There's A Famous Fjord 5 Hours From Montreal That Makes Quebec Feel Like Norway

When you hear "fjord" — long, narrow sea inlets created by glaciers — most people think of Norway, known to have the highest concentration of these gorgeous natural wonders. But there's also a famous fjord in Quebec and we may be biased, but we say it gives Scandinavia a run for its money.

The Saguenay fjord is one of the longest in the world, spanning 235 kilometres.

According to Quebec tourism, it's "the only fjord in North America to be inhabited on both shores," lined with "picturesque villages."

The fjord is open year-round but it's particularly beautiful in the summertime when you can also hike up nearby trails that boast mystical lookout points.

The fjord is also home to a number of different animals that you may be able to see depending on what time of year you go, from belugas to small white wales. There are "steep cliffs that shelter Peregrine Falcon nesting sites," according to the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq). And, in the fall or spring, you can see hundreds of migrating birds.

There are many different ways to explore the fjord — on foot, by boat, by crossing an 85-metre-long suspension bridge or by climbing a nine-meter-long inverted ladder.

No matter how you choose to discover the fjord, you should definitely add the experience to your bucket list of things to do in Quebec this summer (or spring or fall or winter).

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.