Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park

05/28/2026

Do you know why seals come out of the water to rest on rocks or shorelines? 🦭
And no… it’s not just to sunbathe! 😎

These marine mammals use shorelines and rocks, known as haul-outs, to carry out several essential life activities: resting, moulting, mating, and even giving birth. Some sites are visited year after year and are the subject of ongoing research monitoring.

🌤️ Tides and weather also influence their presence on land. At low tide, seals are generally more frequently observed on the rocks. Warm, dry, and low-wind conditions also encourage longer periods of rest out of the water.

When a seal chooses to come ashore, it is because it needs to. If you are lucky enough to observe a haul-out, the best practice is to keep your distance and allow the seals to rest in peace. 💙

📷Jocelyn Praud

05/26/2026

Since 2007, harbour seals have been the subject of annual scientific monitoring in the Saguenay Fjord by teams from Parks Canada and Sépaq. 🦭🗒️

The harbour seal, like the beluga, lives year-round in the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence Estuary. To better understand its presence and use of haul-out sites, teams conduct counts at key locations frequently used by the species. The data collected through this monitoring helps improve understanding of how the species uses the territory and supports more effective park management.

🔎 On board a vessel, teams begin their surveys up to two hours before low tide and record the day’s initial information: date, low tide time, and weather conditions. By travelling along both shores of the fjord, they take photographs and collect various data on observed seals (number of individuals, presence of pups, etc.).

🤝🌊 Since 2023, guardians of the territory from the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation have also been conducting seal monitoring in the estuary islands sector, contributing to a broader understanding of seal species in the Marine Park area.

05/25/2026

Starting in May, two seasonal protection measures come into effect in the park to reduce underwater noise and the risk of collisions with marine mammals 🔊🐋

1️⃣ In the Saguenay Fjord mouth area, all vessels must reduce their speed to 15 knots. This mandatory measure helps reduce disturbance from high marine traffic and provides more tranquility for belugas using the area. ⛵

2️⃣ The marine shipping industry voluntarily commits to reducing speed to 10 knots in feeding areas for large whales off Haute-Côte-Nord. This measure have a strong support ans delivers concrete benefits for whales. 🚢

It is through the commitment of all users that the protection of marine mammals can be strengthened 🙌

Learn more: https://parcmarin.qc.ca/protect/

05/22/2026

It’s starting to feel more and more like vacation season, don’t you think? ☀️
We have a feeling many of you will be visiting the Marine Park this summer, so tell us: how will your visit look? 🦭

1️⃣ Solo, to unwind and disconnect
2️⃣ As a duo, to share the moment
3️⃣ As a family, for a memorable outing
4️⃣ With all your loved ones, because everything’s better together!
👇 Let us know your number in the comments!

To plan your visit to the Marine Park:
https://parcmarin.qc.ca/visiter-visit/

📷 (1-2)Thomas Cadilhac, (3) Simon Laroche – Île aux Lièvres, (4) Jocelyn Praud

04/28/2026

🛫 Many marine mammals are currently making their way back to the St. Lawrence Estuary. Some have even already been spotted over the past few weeks. And you, where will you be coming from to visit us this summer?

🧳 Minke whales, fin whales, and blue whales are returning from the North Atlantic, including waters off Canada, Newfoundland, and the U.S. East Coast. Some individuals may travel from even farther away, as migration routes are still being closely studied by researchers. Others may remain in the St. Lawrence Estuary and surrounding areas throughout the winter.

🧳 Humpback whales, meanwhile, are returning from the warm waters of the Caribbean. ☀️

🧳 Grey seals are leaving coastal sites and islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, as well as along Canada’s East Coast, including Sable Island and the shores of Nova Scotia.

📷 Jocelyn Praud

04/22/2026

The Marine Park is a habitat for more than 2200 species. Some live here year-round, while others rely on its rich resources to feed, reproduce, and carry out other activities vital to their survival.

The health of these exceptional ecosystems depends on collective commitment. Every park user has an active role to play in marine conservation. By acting together, we can care for this unique environment, today and for future generations. 💙🌎

📷Jocelyn Praud

04/20/2026

With spring comes the return of a very special visitor to the Marine Park: the Common Eider 🦆

This migratory sea duck is gradually returning to the estuary, where it will take advantage of the rich waters to feed on mussels and other invertebrates. Soon, the estuary’s islands will become key areas for the species, which uses them for nesting.

The female lines her nest with her famous down to keep her eggs warm 🪺. Common eider down is, in fact, one of the most insulating natural materials in the world!

In the estuary, Duvetnor and the Canadian Wildlife Service monitor common eider colonies on the islands to better understand population trends and support conservation efforts. This essential work helps protect this remarkable bird and its habitat.💙

04/15/2026

Looking for a hands-on, rewarding job in a spectacular setting?

Join Parks Canada’s maintenance team in Tadoussac as a student and take part in a variety of manual tasks, from carpentry to grounds maintenance.

Apply before April 20: https://parcmarin.qc.ca/emplois-jobs/technical-services-student/

Come join us!

If you enjoy dabbling in a little bit of everything, developing your manual skills and working outside, this job is for you! Period of employment: beginning of June to end of August.