Making the most of Saguenay Quebec
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Saguenay is both a Quebec region and the official new name for amalgamated towns, the largest of which was Chicoutimi. The actual port is at La Baie, 20km from Chicoutimi, with its wharf in Baie de Ha! Ha! A tourist office inside the beautiful terminal/pavilion provides help and services.
The fjord has very scenic views.
Only one cruise ship can dock, so others tender passengers ashore. The port now has two tenders, respectively carrying 125 and 175 passengers.
See this port's cruise schedule.
North America's only cruise-ship-navigable fjord is the Saguenay River, offering many vistas and even occasional whale sightings.
Explore Chicoutimi's Croissant Culturel on foot, bicycle or by car. This south downtown district sits on the Saguenay river shore, amphitheater-shaped and full of treasures, with business activity supporting plentiful cultural and artistic life. Discover history, rest at outdoor cafés, browse boutiques and expositions, and enjoy life. There is much to sharpen the senses and reveal the many charming aspects of Croissant Culturel. Good findings!
Getting around
Use the Hop-on/Hop off tourist bus to see Saguenay attractions. Its two guided circuits cover Downtown and Cultural areas, plus the Fjord Museum and surroundings.
The scenery is the main reason for visiting, and most of it is perfectly visible from the ship.
At Saguenay National Park's Cape Trinité, Notre-Dame, protector of the kingdom of Saguenay, stands at 10.5 meters and 3 000 kilos. Reach the statue by a path that climbs to 300 meters altitude or by cruising boat. There you can also admire Louis Jobin's art, watching over boatmen for over a century...
Car rental is offered at the cruise terminal.
Food and shopping
Only a 2-minute walk from the pavilion, local craftspeople offer a wide range of handmade products, providing a friendly way to meet locals and their creativity.
Money
Currency: Canadian dollar.
Many grocery stores, malls, airports and other places have ATMs, mostly linked to Cirrus, Plus, Star, Maestro and other international networks. A major credit card can withdraw ATM cash too, but it is usually more expensive because it carries both a service fee and immediate interest.
Staying connected
Canada's main languages are English 59.3% and French 23.2%, both official, while other languages make up 17.5%. Quebec and New Brunswick are the most "French"; the rest of the country speaks English. Free WiFi and internet stations are at the terminal.