The St. Lawrence has three estuarine ecosystems: the fluvial, middle and maritime estuaries. In Charlevoix, the middle estuary takes centre stage, with striking scenery punctuated by green islands and lighthouses. Covering 53% of the marine park, this area moves to the rhythm of powerful tides and provides important feeding, resting and breeding grounds for species such as belugas and seals.

The Saint-Siméon and Baie-Sainte-Catherine area includes some of the finest viewpoints in Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Scenic roads beside the park offer plenty of reasons to stop for a picnic or simply take in the view, from the peaks above the fjord to the shoreline below. Sites in this discovery network include the Centre d’interprétation et d’observation de Pointe-Noire in Baie-Sainte-Catherine, the Centre écologique de Port-au-Saumon in Saint-Fidèle, Port-au-Persil, and the Parc municipal de Baie-des-Rochers. These are among the best places in Charlevoix to admire the park’s scenery and, with a little luck, spot marine mammals from shore.

Throughout the Charlevoix area, guided experiences and excursions reveal more about this ecological richness. Explore the coastline by sea kayak with Bosco Charlevoix, or venture onto the St. Lawrence by Zodiac or sightseeing vessel with Croisières AML. Both offer close-up views of the landscapes and wildlife that make the park so fascinating.