Scenic Views · Camping & Hiking · Fishing · Quebec
An outdoor centre in La Baie, Saguenay, with trails along the canyon of the Rivière-à-Mars, canoeing and guided nature outings. Easy, well-marked trails make it a good family choice.
Centre plein air Bec-Scie sits along the Rivière-à-Mars in the La Baie area of Saguenay, and its trails follow the edge of the river's canyon. Visitors talk about the forest, smooth rock underfoot and the old dam, which several found the most striking sight. There are benches near it for a picnic.
Reviewers consistently praise the staff and guides. Guided outings combine a forest walk with talk of plants, traditional remedies and local heritage, followed by time on the lake by canoe or kayak, past beaver lodges. The same operator runs a black bear viewing activity, and several guests watched bears from a lookout cabin, though one recent group had no luck. Visitors called it good value, and there are discounts for children.
The trails suit most people. Families with small children and seniors found the riverside trail easy and well signed, and one family walked to the cabin called Le Héron and returned on a different loop. The forest trail is harder, and a return trip can take two to three hours. The centre also has camping, yurts, an obstacle course and a hiking escape game, with snowshoeing and skiing in winter.
Complaints are rare; nearly all reviews are four or five stars. Bear sightings depend on luck and the weather, so treat them as a bonus. Plan for a few hours if you book a guided outing.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 575 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
