Kayaking Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay

by

by Nancy Morgan

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Photographs by Peter Attfield & Patti Cupit

Patti Cupit, an enthusiastic kayaker and tripper, initiated the idea to kayak the Saguenay in the summer of 2013. Through her exploration of several websites, she identified the Aventure Ecotourism Quebec website, and an independent guide to lead an eight-day trip from La Baie to Tadoussac. Patti’s contact suggested the length of the trip, and the timing which was the last week of July. We provided all the food and our own equipment with the exception of a double kayak for the group, a necessary safety precaution for a long trip in an isolated area. We met at Auberge des Battures at 8:30 a.m. on July 25th for an information sharing session, and discussed our concerns and expectations.

Radeau was the defining term for the start of each day; a group meeting on the water to ensure that we stayed together and understood the plan for the day. La Baie, our entry point, is situated at the end of the fjord about 130 kilometres from Tadoussac. The tides at this point are about 6 metres, which causes intertidal mudflats or battures. The tide was completely out, so we had the morning to load kayaks, and decide on how much water to take with us since there are few places on the Saguenay to pump water. Depending on the tides, campsites on the fjord can be difficult to approach. Campsites on the South side of the Saguenay were selected, since these can be more accessible.

Several places we visited on the fjord were highlights. The site of “La Nouvelle France” included a Huron village and a Cent-associés farm. As well, the village of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, the discovery and visitors Centre in the Baie Eternite sector and the Beluga Discovery and Visitors Centre on Baie-Ste-Marguerite enhanced our experience. On day six, we arrived on the sand beach at Village Vacances de Petit Saguenay, a campground with multiple facilities including a pickup service at the shore. We were driven to our waterview campsites overlooking the Saguenay. The showers, washrooms, laundromat and buffet breakfast were all appreciated by the group. This campground is perfectly situated for accessing Baie-Ste-Marguerite to watch Belugas feeding and playing in the Bay.

Encounters with wildlife were the most memorable part of the trip: moose visited our campsite, seals basked on rocks and swam ahead of the kayaks, sagu2.JPGperegrine falcons played in the treetops, and salmon swam in rivers. Another high point was being surrounded by about 20 Beluga whales in Baie-Ste-Marguerite. These whales swam past the kayaks and interacted with the paddlers. A minke whale feeding along the shoreline was spotted, and we watched at a distance. On our last night, with calm waters, and a million stars overhead, we paddled at midnight, amongst the sleeping Belugas near our campsite. Awesome!

The challenges of tides, currents, days of paddling, and setting up camp were offset by good humour and amazing group meals. Our first dinner, served by Peter, was a fresh stew served with generous amounts of wine. Phil’s breakfast of an omelet in a zip lock was a big hit, as were, Susan’s pancakes with maple syrup, and Nancy’s risotto with sausage and mushroom. Gerry prepared an amazing tiramisu, followed the next night by Patti’s vanilla pudding with cherry sauce. The trip came to a close with a demanding paddle into Tadoussac, topped by a celebratory lunch and local beer on the patio at Cafe Boheme. A fitting end to a great experience!sagu3.jpg

GPS settings La Baie to Tadoussac:

Site de kayak-camping de l’Anse à Didier: 48° 21' 16.8'' N 70° 37' 14.4'' W
Site de kayak-camping de l’Anse du Gros-Ruisseau: 48° 20' 31.8'' N 70° 25' 22.5'' W
Site de kayak-camping Le Delta: 48° 17' 48.5'' N 70° 19' 34.5'' W
Site de kayak-camping de l’Anse de Tabatière: 48° 16' 01.8'' N 70° 12' 05.1'' W
Site de kayak-camping de l’Anse à Tidée: 48° 14' 28.2'' N 70° 01' 35.7'' W
Village Vacance Petit Sagueany: 48° 12' 34.4'' N 69° 54' 12.1'' W
Site de kayak-camping de l’Anse à David : 48° 08' 34.6'' N 69° 50' 39.5'' W

Links

Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay

Maps

Anse à David

Charts

  • Chart 1202 – Cap Éternité à/to Saint Fulgence
  • Chart 1203 – Tadoussac à/to Cap Éternité

 

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GLSKA Waiver

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

DEFINITION

In this Release Agreement, the term Sea Kayaking Activities shall include but is not limited to: all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall including moving water, still water, lake and ocean kayaking; loan or rental of kayaks (hereinafter "the boats") and other equipment; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; all travel, transportation, and accommodation; food, beverage including water supply, use of equipment, and multi-day camping or overnight stays in the outdoors.

In this Release Agreement, the term "Negligence" includes the failure by the Releasees to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful guide, instructor, trip organizer or sea kayaking operator would use under similar circumstances, or breach of any other duty of care imposed by law.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.

Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in Sea Kayaking Activities as defined in this Release Agreement, I hereby agree as follows:

  1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the Releasees and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expenseor injury including death that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE;
  1. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities;
  2. This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
  3. This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and no other jurisdiction; and
  4. Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of Ontario and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of Sea Kayaking Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.

I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.