Viamigo

For over a hundred years the fjord-like landscape at the mouth of the Saguenay River has been a cruise ship tourist attraction. In fact there are still many large cruise ships plying its waters. But now both shores of the river are in a Provincial Park with excellent hiking trails on both sides with a number of beautiful new cabins to sleep in on the way.

We may even see a moose.

A 4-day trip will be spent on a 43km trail on the north side of the river. A follwing 3-days will be spent on a 28km trail on the south side. You can opt for the first, second or both trips.

The two trails are quite different. The 43km trail has climbs from sea level to 300m (1,200 ft) and daily distances between 3 and 18 km (2 - 11 mi) through a wide variety of vegetation closer to the river. The 28km trail has one climb to 565m (1,850 ft) and daily distances between 7 and 12km (4 – 8 mi) through different types of vegetation. Parts of the trail are actually above treeline in semi-arctic-like conditions.

The trails are very dry and provide excellent hikes for intermediate hikers. There are stairs built to help you climb or descend some of the steep but short cliff-like sections.

The cabins are either close to the water or very high up on the edge of the fjord with excellent views and are equipped with a wood stove, a wood supply and comfortable mattresses on the beds. All we need to carry is our food, personal gear and a light sleeping bag.

The trails are in forests of birch, poplar, red maple spruce and balsam fir. Red, jack and white pine are found on rocky outcrops of south facing slopes. Patches of black and red spruce are also found in moist protected areas. Many species of arctic plants are found at the higher elevations mixed with species that are never seen in the arctic. Berries of all kinds abound in season. There are many viewpoints looking out over the river and up and down the spectacular rugged shore. We are very likely to see lots of belugas, some minkys and maybe even a blue whale especially on the 4-day trip.

A trip in September usually avoids most of the bugs and provides an ideal backpacking temperature and a good time for whale watching and there are less people on the trails.

Prices: 4-day trip CAN $699pp. 3-day trip CAN $559pp. 7-day (both trips) CAN $1,199pp