Subscribe to the newsletter
Beaches and rivers, Outdoors, Roads and tours
10 free activities for your vacation in Lac-Saint-Jean
| Updated on
Are you planning to visit Lac-Saint-Jean this summer, or do you plan to stay in the area? Here are 10 free activities you’ll enjoy doing with your family or on your own to make the most of our region.
It’s free: great value for money!
Just as the region’s stunning landscapes contribute to the quality of its activities, the many facilities available there will help you enjoy your experience even more.
Free beaches around Lac-Saint-Jean
Ready to spend your days by the water this summer? There’s no shortage of beaches around Lac Saint-Jean. Here are the best free spots to enjoy the summer season.
Le Rigolet Beach in Métabetchouan
Easy to reach, plage Le Rigolet is the perfect place to enjoy the Lac Saint-Jean experience with your family. One of the most beautiful spots in the area to watch the sunset, the beach offers nearby restroom facilities and dining options, as well as quick access to the 256 km of bike paths along the Véloroute.
You can relax and sink your feet into the warm sand of this 13-km-long beach while gazing out at the vast expanse of water. The beach is lifeguarded and features play structures for kids to burn off some energy.
Plage Vauvert à Dolbeau-Mistassini
It’s hard not to find peace and quiet on one of Quebec’s most beautiful beaches, where you can unwind along more than 8 km of natural, fine sand. With breathtaking views of Lac Saint-Jean, you’ll love this lifeguard-patrolled beach, which offers all the amenities you need for a great time with family, as a couple, or on your own: a snack bar, restrooms, and kayak rentals.
Despite the size of the area, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the tourist center to slip on your flip-flops and jump into the water.
Plage de la Pointe Scott
Located in Roberval, Pointe Scott Municipal Beach promises plenty of fun with its two lighted beach volleyball courts and swings to keep the little ones active. You can also grab a bite to eat at the picnic area and enjoy your day in comfort thanks to on-site supervision and nearby showers, restrooms, and changing rooms.
Note that you can access the beach via the Véloroute des Bleuets, located less than 200 m from the site. Biking and the beach: a perfect combination to relax and cool off before hitting the road again!
L’Ermitage Saint-Antoine a des options gratuites
Without a doubt, the Ermitage Saint-Antoine offers an extraordinary experience straight out of a fairy tale. Discover nature in an enchanting setting, where a grand natural basilica formed by trees stands alongside picturesque gardens, works of art, stained-glass windows, and historic buildings—not to mention a magnificent view of Bouchette and Ouiatchouan lakes. You’ll be pleased to know that there are several free options available for exploring the sanctuary.
Hiking trails
One of the best ways to explore L’Ermitage Saint-Antoine of Saint-Antoine is to explore its many hiking trails, which are suitable for all skill levels and preferences.
Sentier du flâneur
The Stroller’s Trail features over 7 km of well-maintained paths, crisscrossed by numerous loops that offer a variety of route options.
To enhance the experience, 33 maxims—drawn from the book *Le Calepin d’un flâneur* by poet Félix Leclerc—will accompany you along the way. A truly poetic stroll!
Sentier Notre-Dame-Kapatakan
The Notre-Dame Kapatakan Trail is often compared to the “regional Little Way of St. James” of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. It stretches from Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay in Rivière-Éternité to Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes in L’Ermitage Saint-Antoine. For the most adventurous souls tempted by the experience, this trail spans over 215 km. However, there’s no need to hike it all at once to enjoy its attractions.
The trail is divided into 12 stages, passing through towns, villages, countryside, mountains, plains, lakes, and rivers. An extraordinary experience where you’ll have the chance to observe the region’s northern flora and fauna, as well as unique spiritual sites.
The Pilgrim’s Passport, available for $5, also allows you to collect stamps at each stage, which you can keep as a souvenir of your accomplishment.
Centre Elzéar-Delamarre
Take a step back in time at the Centre Elzéar-DeLamarre, which pays tribute to the founder of L’Ermitage and to those who contributed to his work. Founded by the Antonian Sisters of Mary and the Capuchin Friars, you’ll explore this historic site through various themes, including that of Victor DeLamarre, the founder’s nephew, who left his mark on Quebec with his feats of strength.
Victor Delamarre
Among the strongest men in the world, Victor DeLamarre still holds the record for the one-arm (left) deadlift of 309.5 pounds. The man who aspired to follow in the footsteps of Louis Cyr also helped build the magnificent sanctuary. Learn more about him through this free exhibition!
Observation Tower
The highlight of the site, this observation tower dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua offers a 360-degree view of the grounds and Lake Saint-Jean. Reach the summit by climbing its eight flights of stairs. During your ascent, you’ll be inspired by excerpts from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, the “Sermon on the Mount,” as well as the thoughts of Saint Anthony that you’ll see incorporated into the structure.
L’économusée de la Chocolaterie des Pères Trappistes
A must-see in the region, the Chocolaterie des Pères Trappistes is a stop you simply can’t miss. Learn more about the institution’s history at the museum-shop and take the opportunity to stock up on their gourmet treats at the gift shop before heading out for a stroll.
The site welcomes visitors of all ages with its playground and picnic tables. You can visit the chapel and explore the 28 km of trails along the Chemin Pèlerin Monasteriorum, which runs alongside the Rivière aux Rats between Dolbeau-Mistassini and St-Eugène-d’Argentenay, taking you to the sites of three Trappist monasteries established since 1892.
You can also explore the audio-guided discovery tour “The Trappist Fathers: The Driving Force Behind a New Land” in the Pointe-des-Pères sector of the Grandes-Rivières Regional Park of Lac Saint-Jean, which transports you back to the era of the first settlers organizing themselves under the monastic order.
A spiritual experience just 9 km from the site!
Hiking trails all around the lake
There’s still so much more to discover in Lac-Saint-Jean! A network of hiking trails, ranging from short to long, lets you explore the lake.
The hiking trails of the Grandes-Rivières Regional Park in Lac-Saint-Jean
With over 35 km of maintained trails, the Parc régional des Grandes-Rivières du Lac-Saint-Jean is a true playground. Plan your outings in advance, as you’ll have plenty of options for spending a day surrounded by nature. Dog owners are welcome to bring their furry friends along!
Parc de la Chute-à-Michel
Visit this exceptional site along the Ashuapmushuan River, located on the tourist-friendly Boulevard du Jardin and near downtown. A true natural spectacle, Parc de la Chute-à-Michel is the perfect place to admire magnificent sunsets and enjoy peaceful family walks along its 3 km of trails.
La Véloroute des Bleuets: a must-have—100% free
Completely free of charge, the Véloroute des Bleuets is one of the region’s most popular activities, thanks to its 256-kilometer route that circles Lac Saint-Jean. Throughout your journey, you’ll pass through towns and villages where you’ll have the chance to experience the region and relax in complete comfort.
For the more adventurous, mountain biking takes center stage
Mountain bikers, take advantage of your trip along the Véloroute to explore Parc d’une Rive à l’Autre, which offers bike trails surrounded by nature, right in the heart of the city of Alma. Download your Ondago map to explore the network of trails connecting Centre Mont Villa, la Pointe-des-Américains, the centre Dorval and the bassin Saint-Georges.
Kayak or recreational canoe
While you’ll enjoy exploring Lac Saint-Jean on foot, you’ll love exploring it by boat just as much. There are several free boat ramps around Lac Saint-Jean where you can spend hours enjoying your kayak or canoe, including:
- Camping Plage Lac-Éden
- Marina des îles de Saint-Gédéon
- Camping Tchitogama
- Marina de Roberval
Dynamic Art in Alma with the Langage Plus Exhibition Center
Enjoy a free guided tour of the Langage Plus contemporary art center, which offers a diverse program of exhibitions featuring works by local and international artists, as well as events, artist residencies, and educational activities.
A few more suggestions
Vous pourrez également vous amuser avec les diverses installations dans les villes et villages :
- Water play areas in Saint-Henri-de-Taillon, Saint-Nazaire, and Alma
- Dog park in Alma
- Playground in Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix
- Alma Public Art Trail
- Benchfit and Trekfit along the Petite-Décharge at Fillion-Gauthier Park and Saint-Sacrement Park in Alma
Paid activities, but affordable
Although there is a fee, there are several affordable activities to choose from in the area.
Tour of the Maria Chapdelaine Filming Location
Free for children 5 and under and $10 for adults, you’ll have the chance to visit the filming locations of the hit movie *Maria Chapdelaine*.
Pick-Your-Own
A must-try agritourism activity in the region, picking your own local produce—including the popular blueberries—is the perfect way to discover our local area. It’s an affordable activity that everyone will enjoy. Don’t miss our next article on places to go pick-your-own around the lake!
Here are a few places for pick-your-own:
Robertson Beach in Mashteuiatsh
For just $4, you’ll have access to the beach, located right on the grounds of Robertson Beach Campground. Intimate and close to amenities, it’s the perfect spot to spend a peaceful day by the water.
Wineries and tastings
Among the agritourism activities to try during your visit around the lake are the region’s exceptional vineyards, where you can sample their fine wines.
Among others, you can visit Bonté Divigne, in Roberval, as well as the Vignoble Couchepagane in Metabetchouan.
Lac-Saint-Jean: A Must-Visit Destination for Affordable Activities
Although we’ve listed 10 free activities to enjoy in our beautiful region, there are many others we could have included—not to mention all the very affordable options. Lac-Saint-Jean is undoubtedly a top destination this summer!
What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip!
Take the opportunity to stop by the best restaurants in Lac-Saint-Jean. You can also find places to stay during your visit on our website.