Major city · Canada
Sacré-Coeur
Go for 1–2 nights as a fjord-and-whale base on Route 172, 20 min from Tadoussac; skip if you want a town with a walkable core.
Sacré-Coeur is a small municipality of about 1,900 people on the north shore of the Saguenay River, in the Manicouagan tourist region of Quebec's Côte-Nord. It sits between the Saguenay fjord and Route 138, and most visitors use it as a quieter, cheaper base for whale watching and fjord kayaking than Tadoussac. One or two nights covers the village, the Anse-de-Roche marina and a fjord trail; three nights if you add a national park day or an outfitter stay.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep (whales, kayaking, trails open)
- avoid Nov–Apr (cold, many services closed)
- Airports
- YQB · YYY
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Sacré-Coeur911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Sacré-Coeur, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a rural Quebec municipality; the real risks are wildlife on the roads, cold water on the fjord and services shutting in winter.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYQB Québec City Jean Lesage (About 3 h 15 min by car via Route 138 and the Tadoussac ferry; the usual gateway.).
- Getting aroundA car is effectively required: the village, Anse-de-Roche and the trailheads are 10–20 min apart and there is no local bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- Sit-down mealRestaurant main courseC$22–38 (≈ US$16–30)
- Street or quick mealCasual meal (fries, sandwich, soup)C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at the storeC$8–10 (≈ US$6–8)C$3–4 (≈ US$3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedHostel or gîte bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedInn or motel double room, a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedInn or motel double room, a night, per roomC$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$170 (≈ US$130) · High C$300 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YQB Québec City Jean Lesage (About 3 h 15 min by car via Route 138 and the Tadoussac ferry; the usual gateway.) · YYY Mont-Joli (Smaller regional airport downriver; check seasonal connections.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Feb
Avoid
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Mar
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Apr
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
May
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Nov
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Dec
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Sacré-Coeur: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
12 rd
Feb
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
10 rd
Mar
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
10 rd
Apr
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
11 rd
May
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Oct
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Nov
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
13 rd
Dec
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is effectively required: the village, Anse-de-Roche and the trailheads are 10–20 min apart and there is no local bus. Route 172 links the village to Route 138 and Tadoussac. Fuel up at the Route 172 service stations before heading up the fjord; the marina at Anse-de-Roche has fuel for boats in season.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Tadoussac
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive Route 172 south to Route 138, about 20 min
Whale-watching boats, the ferry and the main services; go early in summer for parking.
Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive to the Sainte-Marguerite sector, then walk the Le Fjord trail
SÉPAQ park; the trail follows the bay at the river mouth. Check trail conditions and park fees.
Baie-Comeau
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5 h
Route 138 north-east, about 2 h 15 min
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there or skip.
Forestville
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Route 138 south-west, about 1 h
Small service town; only worth it if you are driving that way.
Godbout
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Route 138 north-east, about 1 h 30 min
Quiet shore village; combine with a Baie-Comeau run.
Franquelin
skipDoor to door: About 1.75 h
Route 138 north-east, about 1 h 45 min
No reason to detour unless you are driving the full north shore.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Village centre (rue Principale)
Inns, gîtes and the church; walkable, closest to the restaurant cluster.
Anse-de-Roche
Fjord-side marina and campground; best views, 10–15 min drive from the village.
Route 172 north (toward Sainte-Marguerite)
Farm stays, outfitters and cabins; you need a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–250 (≈ US$110–190) excl. bed
- High
- C$280 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Inn or motel double room1 × 2 nights × C$180 | C$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$170 | C$680 |
| Whale-watching boat trip2 × C$80 · check | C$160 |
| SÉPAQ park day fee2 × C$9 · check | C$18 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$127 |
| Trip total≈ C$349 per person per day, bed included | C$1,395≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car hire and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Casual meal (fries, sandwich, soup) | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Restaurant main course | C$22–38 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at the store | C$8–10 (≈ US$6–8) / C$3–4 (≈ US$3) |
| Whale-watching excursioncheck | C$60–120 (≈ US$45–90) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No local public transport: without a car you are limited to what your lodging or a tour operator drives you to.
- Many restaurants, gîtes and outfitters close from late October to May; check before booking a winter trip.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the fjord roads and trails; download offline maps.
- Black bears and moose are common in the surrounding forest: store food properly and drive slowly at dusk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Sacré-CoeurSacré-Coeur
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies here; the US consulate general is in Québec City, and most countries' embassies are in Ottawa or Montréal (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tadoussac ferry (Route 138 crossing): free, about 10 min (check)
- Whale-watching trip from Tadoussac: C$60–120 (≈ US$45–90) per adult (check)
- SÉPAQ park day fee: about C$9 (≈ US$7) per adult (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Est-ce que je peux payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (ess-kuh zhuh puh pay-YAY par KART)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
- J'ai une réservation — I have a reservation (zhay oon ray-zair-va-SYON)
French is the main language; a few words go a long way.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Sacré-Coeur. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep (whales, kayaking, trails open) · avoid Nov–Apr (cold, many services closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YQB: rental-car pickup hours, last ferry to Tadoussac, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: village centre, Anse-de-Roche marina, Sainte-Marguerite sector.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (SÉPAQ park, marina, church heritage exhibit) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal closure fixtures so winter gates go green or red.