This article analyzes the importance given to small and medium size ports by authorities of the regional county municipalities. The 43 planning schemes of the regional county municipalities bordering the St. Lawrence River, the Saguenay River and the Chaleur Bay were submitted to a content analysis. This approach allows an evaluation of the importance of maritime transport in Québec and more particularly of the role of small and medium size ports in Québec's regional planning under five themes related to port activities : the position of ports, the jurisdiction of port infrastructures, the maritime traffic, the intermodal links, the economic activities and land use.