Saguenay Fjord by Kayak

The Saguenay Fjord is one of those places that resist description. Stretching 105 kilometres long, 1 to 3.5 kilometres wide, it is the southernmost fjord in the northern hemisphere and the only navigable one in all of North America. Its walls — Cap Trinité at 411 metres, Cap Éternité at 457 metres — plunge into waters reaching 275 metres deep. And the best way to experience it is at water level, by kayak.

Fjord en Kayak: thirty years on the fjord

Based in L'Anse-Saint-Jean — ranked among Quebec's most beautiful villages — Fjord en Kayak has been offering sea kayak excursions and expeditions for thirty years. This is not a mass-market operator: groups are small, guidance is personalized, and the kayaks are high-end fibreglass, more responsive than standard equipment.

The options

Adult excursion (14+): three hours, easy level. Perfect for a first encounter with the fjord.

Full day (17+): seven hours, intermediate level. For those who want full immersion in the landscape's grandeur.

Family excursion (ages 3-13): two and a half hours, easy level. Tailored for families.

Multi-day expeditions: two to six days, camping on the fjord's shores. Two-day expeditions are available with adolescents from age 11. The three-day "Fjord Sauvage" expedition, intermediate difficulty, is a complete immersion. Advanced options exist for experienced paddlers.

Training

Fjord en Kayak holds Canot Kayak Québec accreditation to offer Level I, II, and III certification courses. Guides hold superior training credentials and the company is recognized for its teaching quality.

The natural setting

The fjord is home to seals, belugas, minke whales, falcons, and seabirds. Two protected areas surround the territory: Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park and the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Sea kayaking offers a unique perspective on the cliffs, isolated coves, and wildlife that motorized vessels cannot approach.

Practical information

L'Anse-Saint-Jean is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes from the chalet Le Littoral in Cap-à-l'Aigle, La Malbaie, Charlevoix. Reservations recommended: phone 418-272-3024 or 1-866-725-2925. The company holds Ecotourism Practices accreditation from Aventure Écotourisme Québec.

After a day on the fjord, the drive back to the property passes through landscapes that extend the wonder. At the chalet, the sauna is the perfect remedy for paddle-weary arms, and the year-round spa offers the luxury of complete relaxation before dinner. To plan your days in Charlevoix, see our guide to things to do in Charlevoix.