Plan a CruiseSaguenay serves as both a region in Quebec and the official name for a collection of amalgamated towns, with Chicoutimi being the largest among them. The cruise port is specifically situated in La Baie, within the scenic Baie de Ha! Ha!, approximately 20 kilometers from Chicoutimi. The Saguenay River is notable as North America's only navigable fjord for cruise ships, offering breathtaking scenic vistas where you might even spot an occasional whale. A well-equipped cruise terminal building hosts a convenient tourist office, providing helpful services and information upon arrival. Due to port capacity, only one cruise ship can dock at the pier at a time; other ships will tender passengers ashore using the port's two tenders, which can carry 125 and 175 passengers respectively.
Getting Around from the Port
Car rental services are available directly at the cruise terminal for those preferring independent exploration. For structured sightseeing, a Hop-on/Hop-off tourist bus operates two guided circuits: one covering the Downtown and Cultural area, and another focusing on the Fjord Museum and its surroundings. While the port is in La Baie, the larger hub of Chicoutimi is about 20 km away. Within Chicoutimi, the "Croissant Culturel" district, located along the Saguenay river, can be easily explored on foot, by bicycle, or via car, offering a rich cultural and artistic experience.
Attractions and Activities
- Fjord Scenery from the Ship: Much of Saguenay's famous fjord scenery, including potential whale sightings, can be enjoyed directly from your cruise ship as it navigates the Saguenay River.
- Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tours: Utilize the dedicated tourist bus to visit key attractions such as the Downtown and Cultural areas, as well as the Fjord Museum. This provides a convenient way to see multiple sites.
- Chicoutimi's Croissant Culturel: Travel to Chicoutimi (20 km from the port) to explore this vibrant district. Here you can delve into local history, relax at outdoor cafés, browse various boutiques, and visit art expositions. This area is suitable for exploring on foot, by bicycle, or with a car.
- Notre-Dame du Saguenay Statue: Perched on Cape Trinité within the Saguenay National Park, this impressive statue stands 10.5 meters tall and weighs 3,000 kilos. It can be reached via a walking path that ascends 300 meters, or by taking a cruising boat tour, offering views of Louis Jobin's artwork that has watched over boatmen for over a century.
Dining & Shopping
A short 2-minute walk from the cruise pavilion will lead you to local craftspeople. They offer a diverse array of handmade products, providing an excellent opportunity to engage with local artisans and purchase unique souvenirs.
Currency and Language
The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). ATMs are readily available in various locations such as grocery stores, shopping malls, and airports, and are typically linked to major international networks like Cirrus, Plus, Star, and Maestro. While cash advances can be obtained using major credit cards at ATMs, be aware that this method often incurs both a service fee and immediate interest charges. In Canada, the main languages are English (spoken by 59.3% of the population) and French (spoken by 23.2%), both of which are official. Quebec is predominantly French-speaking. Free WiFi and internet stations are provided at the cruise terminal.