Adventures on the Route du Fjord

Want to follow Philippe Laprise on the Route du Fjord, enjoy outdoor activities, taste and discover Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean? This route is perfect for you! For a large-scale treasure hunt, find the life-size Phil's hidden in the various regional businesses and take fun pictures with our spokesperson (#suivezlephil #saglac). Ready for a larger than life vacation? 

Tip from the guide :  The Saguenay and the Route du Fjord are immense. You must therefore take the time to see them properly. Don’t forget to check the distances and travel times between the attractions when planning your stay or you might lose your breath. An early arrival is best to get off on the right foot! Enjoy a good family road trip by driving directly from Charlevoix by route 170 and 381, from Quebec City by route 175, or from the North Shore by route 172. You can also take advantage of air and rail transportation to make your visit, either by plane from Bagotville (YBG) or by train with arrivals in Chambord or Jonquière. Depending on where you plan to arrive, this itinerary is possible in either direction.  

DAY 1: THE FJORD, NORTH SHORE OF THE SAGUENAY

The Saguenay Fjord is one of the longest in the world and the only navigable fjord in North America. Discover its breathtaking vistas and don't forget to bring your camera. From Baie-Sainte-Catherine, you will travel along the superb Fjord road towards Saguenay, meeting beautiful villages and talented local artisans. Today's trip will cover 133 kilometers. On the way, you will pass through picturesque towns and villages, and stop to contemplate the postcard-like landscapes. Take the time to visit Sacré-Coeur, Sainte-Rose-du-Nord and Saint-Fulgence.  

This first day will end in the heart of downtown Chicoutimi. You will be able to drop off your luggage at the Hôtel Chicoutimi. This 4-star hotel stands out for its spacious and modern rooms with a view on the historical Racine Street, the Saguenay River or the cathedral and its diversified cuisine. Speaking of food, you will be able to taste the best of the region with four different restaurants within the hotel, which make local fare a priority. 

DAY 2: A DAY OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Pack your snacks and your camera, because today you are going on an excursion on the Saguenay Fjord and its surroundings. Leave the car behind; and travel to Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux by sea. The adventure will begin at the cruise ship dock in La Baie, where you will board the Navettes maritimes du Fjord. You may even meet Philippe Laprise, dressed like a captain.

This 8 hour stop over includes a ton of options, making it easy and fun to fill your day with adventure. A favorite place for nature lovers, Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux offers a wide range of guided and self-guided adventure and ecotourism activities.

Situated on the shores of the majestic Saguenay Fjord, the Park offers recreational activities such as treetop adventures adapted for the whole family, a Via Ferrata, kayaking, ten kilometers of hiking trails and two beaches. At the end of the afternoon, take the shuttle back to the pier in La Baie.

DAY 3 : EN ROUTE TO L’ANSE-SAINT-JEAN 

Pack your bags, today we are going to L'Anse-Saint-Jean, a small village located in the heart of the fjord and considered one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. On the agenda: breathtaking scenery of the fjord, a multitude of places to discover and warm and friendly atmosphere. 

In the morning, plan a stop at the Musée du Fjord, an entertaining place that takes you into the fantastic universe of the Saguenay Fjord and the Baie des Ha! Ha! Dive into this living laboratory and be transported to the seabed of the Saguenay Fjord thanks to their 53,000-litre saltwater aquarium that will help you discover unsuspected marine life. The viewing of their 20-minute multimedia show features stunning aerial, terrestrial and underwater images of the Saguenay Fjord. 

Then, it’s back on the road again to travel the 75 kilometers that separate you from L'Anse-Saint-Jean! Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec, L’Anse-Saint-Jean charms with its heritage houses, its church and the covered bridge that also serves as a local artists’ gallery. Nestled in the river valley, L'Anse-Saint-Jean and its lookouts offer a magnificent window on the Saguenay Fjord.  

In the evening, opt for one of the picturesque accommodations available in the village, including the Maison de Vébron. 

Tip from the guide: Nothing is more pleasant than listening to music on the road. A few songs by Guylaine Tanguay, Gab Bouchard, Pierre Lapointe and Philippe Brach, among others, always manage to set the mood in the car. Discover our 100% SagLac playlist. 

DAY 4: A UNIQUE ALL-INCLUSIVE 

This morning, let's go to the Village Vacances Petit-Saguenay where you can spend a few hours (or a whole week!) with your family for everyone's pleasure. Commonly called VIVA, the Village Vacances is an all-inclusive resort that includes lodging, food and activities for children by age group and even parents! You'll experience amazing adventures and precious moments with your family thanks to great programming ranging from mud baths, to swimming pools, to hikes and even shows. While you're there, you might even spot a Philip having a soothing mud bath.

The itinerary is at its end, but the area still has a ton of activities to offer, including the Parc national du Fjord du Saguenay. You can choose to hike, watch beluga whales from the shore or swim.

Would you like to continue your adventures in the region? Check out the other itineraries to discover a multitude of summer offers that will make you want to stay longer on vacation in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. You could also take advantage of this opportunity to continue your journey towards Charlevoix by following route 170.