Category: Culture and Exploration

Lac Saint-Jean has been a gathering place for First Nations peoples for thousands of years. In fact, many rivers and places around the lake bear Montagnais names.

Here is a glossary of Montagnais words you’ll come across during your stay at the lake.

• Kuei – Hello in Innu.
• Pekuakami – The name given to Lake Saint-Jean means “shallow lake,” “flat lake,” or “lake with flat shores.” Pâk means “shallow” or “flat,” and kami means “water” or “lake.”
• Les Pekuakamiulnuatsh – Pekuakami First Nation (Lac Saint-Jean)
• Nehlueun – The Ilnu language of Mashteuiatsh
• Ilnu/Ilunatsh (singular/plural), a Native American name for the Montagnais, meaning “Man”
• Mashteuiatsh– Where there is a headland, also known as Pointe-Bleue. For the Ilunatsh, this headland was long a gathering place and one of the busiest thoroughfares. Even today, Ilnu culture is proudly represented there.
• Rivière Ashuapmushuan, a place where you can hear moose
• Manitou – The Spirit of the Spirit / The Higher Being.
• Métabetchouan :The stream flows into the lake
• Mistassini : large rock. Cree place name MISHTA: large, rocky outcrop, boulder.
• Rivière Mistouc:From the mountains, a piece of wood
• Ouananiche – Means “lost” or “out of place.”
  A fish native to this region, the trout is believed to have evolved into the ouananiche following the retreat of saltwater. The ouananiche (Salmo salar ouananiche) is also known as the freshwater salmon.
• River Ouiatchouan – (Uiatshuan shipi : We often pass by this spot (reflection)
  A winding road, full of curves.
• River Couchepaganiche :Small River of Embarkation
• Péribonka – Derived from the Algonquin word PERIWANGA, meaning “river cutting through the sand.”
• Iutaku (Windigo) – The cannibalistic giant of the forest.

Source : https://shistoriquesaguenay.com/noms-amerindiens-de-la-region-du-saguenay-lac-saint-jean/

To learn more about Indigenous history and culture in Lac-Saint-Jean:

Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh FB : https://www.facebook.com/musee.demashteuiatsh

Centre d’Histoire et d’Archéologie de la Métabetchouane FB : https://www.facebook.com/chamdesbiens/

To learn the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Mashteuiatsh language:  https://nehlueun.com/

The Lake Saint-Jean region as seen by Myriam Larouche, Boreal Zone Ambassador

By Myriam Larouche

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been interested in food, ingredients, their flavors, how they’re used, and the results of combining them. At the tender age of 4, I clearly remember being in the kitchen right behind my mother, begging her for ingredients to concoct my “stews,” which I would then cook in my little toy oven powered by a simple light bulb.

Later, this curiosity shaped my academic path, first by studying food science and technology, and then by completing a bachelor’s degree in nutrition.

Being interested in food comes naturally to me. On every trip, every outing, and at every event, choosing what to eat, enjoying a meal, and discovering new culinary delights are a big part of my daily joy.

No wonder that since returning to the region and joining the businesses where I’ve chosen to get involved, food has been at the heart of my work. The lamb from our family farm has quickly become my cooking pots’ best friend!

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Products with a unique character

Over the past thirteen (13) years, I’ve had the pleasure of showcasing our region’s flavors in my culinary projects, and believe me, it tastes great!! It’s hard to pick my favorites—there are so many! Our land and its artisans are brimming with products, each more remarkable than the last.

I admit I have a soft spot for cheese! We eat a lot of cheese around here! And what a selection we have, with so many artisan cheesemakers like Lehmann, Blackburn, and Médard, to name just a few.

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What you’ll find in my kitchen

Some of my kitchen staples include oils from Ferme Tournevent, maple products from our friends at Érablière au Sucre d’Or, black garlic from Le Moulin, vegetables, herbs, and fruits from Rubis Rouge, vegetables from Potager Mistook and À Contre Vent, honey from Ferme des Érables or Raphael’s, berries from our own land and those from our forager friends who occasionally drop by to deliver a shipment of mushrooms and boreal spices.

Beers from the Riverbend microbrewery, La Chouape, or Micro du Lac; KWE cocktail syrups; and the berry liqueurs and aperitifs from Domaine le Cageot that come alive in the pan or on the dance floor at L’Orée des Champs!

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Travel while eating

For me, baking treats with local ingredients is a way of fulfilling myself. It’s the feeling of taking care of our home, our loved ones, and ourselves! It’s an ongoing journey toward new culinary discoveries, but also—and above all—toward genuine connections and friendships with passionate people who pour their hearts into bringing high-quality food to our tables. What a source of pride!

Cheese has long been a source of pride for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. For many generations, producers have been innovating to offer the finest products. Among the region’s many cheese factories, more than eight are located around Lac-Saint-Jean, some of which have been in operation for generations. Together, these cheese factories offer an incredibly diverse range of products—enough to impress anyone.

Beyond the producers’ expertise, the secret of Lac-Saint-Jean cheese lies in its climate. The significant temperature fluctuations between very cold nights and warmer days give the milk a sweeter taste, a flavor that is then carried over into the cheese. The products thus have a unique taste that sets them apart from others and is certainly worth the detour.

A reputation that never disappoints.

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Bouchard Organic Artisans

At Bouchard Artisans Bio, respect for nature and animals is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why our cows roam freely and are fed exclusively on grass. In addition to offering exceptional cheese, Bouchard Artisans Bio is also the region’s only yogurt producer. In total, the agroboréale farm offers more than 11 different products, all carefully prepared by the family-run business.

In addition to being a favorite spot for cheese and yogurt tastings, the cheese shop located in Saint-Félicien is also the perfect place to take a break and relax. Located near the Blueberry Bike Trail, you can enjoy a picnic, tour the farm and its facilities, and, of course, learn more about farm life and the milk processing process.

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A Cheese-Filled Tour Around the Lake

The Bouchard Artisans Bio cheese shop is just the first stop on a truly gourmet tour of the lake. The region’s cheese shops complement each other perfectly, each offering unique products that showcase the producers’ creativity.

Among the must-visit stops, the Médard cheese shop and bakery in Saint-Gédéon is sure to make many people’s mouths water. With over 9 varieties of hard, soft, and even spreadable cheeses, it’s hard to choose. In addition to these dairy delights, the bakery section offers exquisite pastries for all dessert lovers.

As Quebec’s oldest cheese-making company, Fromagerie Perron is also a must-visit on your itinerary. Located in Saint-Prime, you’ll find over twenty exceptional cheeses. The cheese shop has stood out for over 125 years for its quality and innovation. It also offers a brand-new line of vintage cheddars—the first of its kind in Canada.

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An experience you can savor

Together, the cheese makers of Lac-Saint-Jean boast over 300 years of experience. These cheese producers offer a variety of products, each as delicious and unique as the next. That’s why you shouldn’t miss the Saint-Laurent cheese factory, the Au pays des bleuets cheese factory, the Lehman cheese factory, the La Normandinoise cheese factory, and the L’autre versant cheese factory, which offer a variety of refined products.

If you’re a fan of soft cheeses, the cheese factories of Lac-Saint-Jean challenge you to find your favorite “squish squish” cheese—but to do that, you’ll have to try them all.

Chocolaterie au cœur Fondant, Alma

La Chocolaterie Au Cœur Fondant is an artisanal chocolate shop that also offers all kinds of frozen desserts sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth! Treat yourself to their legendary double-dipped soft-serve ice cream, which tastes just like Kinder Eggs!

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La Vache Copine, Roberval

Popsicles, gelato, sorbets, soft-serve ice cream, mollegourt, fruit sundaes, ice cream waffles… There’s no shortage of variety at La Vache Copine! Since the ice cream shop is located in the Roberval marina, you can enjoy your frozen treat while taking in the scenery!

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La Maison du Bleuet, Saint-Félicien and Chambord

What could be more typical of Lac-Saint-Jean than wild blueberries? La Maison du Bleuet certainly knows this! Their vanilla-wild blueberry soft-serve ice cream is well worth the trip, not to mention all their other products made with this little fruit from Lac-Saint-Jean.

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Palais Glacé, Dolbeau-Mistassini

Palais Glacé offers a wide variety of treats for those with a sweet tooth: soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, cakes, candies, and more! Be sure to try their stuffed soft-serve ice cream—it’s absolutely delicious!

Why go fruit picking this summer? Whether it’s to enjoy the nice weather, stock up for winter, support local farmers, or simply savor delicious fresh fruit picked at peak ripeness, there are plenty of good reasons to go fruit picking!

Here’s a quick guide to what you can pick throughout the months:

STRAWBERRIES: late June to late July

BLUEBERRIES: July

CHERRIES: July

RASPBERRIES: mid-July to September

BLUEBERRIES: late July to late August

GRAPES: late August to September

APPLE, POTATO, SQUASH, AND PUMPKIN: September

For more information on the various producers offering pick-your-own in the region, visit: https://zoneboreale.com/autocueillette/

Lac-Saint-Jean Microbrewery, Saint-Gédéon

As the first microbrewery to open in Lac-Saint-Jean, the Microbrasserie du Lac-Saint-Jean has developed over 100 beer recipes since 2007. Their product lineup is therefore extremely diverse. Try their signature beer, Gros Mollet, a dark ale with notes of caramel malt.

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Microbrewery Lion Bleu, Alma

Founded in 2015, Lion Bleu Microbrewery stands out for its commitment to its core values: respect, authenticity, creativity, and personal growth. Be sure to try their Couteau beer, an IIPA with notes of apricot, papaya, and lychee.

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Microbrewery Riverbend, Alma

Riverbend Microbrewery uses traditional brewing methods and pays tribute to the company town built by the Price Brothers. Discover their Berliner Weisse, a sour beer traditionally brewed in Germany.

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Microbrewery Beemer, Roberval

Beemer, a newly opened microbrewery, aims to showcase local history. Sample their classic lineup, which includes a lager (Roberval), a pilsner (Alexander Scott), a wheat beer (Val-Jalbert), and a red ale (H.J.B.).

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Microbrewery La Chouape, Saint-Félicien

The Chouape microbrewery brews beer the way it was done in the old days, using high-quality ingredients and no chemical additives. Try their Oat Stout, which won a gold medal at the Strasbourg World Beer Competition.

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Microbrewery Le Coureur des Bois, Dolbeau-Mistassini

Founded in 2011, La Microbrasserie Le Coureur des Bois brews craft beers inspired by the bounty of the boreal wilderness. Try La Jaseuse, their blueberry wheat beer, a flavor typical of the Lac-Saint-Jean region.

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Bercée Microbrewery, Hébertville

A newcomer to the microbrewery scene around the lake, Bercée is a family-run microbrewery. A house has been converted to house its tasting room, offering customers a unique and welcoming atmosphere. There is also a shop selling its products.

Le Décanteur, Alma

A wine bar that offers not only privately imported wines but also Scotch, whiskey, and craft beers, along with a menu featuring regional specialties. Their beautifully lit patio even has a gas fire pit, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere!

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La Chouape, Saint-Félicien

Enjoy a selection of natural and local beers on a waterfront terrace, right in the heart of downtown Saint-Félicien! The perfect spot for an aperitif all summer long!

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Microbrewery Le Coureur des Bois, Dolbeau-Mistassini

Offering bistro-style cuisine and a warm, friendly atmosphere, Microbrasserie le Coureur des bois features a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy those warm summer evenings.

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Hôtel Boréalie, Saint-Félicien

The Hôtel Boréalie, located on the banks of the Ashuapmushuan River, features a stunning rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. There is also a second terrace on the main floor, right on the riverbank. It’s a wonderful place to spend time with friends or family!

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Microbrasserie du Lac-Saint-Jean, Saint-Gédéon

La Microbrasserie du Lac-Saint-Jean, In addition to its seasonal draft beers, the restaurant offers a delicious menu featuring a wide variety of beer-based specialties. You can enjoy it all on their spacious terrace while soaking up the sun!

Louis Hébert is the head brewer and owner of La Chouape microbrewery in Saint-Félicien. With two distinct locations, the farm-to-table brewery features both a bistro-style tasting room in downtown and a farm shop where visitors can purchase La Chouape beers and exclusive local products.

“Our tasting room definitely has THE most beautiful terrace on the lake! There’s no better place to enjoy a beer than here,” says Louis Hébert with a smile. “The terrace is right on the lakefront—the view is truly magnificent!”

The beers he brews are all certified organic, pesticide-free, and contain no additives. And that’s not to mention their taste, which evokes the scents and nature of Lac-Saint-Jean! During the summer season, between 20 and 25 different beers are available—there’s definitely something for everyone!

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A beer, a good deed

For Louis Hébert, every local microbrewery is worth a visit. He does, however, have a personal favorite: Micro du Lac. Located in Saint-Gédéon, it’s run by friends of Louis’s who started their businesses at the same time he did. The two places have even collaborated to create a beer that reflects their style—a common practice among breweries in the region.

La Becycle à pédale is a wheat beer brewed alternately at both locations. Flavored with boreal herbs, $0.50 from each beer sold is donated to the Véloroute des Bleuets, an organization that promotes Lac-Saint-Jean as THE destination for cycling in Quebec.