Saguenay, Quebec, Canada...

I was up far too early for the sail up the fjord to Saguenay, however, I was delighted it was not raining as forecasted…it was fairly overcast which initially created some lighting challenges but, in the end helped in creating an excellent backdrop for some amazing reflection shots.  Being my first visit to the Saguenay Region, I was pleasantly surprised with what I encountered…The Saguenay River is the only fjord navigable by cruise ships in North America and offers many vistas.  Saguenay is a region of Quebec and also officially the new name of the six amalgamated towns of which the largest was called Chicoutimi. The actual port is in La Baie not far from Chicoutimi, the wharf is actually in the Baie de Ha! Ha!  As soon as we left the ship, we were greeted the Hotel GM and Security Officer and by town locals with samples of maple syrup taffy.  The people of this area were so welcoming, friendly and helpful.  With no prior planning, a last-minute itinerary change and with the help of the Tourist bureau staff we hired a taxi.  Flying by the seat of our pants we relied on our driver Jean Paul or JP and Cathy’s limited French to find the sites.  Leaving the cruise port, we headed towards Chicouttimi stopping at the Sacred Heart Mother House, a former Catholic Nun’s Convent viewpoint overlooking the city and the Saguenay River. Next, we stopped at the beautiful Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier in the old port area of the town.  From here we crossed the river to the north side of Chicoutimi to see the Dubuc Bridge and to drive up to Saint Anne’s Cross and Church, what a great view of the city.  Once back down in Chicoutimi proper we stopped at the Small White House and Sacred Heart Church…what a lovely setting.  The Small White House was the little house that stood up to a disastrous flood in 1996 has become a symbol of perseverance.  We returned to La Baie via Bagotville, a Canadian Air Force base and alert site for NORAD.  Once back in La Baie we went to see the Pyramid.  It is not even close to the pyramids in Egypt, but Pyramid of Ha! Ha! is still an interesting monument to visit. The pyramid was built to commemorate the Saguenay Flood of 1996 is covered with 3,000 “Yield” road signs attached to aluminum structures.  It was our intention to drive to the Saguenay Fjord National Park but decided against it as the rain had started.  We did go up to Mount Blue Ski Hill and Auberge Battures Hotel viewing points for more scenic views of the river and HA! HA! Bay.  By the way, HA HA is a native word for fjord.  The Saguenay's nomadic Innu tribes once inhabited La Baie. The Chicoutimians lived on the banks of the Saguenay River well before European colonization. Back in town we stopped at St. Alphonse Church and a few stores looking for some treasures before returning to the ship.  I must tell you that this stop exceeded all my expectations, the people, our tour guide JP and a beautiful area to photograph….it was a great day!  We are at sea for the next two days before arriving in Halifax.  If you’re looking for a lot of photos for the Saguenay region, you’re in luck…  today’s you day!  What a great, great day!!!!