Tadoussac lies surrounded by the most delightful scenery north of the junction of the Saguenay Fiord and St Lawrence River. Jacques Cartier made a stop here in 1535 and before long the burgeoning trade in furs saw it develop into something of a center. It was the site of the first trading post established in New France (built by Pierre Chauvin in about 1600) and fifteen years later of the first mission station. Tadoussac's importance diminished following colonization of the upper Saguenay.
A very pretty walk runs along the banks of the St Lawrence, from where in summer boat trips depart for the Saguenay Fiord (for whale-spotting in particular). There is an interesting reconstruction of Pierre Chauvin's trading post from 1600 (open during the summer tourist season only). Also worth seeing is the mid-18th c. wooden fisherman's chapel nearby.
About 3km /2mi outside Tadoussac, sand has been blown by the wind into great dunes over 100 m (330 ft) high. Known locally as "Le Désert", sand ski races are held here in summer.
The harbor at Les Escoumins, just 35 km (22 mi.) north of Tadoussac on the St Lawrence River, has been a port of call for Basque fishermen since the 17th c. From the middle of the last century it has also been an increasingly important outlet for the timber trade.
Les Escoumins is one of Canada's most popular centers for underwater sports.
Read Less
Read More
Les Escoumins, Canada
