Getting Around Saguenay: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Saguenay, with its composition of three main boroughs—Chicoutimi, Jonquière, and La Baie—has pockets that are walkable, particularly around central areas where cafes, shops, and essential services are accessible on foot. However, the need to traverse distances between these boroughs and the spread-out nature of certain amenities means that walking may not always be practical for broader exploration. While a traveler can enjoy the quaint lanes and path-friendly areas, a mix of walking and transportation is often necessary to fully navigate the area.

Saguenay's public transit, provided by Société de transport du Saguenay (STS), reaches across the city's boroughs with routes touching industrial, commercial, and residential zones. The service connects major parts of the city, but its coverage and frequency might not compare to services in larger urban centers. For a traveler, this means that while public transportation can satisfy basic transit needs to key city zones, it may lack the flexibility and reach needed for spontaneous travel or accessing outlying attractions.

Biking in Saguenay is a feasible choice for travelers due to available routes like the Véloroute du Fjord du Saguenay and other bike paths. While there is not an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes, the existing routes offer a pleasant experience for recreation and errands. The hilly terrain adds a mild challenge, but for those comfortable with varying elevations, cycling can be an effective and enjoyable way to explore local areas, especially in good weather.