Family vacation in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Tadoussac
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean means boreal forest, the fjord and, at its mouth, the whales of Tadoussac. A perfect destination for a family vacation week. Here are five stops to plan.
In short: in Lac-Saint-Jean, a full day at the Saint-Félicien Wild Zoo; in Saguenay, the Musée du Fjord and La Pulperie; to finish, a whale-watching cruise in Tadoussac.
Lac-Saint-Jean
1. Saint-Félicien Wild Zoo
A huge 485-hectare zoo in the boreal forest: board a train to see more than 86 North American species roaming almost free. Plan a full day.
- 2230 Boulevard du Jardin, Saint-Félicien
- Open year-round
- See the listing
Saguenay
2. Musée du Fjord
A 53,000-litre saltwater aquarium (starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers) and the NAVIS multimedia show on how the fjord was formed. Low-tide excursions in summer.
- 3346 Boulevard de la Grande-Baie Sud (La Baie), Saguenay
- See the listing
3. La Pulperie de Chicoutimi
A regional museum in a former pulp mill, with audio guides and a large park with footbridges along the river.
- 300 Rue Dubuc (Chicoutimi), Saguenay
- See the listing
Tadoussac
4. AML whale-watching cruises
A cruise in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park with naturalist guides. Up to 13 species to spot, including belugas.
- 101 Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau, Tadoussac
- May to late October
- See the listing
5. Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre
Skeletons of about ten whales and specialists who answer kids' questions. Perfect before or after the cruise.
- 108 Rue de la Cale-Sèche, Tadoussac
- See the listing
A 4- to 5-day itinerary
- Day 1: drive to Lac-Saint-Jean.
- Day 2: Saint-Félicien Wild Zoo.
- Day 3: La Pulperie in Chicoutimi, then the Musée du Fjord in La Baie.
- Day 4: drive along the fjord to Tadoussac, then the CIMM.
- Day 5: whale-watching cruise, then home via Charlevoix.
To continue the trip, see our article Family vacation in Charlevoix and Tadoussac.
Our tips
- Whale-watching cruises run from May to late October: book ahead in July and August.
- It's cold on the water even in summer: hats, mittens and windbreakers for everyone.
- At the zoo, bring lunch and water: the visit takes all day.
Frequently asked questions
How much time should we plan at the Saint-Félicien Wild Zoo?
A full day: the site covers 485 hectares and is partly toured by train.
Where can kids see belugas?
On a whale-watching cruise in Tadoussac, in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.
What can we do in Saguenay when it rains?
The Musée du Fjord and its aquarium, or La Pulperie de Chicoutimi.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Prices, hours and seasons may change: confirm with each place before you go.
