WELCOME TO SAGUENAY Discover life in the Fjord Saguenay

● The 7th largest city in , ● Renowned as one of the most beautiful regions in Quebec. ● It is known for Saguenay Fjord, a national park - a spectacular glacial valley on the majestic Saguenay . Saguenay – Quick History

● Inhabited by Iroquois native people

● Initially trading post in 1600s with Europeans traveling to North America – FUR the main commerce

● Industrial growth through the forestry industry in 19th century with British

● First true inhabitants “Société des Vingt-et-Un” (1800s – colonists seeking land, natural resources (Timber) and society – 21 shareholders and official formers of the region

● Pulp and paper and timber the major industry

● Later advent of aluminium and energy production Saguenay – Today

● Tourism

● Culture

● Industry

● Information technology

● Retail

● Education

● Safe, secure, friendly, Downtown vibrant, diverse, welcoming Saguenay – Today

Chicoutimi Saguenay – Industry IT and technology

Aluminium

Timber Hydro-electricity Saguenay - Services Saguenay - Tourism Saguenay - Tourism HOW TO REACH ● By Land Easily accessible by Route 175, a four-lane divided SAGUENAY highway that passes through the Réserve faunique des Laurentides (wildlife reserve), Saguenay is 211 km from Québec and 464 km from Montreal.

● By Train The Via Rail Canada train connects Montréal to Saguenay.

● By Boat (-Baie-Sainte-Catherine Ferry) Connects both sections of Route 138 year-round 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The crossing approximately takes 10 minutes.

● By Plane (Saguenay-Bagotville Airport) Located just 15 minutes from each of the Saguenay borough, this regional airport can accommodate most aircraft and is also known for being an airport of entry into Canada. LOCAL SERVICES

● Child Care and Day Care ● Restaurants ● Cinema ● Library ● Theatres ● Gyms ● Computer Stores - Saguenay Informatique - Best Buy - Staples ● Shopping centres: - Place du Royaume - Place du Saguenay AREA VS. POPULATION STATISTICS

● The of Saguenay has a population of over 146,000 inhabitants spread out in a vast area of 1,165 sq. km. - twice the size of the island of Montreal.

● The median age of its residents is 46.1 while the rest of the Canadians across the country have a median age of 46.1 TRANSPORTATION COST OF LIVING ● One-way Ticket (Local Transport): CAD $3.20 ● Monthly Pass (Regular Price): CAD $70.00 ● Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): CAD $3.45 ● Gasoline (1 liter): CAD $1.04

RESTAURANTS ● Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant / Fastfood: CAD $10.00-15.00 ● Cappuccino (regular): CAD $2.50-3.00 ● Groceries: $200-250 per month

SPORTS AND RECREATION ● Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult: CAD $12.50 ● Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat: CAD $12.00

RENT PER MONTH ● Shared accommodation in City Centre: CAD $400.00 (services included) WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THE CITY

“Saguenay is a city of learning and knowledge, where students can get relevant skills.”

“The training programs for students are customized and up-to-date to meet the needs of today’s businesses.”

“There are many specialized training programs available in the educational institutions present in the area. “ RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

● Nautical Activities ● Park Visits ● Golfing ● Motorized Sports ● Cycling ● Nature reserves ● Camping

Source: Veni Etiam Photography RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SPORTS & OUTDOORS

● Excursions and Nature Observation ● Aerial Ropes & Climbing ● Hunting & Fishing RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

WINTER ACTIVITIES

● Snowmobiling ● Ice Fishing ● Downhill Skiing and Sledding ● Cross-country Skiing ● Snowshoeing ● Snowkiting ● Dog Sledding CULTURE SHOCK

Those who study and live in Saguenay may experience some culture shock upon arriving in the city in terms of:

● Language: French is popular in the region. ● Cultural and racial differences: Indigenous peoples comprised 6.1 percent of the population and visible minorities contributed 1.4 percent. The largest visible minority groups in Saguenay are Black (0.5%), Arab (0.2%), Chinese (0.2%) and Latin American (0.2%). HOW TO COPE WITH CULTURE SHOCK

● Make a conscious effort to adjust to the new culture ● Seek to understand the behaviours and customs of the local people ● Participate in any aspect of the new culture like picking up a new sport ● Learning the language even if it is just a few simple everyday phrases ● Practice holistic wellness - eat well, exercises and get enough sleep ● Travel or explore the country’s sights and attractions ● Be open to making friends and form new relationships. ● Keep close contact with friends and family back home ● Do something that reminds you of home. FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS