Chicoutimi
The Saguenay begins as a series of rapids tumbling out of the lake. The river then passes Chicoutimi's aluminum smelters, slices through the sheer, 400-metre-high (1,312-ft.) cliffs of Saguenay Fjord National Park and finally empties into a section of the St. Lawrence River, where various species of whales come to feed. Their arrival can vary from year to year, but peak time is late June to early September. Sightseeing and whale-watching cruises are available during the summer months.
Many of Chicoutimi's galleries contain local arts and crafts. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (Cathédrale de St-François-Xavier), at Bégin and Racine streets, is known for its stained glass windows. Nearby lakes and forests provide hunting and fishing opportunities.
Each April the Saguenay Jazz and Blues Festival, held at various locations, features more than 150 artists.
In 2002 Chicoutimi and other cities amalgamated and formed Saguenay.
Visitor Centers
Chicoutimi Tourist Information Bureau 295 rue Racine E. Chicoutimi, QC G7H 5B7. Phone:(418)698-3167 or (800)463-6565
Self-guiding Tours
Maps detailing self-guiding tours of the downtown area are in the guidebooks available at the tourist information bureau.
Shopping
Place du Royaume and Place Saguenay on boulevard Talbot together have more than 170 stores, including Winners.
Things to Do
Mille Lieux de la CollineThe Pulpmill of Chicoutimi Regional Museum and Historical Site