Canada Guide
Northern Québec
The Saguenay
The Saguenay is Québec's most schizophrenic region, encompassing some of the province's most spectacular scenery, tremendous marine life and also the dreariest of industrial towns. Fortunately, the two extremes are kept nicely separate along the Saguenay River, so that you can explore the rich landscapes along its fjord and source – Lac Saint-Jean – in peace. Best known for its whale-watching opportunities, the region is also exceptional for canoeing, backcountry hiking and cycle touring.
The main tourist centre of the region is Tadoussac, 78km north of La Malbaie and 227km from Québec City via Hwy 138. It lies at a pretty spot at the neck of the Saguenay Fjord and its confluence with the St Lawrence. Many come here just to catch a boat to head out to the whales. It's a pretty town in its own right, from which you can often see the whales, and it also makes a great base to explore a number of other outdoor attractions in the vicinity. Many of these are centered on the national parks along the Fjord du Saguenay where both the land and sea are protected (as the Parc du Saguenay and Parc Marin du Saguenay– St-Laurent; 
418/235-4703 or 1-800/463-6769, 
www.sepaq.com ). The marine park contains six different ecosystems and supports hundreds of marine species, but as part of the hydrographic basin of the Great Lakes and the St Lawrence – once the most polluted waterway in Canada thanks to toxic waste discharges – it had its work cut out protecting the area.