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​A MUSEUM OF PROUD HERITAGE

​About Us

A museum rooted in its community, looking towards the future, and driven by its passion. 

Located on the outskirts of the spectacular Saguenay Fjord, in the La Baie district, the Musée du Fjord is a place of discovery, wonder and learning. At the intersection of science, history, and nature, the Museum is dedicated to promoting the rich natural and human heritage of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, especially that of its majestic fjord. 


Since its founding in 1967, the Musée du Fjord has evolved into a modern, dynamic institution with a strong community focus. Through its interactive exhibits, immersive installations such as NAVIS, its Fjord Aquarium, and outdoor excursion activities, the Museum brings science to life in a way that is captivating and accessible to all. Thanks to its many diverse initiatives, the Museum reaches more than 200,000 people each year.

At the Musée du Fjord, our values are reflected in all the experiences we offer. Excellence is at the heart of our commitment, and respect for each visitor guides our every action.

The Museum is subsidized by the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications, Heritage Canada, and the City of Saguenay.

Our Mission

A museum's mission guides each of its actions, ensuring the consistency of its educational, cultural, and scientific choices, while affirming its essential role within the community.

The mission of the Musée du Fjord is to promote science, particularly aquatic science, and to interpret the natural and historical heritage of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, especially that of the Saguenay Fjord and Ha! Ha! Bay. The Museum also raises awareness among the community and the wider public about the importance of maintaining a harmonious balance with the natural environment.

The Musée du Fjord fulfills this mission through its permanent exhibition, multimedia presentation, science center, temporary themed exhibitions, traveling exhibitions designed by other institutions, and public programs.

History

The story of our origins helps to understand where we are going and give meaning to the path we are taking.

Founded in 1967, the Musée du Fjord celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017. Born from the dream of an enthusiastic young group of scouts, it has undergone a remarkable evolution over the decades. Driven by the enthusiasm of its team as well as support from the community, it has evolved through a host of initiatives: exhibitions, public meetings, youth programs, publications, and enriching collaborations. Such achievements have helped firmly establish its status as a pillar in the region.

Gravely impacted by the Saguenay flood in 1996, the museum was able to recover and renew itself thanks to a major renovation in 2004.  Since this relaunch, the Musée du Fjord has produced and co-produced 10 bilingual traveling exhibitions that circulate throughout museums in Québec and Canada. 

 

Today, the Musée du Fjord is recognized as a major player in scientific museology and a must-see tourist attraction in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Ever evolving, the museum continues to innovate in order to spark curiosity and amaze and inspire its visitors, a mission it intends to keep pursuing for the next fifty years.

Awards and Honors

Recognized at both the regional and national levels, these awards highlight the excellence of the experiences and initiatives carried out by the Musée du Fjord.

Over the years, the Musée du Fjord has earned numerous awards recognizing its leadership, innovation, and impact across the museum, scientific, and tourism communities.
Explore this chronological overview of the honors that celebrate the excellence of its achievements and its outstanding contribution to the region.

1994

  • Prix Damase-Potvin (diffusion scientifique) – Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Scientific Merit Award.

2005

  • Prix Alphonse-Huard – Regional Scientific Merit Award – Contribution to the Advancement of Science and Technology.
  • Prix Rosaire-Corbin – Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park – Contribution to the Promotion of the Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Saguenay Fjord.
  • Prix de l’événement ou de la réalisation bénévole – District of La Baie.
  • Prix Excellence – Québec Museums Association for the Museum’s redevelopment.

2006

  • Prix Coup d’Éclat! – New or Original Activity Category – Tourism Attraction and Organization, for hosting a public necropsy of a Greenland shark.

2007

  • Lauréat national Bronze – Grands Prix du tourisme québécois – Astral Media Award, Tourist Attractions Category (Under 100,000 Visitors).
  • Prix Tourisme 2007 – Business Gala of the La Baie Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Lauréat régional – Grands Prix du tourisme québécois – Tourist Attractions Category (Under 100,000 Visitors)

2012

  • Sélection – Canadian Tourism Commission (Destination Canada) – Distinctive Canadian Experiences™ (DCE).
  • Lauréat – Prix Coup d’Éclat! Société des Attractions Touristiques du Québec – New Product or Original Activity.
  • Awarded the Bourse Quebecor Média  – valued at CAD 43,500.

2013

  • Honorable Mention – Canadian Museums Association – Excellence in Exhibitions Award.
  • Lauréat régional – Grands Prix du tourisme québécois – Tourist Attraction Category (25,000 to 100,000 Visitors).
  • Lauréat Bronze – Grands Prix du tourisme québécois - same category.
  • Lauréat – Prix Excellence – Société des musées québécois (SMQ).

2015

  • Lauréat – Événement de l’année – District of La Baie, For the "Crazy About Science" Festival
  • Marketing Bell Honorable Mention – Saguenay Economic Merit Gala.

2019

  • Honorary Member of l’Ordre des Vingt-et-Un – Fête du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.

Annual​ Reports

Each year, our reports outline the milestones accomplished, the actions taken, and the results achieved.  

Annual Report 2023-2024

Annual Report 2022-2023

Annual Report 2021-2022

Annual Report 2020-2021