The Saguenay River in Quebec connects Lac Saint-Jean to the St. Lawrence estuary, with its most celebrated paddling section being the Saguenay Fjord — one of the longest fjords in the world, stretching approximately 105 kilometers from Saint-Fulgence to Tadoussac. The fjord is carved through towering granite and gneiss cliffs that rise as high as 400 meters above the waterline, creating a dramatic corridor of rock and deep water. Where the river meets the St. Lawrence, freshwater and saltwater merge, producing rich habitat for beluga whales, seals, cormorants, and terns.

Two protected areas govern the region: Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay (Saguenay Fjord National Park) protects the shoreline, while the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park encompasses the fjord waters and the adjoining St. Lawrence estuary. Paddlers should familiarize themselves with the park's designated docking points, anchoring guidelines, speed restrictions, and whale-approach regulations before launching, as certain areas and species carry specific protections.

Kayak launch sites within the national park include Baie Éternité, L'Anse du Petit-Saguenay, and L'Anse de Saint-Étienne on the south shore, and L'Anse de Roche and Tadoussac on the north shore. The villages of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord and L'Anse-Saint-Jean are also commonly used access points for the north and south sides of the fjord respectively. Marinas and nautical facilities are available at Tadoussac, La Baie, Jonquière, Chicoutimi, Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, and Anse-Saint-Jean.

A typical guided multi-day route covers roughly 9 miles per day, with paddlers moving between Baie Éternité, Baie de la Trinité, Anse du Portage, and Petit-Saguenay, with camping available at designated sites along the way. Cap Trinité and Cap Éternité are notable landmarks along the route. Wind can be a significant factor on the fjord, with stiff headwinds capable of adding considerably to paddling time. The tidal influence is also a serious consideration, particularly near the St. Lawrence confluence, where tidal rips producing breaking waves have been reported. The fjord's waters are glacially cold and deep, demanding appropriate cold-water paddling preparation. A two-day trip from L'Anse-Saint-Jean provides a solid introduction to the fjord, while three days allows paddlers to reach Tadoussac at the St. Lawrence and increases the likelihood of beluga whale sightings.