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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Saguenay

Saguenay is a city in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada, located on the Saguenay River about 200 kilometres north of Quebec City.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Saguenay is a city in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada, located on the Saguenay River about 200 kilometres north of Quebec City. It was created in 2002 by the merger of several municipalities, including Chicoutimi, Jonquière, and La Baie. Today it serves as an administrative, commercial, and industrial centre for the region.

History

The modern city of Saguenay was created on February 18, 2002, through the amalgamation of Chicoutimi, Jonquière, La Baie, Laterrière, Lac-Kénogami, Shipshaw, and part of Tremblay township. The city is divided into boroughs that correspond to the former municipalities of Chicoutimi, Jonquière, and La Baie.

Geography

Saguenay is located in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region along the Saguenay River, inland from the St. Lawrence River. It sits roughly 200 kilometres north of Quebec City by road and near the Saguenay Fjord area.

Economy and role

Saguenay functions as a regional centre for transportation, administration, commerce, and industry. It is also described as a rail hub within the region.

Population

Recent figures place the city population at about 148,000 in 2021, with the metropolitan area at about 170,000. The city is one of the main population centres of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.

Key facts

  • Saguenay was formed on February 18, 2002, by amalgamating several municipalities including Chicoutimi, Jonquière, and La Baie.
  • The city lies on the Saguenay River in eastern Quebec, about 200 kilometres north of Quebec City.
  • Saguenay is a rail hub and an administrative, commercial, and industrial centre.
  • The city had a population of about 148,000 in 2021, with the metropolitan area at about 170,000.
  • The current city is divided into boroughs that correspond to the former municipalities of Chicoutimi, Jonquière, and La Baie.
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Canadian context

Saguenay is a major Quebec city and regional centre, important to Canadian readers for its role in eastern Quebec’s economy, transportation network, and access to the Saguenay Fjord.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Saguenay located?
Saguenay is in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada, on the Saguenay River about 200 kilometres north of Quebec City.
When was Saguenay created?
The city was created on February 18, 2002, through the amalgamation of several municipalities.
What municipalities formed Saguenay?
Saguenay was formed from Chicoutimi, Jonquière, La Baie, Laterrière, Lac-Kénogami, Shipshaw, and part of Tremblay township.
What are Saguenay’s main boroughs?
The main boroughs are Chicoutimi, Jonquière, and La Baie.
What is Saguenay known for?
It is known as a regional administrative, commercial, and industrial centre and as a gateway to the Saguenay Fjord area.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saguenay,_Quebec
    Supports: Location, 2002 amalgamation, population, borough structure, metropolitan population
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Saguenay
    Supports: City description, regional role, merger of former municipalities
  3. Bonjour Québec — https://www.bonjourquebec.com/en-ca/where-to-go/regions-of-quebec/saguenay-lac-saint-jean/saguenay
    Supports: Boroughs and regional tourism context
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saguenay%E2%80%93Lac-Saint-Jean
    Supports: Regional population context and Saguenay’s place within the region