saguenay river, quebec ?

[RHL28041]

Hello,

Can anyone tell me what to expect on the saguenay river? Is there any tip to get the most of it on the ship?

Thanks

Rosa

[jp2001]

It's a very scenic cruise. You will see forest, embarkations, probably marine life and some animals on the coast.

[Ephraim]

Fjords for the river cruise and lovely towns dotting the coast.

 

At the mouth of the river is a national marine park and depending on when you are there, whales, sea lions and dolphins are what you will see.

[dbh62ark]

. . . depending on when you are there, whales, sea lions and dolphins are what you will see.

We are considering a September 11 cruise that would cruise the fjord on September 13. Is this a good time for spotting whales?

 

Thanks,

Donna

[PennyAgain]

I saw whales at about that time but I took a small boat river day trip to do so. The area is very scenic. That's why you are there.

[Ephraim]

The whales are at the mouth of the Saguenay until the end of October. The fjords are beautiful as are the towns that dot the coast. At Tadoussac you can see the hotel that they used for the movie the Hotel New Hampshire.

[cruisingrightalong]

We will be on this one in October but per the information we sail the river from 6 p.m. on???? does this seem reasonable???? or is that a mispring I wonder...it will be dark right???

 

Lou

[holacanada]

Fjords for the river cruise and lovely towns dotting the coast.

 

At the mouth of the river is a national marine park and depending on when you are there, whales, sea lions and dolphins are what you will see.

 

As far that I know there is NO dolphins in Saguenay river. In summer 2000 I worked as a guide on board of Catamaran Famille Dufour 2 (the biggest in Canada). Each day we leave Quebec city (with over 200 PAX) at eight in the morning for a 10 hours journey up to Saguenay Fjord. I had to explain all about marine experience while we watched the whales near the Haut-Font Prince lighthouse).

I don't see in my notes we have dolphin...!

Whales ok, Beluga (that what you think is dolphin maybe?), samething for the sea lions never saw that in St-Lawrence

 

Holacanada

Boarding for Halloween cruise Noordam in

84 days, 9 hours, 19 minutes and 7 seconds

 

For those who come in Quebec this month (august) with Maasdam and in September with Eurodam, don't hesitate to mail me your questions, I'll be at pier 19 or 22 to watch ship movements (arriving-leaving Quebec)

 

Come celebrate our 400th birthday with US !!!!

http://monquebec2008.sympatico.msn.ca/MonQuebec2008/

[pacmom]

There is very little online info about this port. We will be there in Sept on the Royal. Would like to find out about private tours or boat trips out of LaBaie? Thanks in advance for any help. Pat

[Ephraim]

Saguenay is the new name for the town of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicoutimi. The town's official website is at http://www.ville.saguenay.qc.ca/portail/wps/portal/tourisme?lang=en

 

The whale watching trips start out of Baie Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac. La Malbaie is a town in the Charlevoix and it's most famous for the Casino de Charlevoix at the Manoir Richelieu.

 

I think the ships dock at La Baie, QC. Which is 16km from Chicoutimi (or the town of Saguenay, if you prefer). It's at least a 2 hour drive to La Malbaie, Tadoussac or Baie Ste-Catherine.

 

Here are some of the attractions close to the port. http://www.cruisesaintlawrence.com/EN/stopovers/discover/6/Saguenay.aspx

[RHL28041]

Everything sound really great, but I don't what to expecto for a night visit?

The ship's itinerary says Saguenay River 5:00 PM 8:00 PM Cruising

 

Does anyone experienced this time of cruising?

 

Thanks

Rosa

[momesu]

I too am on an October cruise that goes up the Saguenay River. I was there in 2004 with my husband and we took a half day trip that went down the St LAwrence for a ways and then up the Saguenay River for a ways. This was on more of a small river cruise ship not tiny but no where near the size of the Explorer. I am having a hard time imagining the Explorer going up the river, but I know it must. Has anyone been on a ship this size while it was cruising up the river or if you live in the area have you ever seen one do so? Just curious. Also how long is it light enough to see things after the sun goes down. The itinerary says we are cruising it 5-8pm and I checked and sun set is at 5:49pm.

Thanks,

Suzanne

[dbh62ark]

Thank you to all who left information regarding this port. We are also having a hard time finding information for this port, but it appears to be a nice addition to the NE/Canada itineraries due to the scenery.

 

We are generally averse to ship's shore excursions because we are independent travelers and don't like to be tied up in groups, but we are considering a shore ex in this port due to lack of information to be able to plan our day. If any of the local residents have an opinion on the options offered by Holland (sorry for the length of this post, but posting the link is not working), I would love to hear your thoughts. My husband and I are physically able to do any of the activities and enjoy beautiful scenery and the beautiful old town areas with European ambience such as the one in Quebec. Is Chicoutimi a good option, or should we consider the Best of Saguenay & Ste-Rose-du-Nord tour? We'd also love to hear more about independent sightseeing in this port.

 

Thanks in advance,

Donna

 

A Stroll in the Park

Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Saguenay National Park at a leisurely pace with a 45-minute scenic drive from the ship to the Parc National du Saguenay Interpretation Center. Upon arrival, hear a brief lecture about the creation and characteristics of the Saguenay Fjord, whose magnificent topography was sculpted by glaciers 10 million years ago. You will learn 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 what species can be regularly observed in the Park. You'll also hear about the habits of the St. Lawrence's beluga whales. After this introduction to the park, join your guide for an easy one-hour stroll along the Meandres des Falaises trail and discover the Eternity River Delta. Then you will have time on your own to fully explore the Interpretation Center as it reveals the hidden mysteries of this exceptional ecosystem, or to shop in the trendy gift shop.

 

Saguenay Sea Kayaking

Let the rhythm of the tide mesmerize you in a sea kayaking excursion. Travel from the pier in La Baie on a 45-minute scenic drive to Parc National du Saguenay Interpretation Center. A safety briefing and paddling instruction will be given before you board a stable, two-person kayak equipped with easy rudder control. Then you are ready for your 1 1/4-hour paddle along Cape Trinity, with sheer cliffs and sandy beaches. On the surface, the beauty of the Saguenay Fjord is striking, but these waters also reveal glimpses of their depths that have long been thought unfathomable. If you're lucky you may encounter marine life, including lazy seals sunbathing on the rocks, or a whale frolicking in the water. Previous kayak experience is not necessary. You will have some free time at the Interpretation Center to shop for souvenirs or enjoy the exhibits.

 

Saguenay Hiking

With more than 70 miles of hiking trails, Saguenay National Park is a great area to discover this magnificent landscape on foot. From the pier in La Baie, drive to Parc National du Saguenay where you will begin your 1 1/2-mile walk along the Point de Vue du Soupir trail. Experience firsthand the disproportionate scale of time and space in a land where nature has made use of its colossal forces to carve out a fjord. The hike culminates at the halfway point to the statue of Our Lady of Saguenay where you will have remarkable views of the fjord and surrounding mountains, rivers and valleys. The hike will take approximately two hours round trip, involves an elevation gain of 450 feet, and is recommended for intermediate hikers. Return to the Interpretation Center to learn more about the fjord, or shop in the gift boutique after your hike.

 

Craftsman Road

Step back in time and discover artisans whose crafts date back generations. Visit the Olivier soap factory, which combines the aroma and therapeutic properties of pure essential oils, the art of traditional soap making, the science of plants and flowers and the history of pure olive oil to create extraordinarily mild, biodegradable, long-lasting skin solutions. See one of the oldest artforms at the glass-blowing workshop. The techniques used here originated in ancient Egypt and Syria a thousand years ago. Nowadays in Saguenay, Guiseppe Benedetto, glass-maker and sculptor, performs this highly sophisticated technique before your very eyes as he creates decorative glass objects such as whales, blueberries, fruits, lamps, perfumers and more. Then discover the quaint Les Bergeries du Fjord farm to learn the principles of cheese making. See the latest method of milk collection and ultimately how the farm's renowned cheese is made. You will have a chance to enjoy and taste some cheese along with some local raspberry wine.

 

Best of Saguenay & Ste-Rose-du-Nord

Your tour begins with a scenic drive through La Baie to the Fjord Museum, where you'll discover the importance of this waterway deeply chiselled through the Laurentian Mountains. You will pass the Ha! Ha! Pyramid where you will learn of the great flood of 1996 that devastated the region. At Arthur Villeneuve's Place, see the barber/painter's impressive frescoes that cover almost every square inch of his home. Your final stop will be at Le Chevrier du Nord Goat Farm. This small family business produces mohair wool products. The highlight of your day may be a visit to Ste-Rose-du-Nord, one of the most beautiful villages in the province of Québec. This charming little hamlet is nestled on the shores of the Saguenay River, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. You will have some free time to stroll in the village, stop at the quaint little church, or perhaps browse in one of the boutiques on the main street. Place des Artisans features stalls of local arts and crafts, and the quay provides a beautiful view of the village and the Saguenay River.

 

Chicoutimi City Sights

Discover the highlights of the Chicoutimi area bordered by two mountain chains and nestled on the shores of the Saguenay Fjord, as your guide takes you back in time to learn about the area's fascinating past. Known as a natural trading route for the First Nations people, Chicoutimi's history has always been linked to the tides of the Saguenay River. In the early 1600s, France established its first fur trading post and colonization of the area soon followed. Passing Chicoutimi's industrial area, you will see how the early 20th century brought exploitation of the river with logging, the pulp and paper industries, and aluminum production. A photo stop will be made at the Cultural Quarter and the Little White House that miraculously survived the flood of 1996. A photo stop will also be made at the Pulp Mill of Chicoutimi. Founded in 1898, the mill played an important role in the development of the area and produced a high-quality pulp that was exported throughout the world.

 

Saguenay and Heritage Route

At the tip of a majestic fjord where the waters of the Saguenay and the Saint Lawrence rivers meet lies the charming village of Saguenay. You will visit the district of Chicoutimi--known for its decidedly French atmosphere and a touch of the Old World--and learn about the area's culture and history. As you begin your sightseeing tour, you'll discover the importance of Saguenay Fjord, deeply chiseled into the Laurentians Mountains, and once a natural trading route for the First Nations people of the area. In the 1600s, France established its first fur trading post here; colonization of the area soon followed. While passing through the industrial area, you will see how the early 20th century brought exploitation of the river with logging, the pulp and paper industries, and aluminium production. Continuing to Chicoutimi, you'll drive along its main street, Rue Racine, and past the Old Port. A photo stop will be made at the Cultural Quarter and the Little White House that miraculously survived the flood of 1996, and at the Pulp Mill of Chicoutimi. Founded in 1898, the mill played an important role in the development of the area. The first French Canadian-owned pulp company, this mill produced high-quality pulp that was exported throughout the world. Then you will drive through, Arvida--the Washington of the north--a perfect example of a 20th-century company town. In 1926, 270 houses were built here in 135 days and not a single house resembled its neighbor. You will drive by the world's first aluminum bridge, built to display the strength and diversity of aluminum. Then visit the Sir William Price Museum housed in a wonderful Anglican chapel built in 1912. The museum is dedicated to the pulp and paper dynasty of four generations of the Price family. The bus will pass by the homes of both management and workers of the company town of Old Kenogami. Before returning to the ship, you will see the area of Jonquière that was also first built as a company town.

 

Best of Saguenay by Land & Sea

Boarding a day vessel from the pier, you will enjoy an outing to discover the natural beauty of the Fjord from the sea. With huge glacier-sculpted cliffs rising more than 1150 feet and than dropping 900 feet deep into the shallow waters of the bay this cruise to Cape Trinity is unforgettable. Trinity is the most impressive cliff in the fjord. Learn about the geological, biological and morphological development of the fjord as you glide by the impressive landscapes and towering cliffs of this natural wonder. Your journey takes you by the charming little hamlet of Ste. Rose du Nord--the jewel of the Saguenay. One of the most beautiful villages in the province of Québec, Ste. Rose is nestled on the shores of the Saguenay River and surrounded by lovely landscapes. At Saguenay National Park you'll have some free time to explore on your own the National Park interpretation center or stroll in the park. You'll then board the bus for your return drive to the pier.

 

Saguenay & Val-Jalbert

At the tip of a majestic fjord where the waters of the Saguenay and the Saint Lawrence rivers meet lies the charming village of Saguenay. You will visit the district of Chicoutimi--known for its decidedly French atmosphere and a touch of the Old World--and learn about the area's culture and history. As you begin your sightseeing tour, you'll discover the importance of Saguenay Fjord, deeply chiseled into the Laurentians Mountains, and once a natural trading route for the First Nations people of the area. In the 1600s, France established its first fur trading post here; colonization of the area soon followed. While passing through the industrial area, you will see how the early 20th century brought exploitation of the river with logging, the pulp and paper industries, and aluminium production. Continuing to Chicoutimi, you'll drive along its main street, Rue Racine, and past the Old Port. A photo stop will be made at the Cultural Quarter and the Little White House that miraculously survived the flood of 1996, and at the Pulp Mill of Chicoutimi. Founded in 1898, the mill played an important role in the development of the area. The first French Canadian-owned pulp company, this mill produced high-quality pulp that was exported throughout the world. Then you will take a one-hour drive through farmland and along Lac St-Jean to Val-Jalbert Historical Village. Dominated by the majestic beauty of the 220-foot-high Chute Ouiatchouan, the historic village of Val-Jalbert was a model working village created in 1901 around a pulp mill. After the mill's closure in 1927, time stopped and it gradually turned into a ghost-town. Classified as a historic monument, this vast, 182-hectare wooded domain consists of many restored buildings--the convent, the general store, the post office, the pulp mill, and the famous Rue Labreque, lined by the workers' abandoned houses. On the way back to the pier, there will be a brief stop at the historical church founded in 1902 on the shore of Lake Kenogamie. Its strategic location on the tip of a peninsula saved it from destruction by the floods of 1923. You will pass through Hébertville, the agricultural center of the region, whose rich farms nestled along the riverbank are quite picturesque.

 

La Baie Shuttle & Walking Tour

Visit La Baie--one of the districts that make up the city of Saguenay--and learn about the area's cultural, historic and natural history. As you begin your sightseeing tour, you'll discover the importance of Saguenay Fjord, bisecting the Laurentians Mountains, This was a natural trading route for the First Nations people of the area and for fur trading in the 1600s. You'll learn about the geological creation of the fjord, and walk to visit the Ha! Ha! Pyramid commemorating the great flood of 1996 that devastated the region and proved to be one of Canada's greatest natural disasters. A shuttle service will transport you to the starting point and return you to the pier area. If you wish, you may stay in the Baie area and return to the pier on your own.

[dbh62ark]

P.S. If it makes a difference, I do speak some French but am not fluent. :)

[MLinFL]

For those who come in Quebec this month (august) with Maasdam and in September with Eurodam, don't hesitate to mail me your questions, I'll be at pier 19 or 22 to watch ship movements (arriving-leaving Quebec)

 

Come celebrate our 400th birthday with US !!!!

http://monquebec2008.sympatico.msn.ca/MonQuebec2008/

 

We will be arriving in Quebec on Sept. 10th and staying at the Hotel Champlain overnight prior to our cruise on the Eurodam. Would you have any idea as to what the taxi fare would be from the airport to the hotel? I have some Canadian currency, but not sure if it is enough. Are there ATM machines at the airport?

 

Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

 

Mary Lou

[NancyIL]

I too am on an October cruise that goes up the Saguenay River. I was there in 2004 with my husband and we took a half day trip that went down the St LAwrence for a ways and then up the Saguenay River for a ways. This was on more of a small river cruise ship not tiny but no where near the size of the Explorer. I am having a hard time imagining the Explorer going up the river, but I know it must. Has anyone been on a ship this size while it was cruising up the river or if you live in the area have you ever seen one do so? Just curious. Also how long is it light enough to see things after the sun goes down. The itinerary says we are cruising it 5-8pm and I checked and sun set is at 5:49pm.

Thanks,

Suzanne

 

Hi, Suzanne! It won't be completely dark at sunset - but getting dark. We have early dining, but I think that's one night I will skip the dining room to view the scenery with my binoculars. My guess is that we'll see the scenery until we get to the turnaround point.

 

**Just saw that early dining is at 6:15 - so I guess I can see most of the first half before dinner starts. :)

[NancyIL]

Ok, French speakers...how do you pronounce "Saguenay"?

[Ephraim]

Sag-nay

[eh2zed]

We will be arriving in Quebec on Sept. 10th and staying at the Hotel Champlain overnight prior to our cruise on the Eurodam. Would you have any idea as to what the taxi fare would be from the airport to the hotel? I have some Canadian currency, but not sure if it is enough. Are there ATM machines at the airport?

 

Thanks in advance for answering my questions.

 

Mary Lou

Took the cab recently from the airport to Old Town; was $30 flat rate plus tip. Probably take CC but there will be money exchange or ATM at airportr.

[NancyIL]

Sag-nay

 

Thank you!

[davidnsteph]

Hello,

Can anyone tell me what to expect on the saguenay river? Is there any tip to get the most of it on the ship?

Thanks

Rosa

 

We sailed into the Saguenay Fjord aboard the Regal Princess around Oct. 8, 2004. We saw many Beluga whales as we entered the Saguenay Fjord near the town of Tadoussac, and for some distance into the fjord. The whales were in groups (pods?), and were visible off the front of the ship. We stood on a forward deck, where the breeze was quite chilly. But as the ship approached them, the whales became "shy" and went under water. We didn't see them along the sides of the ship. We recommend standing on a forward-facing deck to see Beluga whales. Saguenay fjord was beautiful, and reminded us of Alaska without the glaciers. Enjoy!

 

DavidnSteph

[LuvMyVette]

davidnsteph:

We sailed into the Saguenay Fjord aboard the Regal Princess around Oct. 8, 2004. We saw many Beluga whales as we entered the Saguenay Fjord near the town of Tadoussac, and for some distance into the fjord. The whales were in groups (pods?), and were visible off the front of the ship. We stood on a forward deck, where the breeze was quite chilly. But as the ship approached them, the whales became "shy" and went under water. We didn't see them along the sides of the ship. We recommend standing on a forward-facing deck to see Beluga whales. Saguenay fjord was beautiful, and reminded us of Alaska without the glaciers. Enjoy!

Would it be possible to post some pictures? Will be at Saguenay on 9/29 between 5pm-8pm! Can't wait to see this and have an almost Alaska experience! Thanks!

Sea ya!

[MLinFL]

Took the cab recently from the airport to Old Town; was $30 flat rate plus tip. Probably take CC but there will be money exchange or ATM at airportr.

 

Thanks so much for the reply. It helps to know how much Canadian currency to get from the ATM.

 

Mary Lou

[davidnsteph]

davidnsteph:

 

Would it be possible to post some pictures? Will be at Saguenay on 9/29 between 5pm-8pm! Can't wait to see this and have an almost Alaska experience! Thanks!

 

Sea ya!

 

We weren't able to get pictures of the Beluga whales, because they appeared just above the surface of the water at about 50-100 ft from the front of the ship. They were definitely visible, and there were many pods. But they didn't breach like dolphins, so they didn't make for a great picture. And of course they disappeared as the ship got closer. Maybe you will have better luck at getting a good picture, and the whales won't be so shy. The Saguenay fjord was the most scenic spot of that cruise. Enjoy.

 

DavidnSteph

[CGinMTL]

I am From Montreal Quebec and took this cruise on the Maasdam in 2005.

I just want to clarify a few things.

1) This is not a Port. The ship does not stop. It is a scenic Fjord ride.

2) Normally, it takes 4 hrs. 2hrs 1 way, then the ship turns around and comes back out the same way.

3) 5 - 9PM seems kind of late ? It will be dark by then and you won't get to see anything.

4) On The Maasdam, this was the day after ww left Quebec City ( early morning)

5) Whales, yes. Dolphins, I doubt it.

It is beautiful and worth being out on deck ( or on HAL in the crows next and enjoy the view.