HISTORIC VILLAGE OF VAL-JALBERT

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!