Spring Icebreaking on the Saguenay River

March 4, 2024

Québec, Quebec - The Canadian Coast Guard advises residents and visitors along the Saguenay Fjord that the CCGS Amundsen will begin spring icebreaking operations as early as Monday, March 11, 2024. The date is subject to change with no notice, as activities could begin before or after that period, depending on operational requirements or weather conditions.

Any facilities or equipment on the ice must be moved safely ashore before midnight on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

The Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends that pedestrians, fish harvesters 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.

Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers have a red hull with a transverse white band in the centre, and a white funnel on top bearing a maple leaf.

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