Things to see and do Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean

Built in 1901, the Val-Jalbert pulp mill produced 50 tons of mechanical pulp daily for paper making, which was then exported to the United States and Europe. The pulp mill supported a population of 950 inhabitants. The village was considered very modern and compared to Boston in the United States in the 1920's as it had town planning, fire hydrants, running water, sanitation, electricity and forced air heating. Due to a growing demand for paper instead of pulp, and not being able to modernize economically, the mill was forced to close in 1927. Dependent on the mill, the population gradually left the area. For nearly 60 years, the houses that had once housed the workers' families remained abandoned, like a ghost village. Today, they are still authentic but restored and animated with inhabitants in period costumes. You can visit the disused mill, the convent-school and the general store. It is recommended to climb to the top of the mountain by a staircase of 764 steps or by cable car (included in the entrance fee), in order to appreciate the view of the impressive 70-meter high Ouiatchouan Falls and the majestic Lac Saint-Jean. It is a real change of scenery to go back in time, a little nostalgic. Moreover, the site is really superb. On site, restaurant services are offered as well as lodging (camping, mini-chalets, renovated rooms in the period houses and 14 new high-end dwellings with a view of Lac Saint-Jean). Although the history of Val-Jalbert ended in 1927 with the closing of the pulp mill, the former company village has become a must-see tourist destination in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region! It is also an ideal destination for families. There is a wide range of activities for all tastes: lookout with glass floor in the heart of the waterfall, historical animation, cable car, hiking trails, La Dompe thematic trail, multi-sensory immersive show, restaurant at the mill (local cuisine, vegetarian and gluten-free options available), café-terrace at the general store, restaurant on the go at the campground, gift store, special events and more, not to mention the winter program A must!

The Musée ilnu de Mashteuiatsh - completely renovated in 2018 - offers unique contact with the history and culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the Ilnus of Lac-Saint-Jean. Browse through exhibits showcasing the material culture and contemporary Aboriginal arts of Quebec's First Nations. You'll be guided through a history rich in knowledge and tradition. The museum has three exhibition halls, an outdoor site and a multimedia projection room. Its outdoor site, Nuhtshimitsh, in the forest, is a lovely trail focusing on the territory's flora. Here, the inseparable links between the boreal forest territory and Aboriginal peoples are highlighted, touching on themes as varied as shelter, food, transportation and health care. Interpretation panels punctuate the trail and complete the experience. Open year-round, the museum offers a bi-annual program of activities, from May to October and November to April. The program includes outdoor activities, encounters with Aboriginal artists and craftspeople, contemporary Aboriginal films and lectures on Aboriginal culture. The new permanent exhibition Tshilanu Ilnuatsh was inaugurated in 2020. Before leaving the premises, take a tour of the boutique, devoted entirely to the history, literature, crafts and arts of Quebec's First Nations.

The Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, one of the most beautiful in the province, stretches along both shores of the fjord and is divided into three access sectors: Baie-Éternité at Rivière-Éternité, Baie-Sainte-Marguerite at Sacré-Coeur, and L'Anse-de-Tabatière at L'Anse-Saint-Jean. It also touches on three of Quebec's tourist regions: Charlevoix, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Côte-Nord, covering an area of 326.7 ^km2.

The star attraction here is undoubtedly the Saguenay Fjord, hence the park's name. Nature deployed colossal forces to create it, and to this day it remains the only navigable fjord in North America. This glacial valley, formed thousands of years ago, is invaded by both freshwater (on the surface, from Lac Saint-Jean) and saltwater (at depth, from the St. Lawrence River). The steep cliffs along the way are popular nesting sites for peregrine falcons, which you may be able to spot with a little luck. The confluence of forest and marine environments also provides outstanding biological diversity. Between sea and mountains, this is truly a jewel of nature! The Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay has been twinned with the Parc national des Cévennes in France since 1984.

The park has three visitor centres - one for each sector - as well as two discovery centers. A number of services are offered, depending on the sector: nature boutique, equipment rental, guide service, food services, transportation service, etc. Visit our website for information on the opening hours of our welcome centers.

Lodging: primitive or serviced camping, Echo cabins, shelters, three-wall shelters, ready-to-camp tents, Étoile ready-to-camp.

Equipment rentals: rowboat for lake fishing, bicycle for adults and children.

Activities : cruise on the fjord by bateau-mouche, via ferrata circuit on the imposing walls of Baie Éternité, guided sea kayak and Zodiac excursion, nautical activities, kayak-camping, day fishing (Quebec fishing permit and access rights mandatory), biking, hiking (over 100 km of trails, all-inclusive packages available), guided hiking, backcountry expeditions, snowshoeing (marked trails, untracked) with overnight stay in a refuge (beware of highly variable weather conditions). Many other discovery activities are also available.

It's an exceptional natural site with many attractions, starting with the tumultuous Métabetchouane River, with its waterfalls, cascades and diverse forest cover to be contemplated on 4.5 km of hiking trails. Explore its canyon and enjoy the water intake pipe walk, a historic reminder of its industrial heritage that leads to the remains of a hydroelectric power station. Walk above the water, on footbridges anchored to rock capes and suspension bridges ranging from 8 m to 60 m in height. Don't miss the immersive ÉCHO, la mémoire des pierres experience, with its sound effects and light shows in the heart of a natural amphitheatre unrivalled in Quebec, carved out of the granite of the Canadian Shield. Then there's the cavern, a phenomenon unique in Canada for its formation in this famous granite over a billion years old. It's the ideal place for a first caving experience: easy to visit and safely supervised. For adrenaline-seekers, cross the canyon on two zip lines 350 m long and 50 m high above the river (reservations required).

Walking shoes mandatory, sportswear and sweater recommended. Duration: 4 hours for a complete tour of the park. Children under 5 not allowed in the cave. The trails and cavern are not recommended for people with reduced mobility. However, the immersive experience and cave tour are offered in virtual reality.

Following the 1996 flood, the artist Jean-Jules Soucy designed this aluminium pyramid covered with over 3 000 billboards. A contemporary, original and spectacular work. Free outdoor entertainment runs from the end of June to the end of July (Friday-Saturday) as well as family entertainment on Sundays as at 13 pm.

If you have a bit of time, take a tour at the Nature Museum of Agnès Villeneuve, where you can find a bric of curiosités curiosities in the midst of beautiful naturalized specimens of local wildlife.

This tourist heritage site focuses on the forestry era. It features an 1889 water-powered sawmill and the Félix Trottier machine shop (old-time forge). These facilities are complemented by a host of activities for young and old alike: observation tower, hebertism course, zip line, water games, hiking and biking trails, kayak rentals, etc. The site is also open in winter for tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling (no equipment rental).

They offer the opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful fjords on the planet, the Saguenay Fjord, by linking the municipalities and attractions that border this natural colossus. The cruises and excursions offered allow you to navigate through breathtaking scenery, but also to learn more about the nature, culture and history of the region. Visit the website to find out about all the destinations covered by the maritime shuttles.

A magnificent centre that organizes large exhibitions, especially contemporary art. The framework is very pleasant. Indeed, the works were exhibited in a former presbytery, built in 1927.

Following the Véloroute des Bleuets which belt Lake Saint-Jean, you will discover the lake and its region in a sporty and original way. The 256 km tour runs through the lake, passing around villages and picturesque villages. It provides access to Pointe-Taillon National Park, water points and numerous sights and attractions. For information on the services available through La Véloroute or to rest, stop at one of the three Cycling Houses (Alma, Roberval and Dolbeau-Mistassini). Notice to Hikers: You are welcome on the Véloroute!