Spring Icebreaking on the Saguenay River

March 9, 2023

Québec, Quebec - The Canadian Coast Guard advises residents and visitors along the Saguenay Fjord that the CCGS Vincent Massey will begin spring icebreaking operations as early as Monday, March 13, 2023. The date is subject to change with no notice, depending on operational requirements and weather conditions.

Any facilities or equipment on the ice must be moved safely ashore before midnight on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

The purpose of this annual operation is to break up the ice in the Saguenay and at the entrances to tributaries in order to prevent ice jams and flooding that may result from the spring thaw.

The Canadian Coast Guard reminds the public that it can be very dangerous to venture onto the ice and suggest that they familiarize themselves with our ice safety tips. It is strongly recommended that pedestrians, fishers and snowmobilers leave the ice when they see the icebreaker in the vicinity. The ice may move, creating a real danger for anyone in the area of the ship’s operations, even long after the vessel has left the area.