meet us at the La Baie Tourist Information Office. Here, our experienced counsellors can answer your questions and suggest many different ideas for outings to go on during your three days in Saguenay Fjord.
Don’t forget to take a few minutes before starting your day to admire the stunning beauty of the Saguenay Fjord seen from parc Mars, right next to the information office.
If you’re visiting in the fall, you might get the chance to see one of the enormous international cruise ships arriving at the Bagotville wharf. Don’t forget to check the cruise ship schedule! Did you know that Saguenay has won the “Best Port Welcome” in the world four times? You won’t want to miss out if you come in the fall!
Musée du Fjord
The Musée du Fjord is a perfect family activity. During your visit, you’ll discover all the secrets of the fjord’s founding and the mysterious history and learn about the fascinating marine life that lives in the fjord.
L’Anse-Saint-Jean pier
On your first day, don’t miss out on stopping at the L’Anse-Saint-Jean pier. With many ships berthed and charming boutiques at the water’s edge, this could be pictured on a post card! Make the most of your stop here to walk along the beach, take in the views or even take a refreshing dip in the Saguenay Fjord!
Lunch at Chasse-Pinte
Open from June to October, this former fishing camp has been converted into a microbrewery/bistro. Chasse-Pinte’s intimate and welcoming atmosphere pair perfectly with the variety of flavourful local foods and products. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you’ll even get to see a live musical performance!
L’Anse-de-Tabatière lookout
Part of the parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, this lookout is the only car-accessible place to get a panoramic view of the fjord. On-site you’ll find everything you need to comfortably picnic or simply observe the beauty of nature with uninterrupted views.
La Baie port village and le O’Gelato et cacao
What better way to end your first day than tasting classic Saguenéen flavours of ice cream while watching the colours of the sunset on the Saguenay fjord? It’s literally the cherry on top!
At O’Gelato et Cacao, an ice cream counter, you can choose between several products (chocolates, pastries, tea, etc.) and/or gelato flavours! Don’t forget to take a picture with the SAGUENAY sign, right next to the port village agora, before you leave. It’s sure to be a beautiful souvenir of your trip to Saguenay!
Day two in Saguenay
Chicoutimi Tourist Information Office
On your second day, take this opportunity to explore the district of Chicoutimi! Start off at the tourist information office, located in the centre of downtown, on rue Racine, right next to the port. After getting all the information you need from our counsellors, we suggest a walk along the Saguenay river.
La Pulperie de Chicoutimi / Regional museum
La Pulperie de Chicoutimi is a museum unlike any other! An authentic relic of the past, the museum is located on the historical site of a former operational pulp company (a mill that converts wood into paper pulp), which was very successful in the 1900s. Today, the former mechanical workshop and the various buildings which make up this historic place are still standing and house many different exhibits.
Restaurant les 3G snack bar at the Sainte-Rose-du-Nord pier
Can we tempt you with the opportunity to savour delicious homemade fries or a refreshing cone of maple syrup soft serve? Sounds pretty good, right? These incredible dishes can be found right across from the Saguenay fjord and only a couple feet from the Sainte-Rose-du-Nord pier at Restaurant les 3G.
Navettes maritimes du Fjord
Speaking of the pier, that’s where you’ll be heading for your next activity: a three-hour cruise, with no stopover on the fabulous Saguenay Fjord. Led by experienced guides, this activity will take you through the fjord’s soaring peaks and will even give you the chance to admire the Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay statue on the summit of the stunning Cap Trinité.
Return to the district of Chicoutimi and discover the many restaurants
After a long day of exploring Chicoutimi and the surrounding areas, it’s the perfect time to sit down to a satisfying meal. Racine street, gourmet central, offers several restaurants where you can sample international flavours. All the restaurants in downtown are located near the Zone portuaire de Chicoutimi, where several festivals take place during the summer. Make the most of your time here by taking advantage of these festivals!
Day three in Saguenay Fjord
District of Jonquière
A visit to our counsellors is sure to start your day off on the right foot, with a plethora of activities and suggestions for you in the district of Jonquière.
L’Érudit Café
Need a coffee to start your day? L’Érudit Café’s reputation in Saguenay is unrivaled! Located in the heart of downtown Jonquière, this charming café serves an incredible coffee straight from their baristas. Whether on their terrace (open in the summer) or inside, you’ll be charmed by the lively decor and attentive staff.
Parc de la Rivière-aux-Sables
Just a few minutes walk from L’Érudit Café, you’ll find the parc de la Rivière-aux-Sables, perfect for families and aquatic activity enthusiasts. Your kids will find hours of fun on our cool, modern playgrounds (or water parks in the summer). For paddleboard enthusiasts, you’re free to paddle up and down the length of the river and rentals are available on site. There are bike paths on both sides of the park. It’s a beautiful route to take if you’re cycling in Jonquière!
Domaine le Cageot
After exploring the park, it’s time to head toward Domaine le Cageot to experience the “picnic box” package. This includes a welcome cocktail, the “winemaker’s” sandwich with a salad, and dessert and a glass of wine. Delicious! You’ll also get to hear a brief history of the company. Ideal for a tasty lunch, without any fuss!v
Arvida heritage area and Centre d’histoire Arvida
If this is your first trip to Saguenay, you won’t have had the chance to appreciate Arvida’s brilliantly preserved old-world charm. With its century-old houses and mature trees, Arvida is remarkable. Visit Le Centre d’Histoire Arvida (CHA) to discover the area’s unique history. The centre also has various established paths that will take you through different parts of the area on foot!
Dinner at La Voie Maltée
We can guarantee that a delicious and filling meal at La Voie Maltée is the perfect way to finish your day. This restaurant is another must-see to discover in Saguenay Fjord! This microbrewery is one of the pioneers in this field. Since 2002, it stands out for its warm atmosphere, wide variety of tasty beers and comforting dishes inspired by the aromas of beer. For a festive evening, the “VM” is the place to be!
Now you’re ready to make the most out of your three days in Saguenay Fjord. Which stop will be your favourite? Welcome!