The Unique Kingdom

Note: this page is moving to http://big-iron.cwahi.net/saguenay.htm.
map A fjord is a narrow arm of the sea surrounded by steep walls of rock. The word "fjord" comes from Norway, which has many fjords. However, the fjord at the outlet of the Saguenay River in Quebec possess some special characteristics.

The unique combination of currents and underwater topography of this area supports a rich variety of marine life. For this reason, a large park has been created along the banks of the fjord. Also, the fjord itself and the waters at the meeting place of the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers have been given a special protected status. Whale-watching is a major industry at the mouth of the Saguenay. Whales are drawn to the rich food supply. Even blue whales have found their way here. Most whales are only summer visitors. They make their way south to breed before the onset of winter.

Salt water from the Atlantic Ocean regularly flows up the estuary of the Saint Lawrence and up the mouth of the Saguenay. A thin top layer of warm water with relatively low salinity sits over cold (near freezing), salty water. The bays along the fjord rise and fall with the tides. In the depths of the fjord can be found marine life such as:
  • coral
  • starfish
  • sea urchins
star
Atlantic salmon swim up the fjord to spawn in rivers which empty into the fjord.

Here is a genetically distinct colony of beluga whales tied to the special blend of salt and fresh water found in this area. Pollution has taken a heavy toll on their population.

The fjord has been formed by a combination of faulting and the passage of the glaciers. On either side of the fjord are the ancient rocks of the Canadian Shield, the bedrock of the North American continent.
fjord

The trail "La Statue" climbs up to the statue of Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay on Cape Trinité.

Saguenay Links

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