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From the eastern edge of Québec City, the Charlevoix region stretches 200 kilometers along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River to Tadoussac at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord.

At its heart is a vast meteorite crater, 50 kilometers across and draped in boreal forest, now listed as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Blue whale spotting trips

Gentle valleys and tall cliffs protect impossibly pretty villages where arts and crafts thrive in a beautiful setting, along with a range of wonderful restaurants, while whale watching trips head out from Tadoussac between June and October, with the rare opportunity of sighting the mighty blue whale.

The Saguenay Fjord is one of the world’s longest inlets and stretches for over 100 kilometers inland toward Lac St. Jean, hemmed in, for much of its length, by cliffs 400 meters high. The lower half of the fjord is a marine reserve and the summer home to a colony of 1,000 beluga whales.

Lac St. Jean is a large lake in a sleepy region of dairy farms, charming villages and sandy beaches. To the south toward Québec the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve is a maze of mountains and valleys, riven by countless lakes and rivers.

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Suggested itinerary featuring Charlevoix & Saguenay - Lac St. Jean

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Charlevoix & Saguenay - Lac St. Jean, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Charlevoix & Saguenay - Lac St. Jean

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    Places near Charlevoix & Saguenay - Lac St. Jean

    Our expert guides to exploring Charlevoix & Saguenay - Lac St. Jean

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Charlevoix & Saguenay - Lac St. Jean, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Charlevoix & Saguenay - Lac St. Jean at its best.

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    Accommodation choices for Charlevoix & Saguenay - Lac St. Jean

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Charlevoix & Saguenay - Lac St. Jean. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.