The Top Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventures in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec
Most parents looking for incredible family adventure destinations in Canada immediately gravitate to the west coast. Areas like Banff, Whistler and Canmore hog the spotlight for the kind of soft-adventure experiences that many outdoor-loving families crave. But there is a region in Quebec that seems almost built for outdoor adventure. If you love kayaking, tree-top trekking, rock climbing or mountain biking, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is perfect for you.
The Saguenay Fjord is surrounded by the Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. The land surrounding this picturesque fjord is nearly all protected. This makes for absolutely gorgeous scenery filled with vast forests and towering cliffs. The landscape is dotted with quaint Francophone towns where coffee and cheese are taken almost as seriously as cycling and hiking. Here are a few of the top adventure activities in the Saguenay region.
Cycle the Blueberry Trail
One of the hidden jewels of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region is its cycling trails. There are countless trails that snake throughout the area. But the most popular and family-friendly trail in the region is the Blueberry Trail that goes through parks and along highways. Even on the road routes, it’s mostly on separated areas. This makes it one of the safest road and trail cycling routes in Canada.
If you cycle the Blueberry Trail in late summer, you’ll never be far from a snack. The trail explodes with fresh blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. All of these berries might make this the most delicious bicycle trail in the country.
Trek the Treetops at Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux
Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux sits at the tip of the Saguenay Fjord. This park is best known for its unique accommodations such as hanging spheres, soft-sided domes and treehouses. But Cap Jaseux is also home to beautiful hiking paths, awesome mountain biking trails and one of the most extreme treetop trekking experiences in Quebec.
As hardcore as the extreme treetop trekking adventure in Cap Jaseux is, it’s still accessible for all ages. There are three separate treetop experiences in the park ranging from toddler-sized all the way up to treks that will leave even the parents with sweaty palms.
Kayak the Saguenay Fjord
In the town of L’Anse-Saint-Jean, families can enjoy one of the most popular activities on the fjord. Local outfitter Fjord en Kayak runs family-friendly kayaking experiences on the Saguenay Fjord. There is no minimum age on these guided experiences. Seeing the fjord from the water gives families the chance to experience just how majestic the landscape is in this region of Quebec.
The beautiful scenery isn’t all that’s in store for those spending a day on the water. Lucky kayakers might even get a glimpse of some of the whales that occasionally make their way up from the St. Lawrence River whale route near the town of Tadoussac.
Experience Rock Climbing or Via Ferrata on Majestic Cliffs
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean has loads of amazing rock climbing destinations for everyone from new to seasoned climbers. One of the most spectacular climbs is on the soaring cliffs above Baie des Ha! Ha! (Yes, that is the actual name of the bay.) Those not looking for full-on rock climbing in Saguenay can experience one of the popular Via Ferratas.
One of the most popular in the Saguenay region is at Baie Éternité. With stunning vistas and 85-metre suspension bridges, there is no better way to experience the views of the Saguenay Fjord than from high up on the granite cliffs.
Head Underground to Explore Parc Caverne du Trou de la Fee
If the cliffs of the fjord aren’t enough for you, perhaps a visit to the Parc Caverne du Trou de la Fee might be in order. Parc Caverne houses a fascinating granite cavern, the ruins of a hydroelectric plant, waterfalls and trails exploring the incredible Saguenay landscape. It’s a great spot for families who are looking for a unique caving and nature experience.
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