Experience the serenity and infinite beauty of Saguenay National Park by hiking one of its most magnificent trails. While the drive to the park is scenic, it pales in comparison to the landscape within the park and Saguenay Fjord, both of which are staggeringly beautiful. Over the past two million years, the Saguenay River has undergone four glacial stages that have carved deep valleys in the area. The forests were logged in the 1800s and 1900s, but the now-protected land has steadily begun to return to its former glory. Seeing the parkland on foot offers a wonderful perspective of this intricate ecosystem. You will hike the breathtaking Point de Vue du Soupir trail, which gains about 450 feet in altitude and will provide incredible views of the forest and river far below. After the hike, you will head back to the pier.

Spend free time exploring the natural wonders within Saguenay National Park, a gorgeous setting that encompasses the spectacular Saguenay Fjord, the world’s southernmost fjord. First drop by the national park’s visitor center. Be sure to pick up a map so you can maximize your leisurely time at the park and easily find your way around. If you want to stretch your legs, you might stroll along the Meandres des Falaises trail. Although a short easy trail, it offers plenty of grand views, including ones of the Eternity River Delta. Another option is to simply meander about with no destination in mind, which will free you to discover areas that you might not otherwise see.

Discover how local artisans make cheese, blow glass and weave alpaca wool using time-honored traditional techniques. Your immersion into these crafts will include the family-owned Fromagerie Boivin, where you will see how a variety of cheeses is made and then sample a selection of them. One of the most popular items is a cheese curd that squeaks when you chew it. You will enhance your understanding of glass-blowing at the Touverre Workshop as the craftsmen demonstrate how to manipulate glass into creative shapes. You may also learn about the materials needed to produce glass and the history of glass-blowing. Similarly, at the Alpaga Bersi farm, you will see how craftsmen skillfully weave alpaca wool into sweaters, hats, scarves and other clothing. Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca wool doesn’t contain lanolin so it is hypoallergenic.

Discover the unique qualities of the land and people around Saguenay by visiting several unusual museums devoted to the Saguenay Fjord and pulp mill. Departing from the pier, you will immediately be struck by the natural beauty surrounding Saguenay, which sprawls along the Saguenay River, a tributary of the mighty St. Lawrence. Its fjord, deeply chiseled in the Laurentian Mountains, is one of the world's largest and was discovered by French explorer Jacques Cartier in the mid-1530s. Marine life thrives here, including Beluga whales, Minke whales and Greenland sharks. Arriving at the Fjord Museum, you will discover how the waterway was formed, its importance to the province, and why the museum's strange Ha! Ha! Pyramid monument was created out of more than 3,000 traffic yield signs. Then a self-guided visit will be made, at the historic old paper mill, which is a National Historic Site of Canada, located in a partially forested valley on the Chicoutimi River. The pulp mill once belonged to the Compagnie de Pulpe de Chicoutimi, which mechanically transformed wood into paper pulp to meet the demand of European markets at the beginning of the 20th century. Since summer 2002, following major renovations, La Pulperie de Chicoutimi opens its doors to the public and offers artistic and ethnologic displays on the history of the locals’ inhabitants. Finally, you'll visit Le Chevrier du Nord, a farm that raises angora goats for mohair clothing. It's quite the enterprise and a memorable end to your tour before driving back to the pier.

Gain a remarkably in-depth historical understanding of the area on a panoramic drive through Saguenay and enjoy a variety of tastings at a winery in the countryside. Saguenay lies along the banks of its namesake river and the Chicoutimi River, where you will see a late-19th-century stone pulp mill that fueled the region’s early economy. You will also see evidence of the devastating impact of the rivers while pausing at the Little White House, which survived the floods of 1996 and became a symbol of perseverance. Still, Saguenay’s most unusual attraction is the whimsical Ha! Ha! Pyramid, a contemporary art installation made with thousands of Yield Road signs. It commemorates that destructive flood. After traveling into the rolling countryside west of Saguenay, you will visit Domaine le Cageot, the region’s first vineyard and producer of spirits. Besides tasting its premier spirits, you will enjoy a slice of blueberry pie, a blueberry tea, a tasting of three wines—including the blueberry aperitif wine Bleu de Roi, the raspberry and blueberry aperitif wine Frambleu—and a blueberry Kir Royal cocktail, along with a blueberry ganache chocolate.

Gain a historical perspective of the colonization of the Quebec province by visiting re-creations of several 17th-century settlements. Upon arriving in New France, you will easily be able to imagine life during the colonization of the Quebec province, as the settlement features restored historical buildings and costumed characters that will immerse you in the world of New France. French colonists lived side by side with First Nations tribes such as the Hurons, and you will also visit a re-creation of their village, along with a rural farm and Quebec City’s upper and lower towns. Interacting with the characters at New France, sampling traditional foods add even more to your understanding of 17th-century life.

Discover the wonders within Saguenay National Park, enjoy a leisurely stroll along one of the park’s easiest trails. After an extraordinarily scenic drive, you will arrive in Saguenay National Park, which encompasses the spectacular Saguenay Fjord, the world’s southernmost fjord. Join your guide for an easy one-hour stroll along the Meandres des Falaises trail and discover the Eternity River Delta. During your stroll you will hear about the creation and characteristics of the Saguenay Fjord, whose magnificent topography was sculpted by glaciers 10 million years ago. You will gain the knowledge what makes a fjord and how was it shaped, and why the waters of the Saguenay River are so dark and salty. Learn about the sand dunes (or are they marine terraces?), and which species can be regularly observed in the park. After your guided stroll you could visit the visitor center.

See many of the key attractions that define Saguenay, especially in its decidedly French Chicoutimi district. Saguenay lies at the tip of a majestic fjord where the waters of the Saguenay and the Saint Lawrence rivers meet, and as you drive through the charming town the guide will elaborate on the fjord’s importance to trade through the centuries. Upon reaching Chicoutimi, you will pause for photos of the Little White House that survived the devastating floods of 1996. The house is now considered a symbol of perseverance. You will also pass the Ha! Ha! Pyramid, a contemporary art piece that commemorates the destructive flood. The whimsical pyramid is constructed with thousands of Yield Road signs. during this tour you will see a 19th-century pulp mill that helped spur development throughout this part of Canada.

Paddle a kayak along the smooth-as-glass waters of the Saguenay Fjord, looking for seals and other marine life in the unspoiled wonderland. After a scenic drive, you will arrive at the Saguenay National Park, the first park in the province dedicated to protecting marine life. You will then ease into a two-person kayak and start paddling along the shores of Cape Trinity. Receding glaciers carved the waterway out of rock centuries ago, leaving behind sheer cliffs and one of the province’s most spectacular settings. Seals and marine birds are also prevalent in the pristine Cape Trinity area, so be sure to scan the waters as you paddle along. Afterwards, you might shop in the Visitor center.