A Saguenay and Chalevoix Road Trip From Quebec City

Just north of Quebec City, you will find two of Quebec’s most beautiful regions the Charlevoix, and the Saguenay. The former is the domain of Quebec’s artists drawn by its stunning landscapes while the latter is an outdoor paradise, frequented by those who love marine life and geological formation not expected on Canada’s eastern coastline.

General Route

In the map bellow i lay out an easy road-trip to the region from Quebec City, up towards the mouth of the Saguenay river, then towards Chicoutimi and the Lac St. Jean with on option a) and b) for the north of south shores, with a return through the 175 towards the point of departure.

Major Attractions Covered in this Post

Here are just a few of the major attractions along this route

• Quebec City (1)
• L’Île d’Orléans (2)
• Chutes Montmorency (3)
• St. Anne de Beaupre Cathedral (4)
• St Anne Canyon (5)
• Baie St Paul (6)
• Hautes Gorges de La Riviere Malbaie (7)
• Mont Le Dôme (Park des Grand Jardins) (8)
• La Malbaie (9)
• Tadoussac and Anse St. Jean (10)
• Les Dunes (11)
• Phare de Cap-de-Bon-Désir (12)
• Saguenay Fjord National Park (Statue of Our Lady of Saguenay Hike and the Bay) (13)
• La Baie (14)
• Center Plein Air Bec-Scie (15)
• Chicoutimi (16)
• Lac St Jean (Chemin des bleuets, Val Jalbert) (17)
• Parc le Trou de la Fée (18)
• Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier (19)
• Grosse Isle (Not on map)

Description of the Attractions

In this section the attractions have been given a description and have been organized by region.

Quebec City Region

Quebec City (1):

Historic city on the St. Lawrence. There are two key neighbourhoods contained in the old town walls, la Basse Ville (Lower Town) with its charming cobblestone streets as well as the famous Place Royale square and the Upper Town with its grand structures such as cathedrals as the Chateau Frontenac. Other major attractions are the Citadel, Plains of Abraham, Aquarium of Quebec, Quebec Parliament the Beau Arts Museum and countless other galleries.

Major thoroughfares for food and drink include Rue Saint-Jean, La Grande Allée west of George V place, the hipster microbrew neighbourhood of St. Roch. If it is nice out head down to the port for happy hour at La Cour arrière du Festibière. This bar is actually a shallow pool where you can dip your feet in the water. 

Île d’Orléans (2):

This massive island north of Quebec City is accessible by bridge. It is a culinary destination known for its vineyards and cheese.

Chutes Montmorency (3):

This towering 83m waterfall is one of the most impressive in Quebec.

St. Anne de Beaupre Cathedral (4):

One of the eight national shrines of Canada, this Basilica is a major pilgrimage site.

St Anne Canyon (5):

An outdoor recreation area at St. Anne featuring a deep gorge with a pretty waterfall. Worth it if you have time, else skip.

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier (19):

This provincial part is home to a narrow river canyon. Either enjoy the water or hike the Les Loups Trail for commanding views of the landscape.

Grosse Isle (Not on map):

Accessible via a ferry from the town of Berthier-sur-Mer, this was once a quarantine site, where immigrants such as the Irish, were interred awaiting processing. Now a Parks Canada  site you can explore the abandoned buildings.

Charlevoix Region

Baie St Paul (6):

A beautiful little town, Baie St. Paul has a great selection of heritage buildings and restaurants, especially on Jean Baptiste street.

Hautes Gorges de La Riviere Malbaie (7):

My favorite Park in Québec, book parking access to this one in advance if you plan on visiting.  This Malbaie river canyon is home to spectacular views, especially if you make it up to the famed Acropole des Draveurs. Boat tours of the river and other services are also offered if you do not feel like hiking. 

Mont Le Dôme (Park des Grand Jardins) (8):

This is one of the more popular hikes in the Grand Jardins area. Could a good alternative to the above-mentioned park if you cannot secure access.

La Malbaie (9):

Home to the historic Manoir Richelieu hotel, this town has been a favorite of the Quebec Elite for decades

Saguenay Region

Tadoussac and Anse St. Jean (10):

Either Are Great Departure points for the best whale watching in Canada. Tadoussac is one of the oldest towns in Canada and is home to a marine mammal museum and many old buildings.

Les Dunes (11):

Massive sand dune spilling into the St. Lawrence just east of Tadousac. More impressive then it sounds.

Phare de Cap-de-Bon-Désir (12):

A lighthouse with a rocky lookout point where you can sometimes see whales.

Saguenay Fjord National Park (Statue of Our Lady of Saguenay Hike and the Bay) (13)

This nature center is home to great views of the fjord, and a hike leading up to a stone guardian of the shipping channel.

La Baie (14):

A small municipality where one can look out at the container ships pulling into port. For aviation enthusiasts I strongly recommend a stop at CFB Bagotville to watch the military aircraft take off.

Center Plein Air Bec-Scie (15):

This is a narrow waterfall/canyon area with hikes and other outdoor activities.

Chicoutimi (16):

Once home to the wealthy Quebec timber industry, this industrial town boasts a few museums including one to the pulp and paper industry and the other to the devastating flood that whiped out part of the city during the 1990’s. Although the city has seen better days, it has a few lively restaurants in the upper part of the city. For beer, I recommend the Tour a Bierre Brewing.

Lac St Jean (Chemin des bleuets, Val Jalbert) (17):

Quebec’s beloved lake is a favorite of Cyclists with the Chemin des Bleuets (the blueberry trail) taking cyclists on a 256km journey around it, starting in Alma. Otherwise, it’s a pretty drive. Highlights include the Val Jalbert, a restored ghost town with an old stone mill that has now been converted into a museum.

Parc le Trou de la Fée (18):

A boardwalk up a river where old mills once were king this park offers the tourist a chance to experience the untamed power of the river as it barrels down towards the Lac-Saint-Jean.

Additional Resources

Hunting and fishing:

What to do in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean | Tourisme Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean (saguenaylacsaintjean.ca)

Parks Quebec (SEPAC):

Visit Quebec National Parks – Sepaq

Conclusion

I hope that you enjoy the region as much I have over the years, not only is the hiking and natural features incredible but so are the people, their culture and their food!