The region of Manicouagan borders the river between Tadoussac and Baie-Trinité, just before the bay widens into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. That makes for a total of 300 kilometres (186 miles) of shoreline to discover, more than half of which consists of beaches promising peaceful strolls. Farther north, the region takes in the grandiose forested swards of the backcountry… then the terrain becomes steeper, approaching the first peaks of the lofty Monts Groulx range. The fragrances and flavours of the sea and the boreal forest never fail to charm travellers, and herald an unforgettable vacation experience.
Empire of electricity
The region’s watershed proved ideal for the construction of the Manic-Outardes complex, dominated by the world’s largest multiple-arch dam, the Barrage Daniel-Johnson (Manic-5).
A unique marine ecosystem
In the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, where the cool fresh waters of the Saguenay River meet the salt waters of the St. Lawrence estuary, belugas and fin whales abound in summer.
Outdoor fun for every taste
An immense, extravagant wilderness area, Manicouagan is a prime destination for outdoor activities including hiking, sea kayaking, scuba diving, camping and more.
Dubbed “the eye of Québec,” the giant Manicouagan crater, with Île René-Levasseur occupying its centre, is the fourth-largest crater on Earth.
Well before Jacques Cartier first sailed to Québec’s shores, the region was already known to Europeans – specifically, Basque and Breton whalers.
Indigenous communities, including the Inuit and other First Nations, have lived side-by-side in these wild lands for more than 8,000 years.
If you aren’t fond of trips onto the water, don’t be discouraged: you can often spot seals, fin whales and belugas from the safety of shore!
Besides cod, crab and shrimp, Manicouagan offers a cornucopia of more exotic seafood delights. Care for some sea urchin, whelk or coral scallops?
If you take a boat trip on the river, be sure to remember a windbreaker and a warm sweater, as the nippy sea breeze can sometimes catch tourists unawares...
