Make Your Own Cheese at the Perron Old Cheese Factory Museum
In this unique experience, we invite you to step into the shoes of a real cheesemaker and make your own cheese while discovering the various cheese-making techniques used to create the different types of cheese we have in Quebec. An ideal activity for food-loving families!
Collecting crystals at the Cristal du Lac mine
Are you a treasure hunter? Cristal du Lac invites you to dig in their open-air deposit to find your own quartz crystals.
You can also enjoy a hike right in the heart of the forest in Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix!
Watch wolves at Mahikan Park
As Quebec’s largest wildlife observation center dedicated to wolves, Mahikan Park invites you to watch wolf packs living in semi-freedom and learn more about pack life and how it works.
Try rock climbing at Escalade Haut Clocher
Are you a family of sports enthusiasts? Come climb the 10-meter wall built right inside the nave of St. Stanislaus Church. The center also offers a variety of classes and training sessions on indoor and outdoor climbing.
Canoe trip down the Mistassini River
Accessible and safe, the Mistassini River offers canoeists and kayakers sandy beaches and diverse scenery. The adventure can take the form of a canoe-camping trip or a day-long excursion!
Of the 272 breweries in Quebec, 19 are located in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, representing 7% of all Quebec breweries. This same region also boasts the highest number of craft brewers per capita, a testament to the deep love that the residents of the “Land of Blueberries” have for beer-based products.
Beyond the large number of microbreweries, it is the unique flavor of the region’s beers that sets them apart from those found elsewhere in the province. From northern berries to boreal spices, not to mention forest flavors, the natural environment of Lac-Saint-Jean is undeniably a source of inspiration for local producers. Many of the beers brewed in Lac-Saint-Jean truly reflect what can be found in the local environment. Gathering spices has even become a profession!
Enjoying the Lake, One Beer at a Time
Lac beers are brewed with love and offer flavors to suit every taste. Here are a few recommendations to delight your taste buds:
La Migratrice from Microbrewery Le Coureur des bois
Refreshing, this spicy white wine, infused with the treasures of our forests, reveals a rich bouquet of autumnal forest floor aromas and passion fruit.
Strong Beer, 6.2% ABV
La scotch ale aux lactaires et à odeur d’érable de la Microbrasserie Riverbend The maple-biscuit aromas of this Scotch ale are captivating and surprising—and for good reason… There’s no maple in it at all! It’s a wild mushroom, the maple-scented milk cap, that’s tricking our taste buds!
Strong natural beer – unfiltered, 7.7% ABV
La Tante tricotante de la Micro du Lac When given time to age in barrels from the old world, Micro du Lac’s triple beer puts on its finest: subtle acidity, an unusual smoothness, all rounded out by an elegant fruitiness of wild cranberries and berries.
Triple strong beer, 10% ABV
La Bleuet floral de la Microbrasserie Lion Bleu An impressive amount of blueberries went into making this beer! The hibiscus adds delicate floral notes that add depth to the flavor profile.
Sure, 5% ABV
L’Égaré de la Microbrasserie La Chouape Blonde and bold, this triple-style beer hides a warm blend of fresh bread, alcohol, and ripe fruit within its light body.
Triple, 9.5% ABV
Bottled beer: becoming increasingly rare in microbreweries
Bottled beers are becoming less and less popular among Quebec microbreweries. At Lac, however, they’re still very much in vogue! While not all breweries focus exclusively on this format, bottled beers remain a way for local brewers to stand out. Compared to the can, which is more flexible, the bottle allows for the creation of aesthetically pleasing products, which are common in the Lake region. Many brewers are partnering with artists to create beautiful bottles that showcase local talent. Beers from the Lake region are therefore as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate!
For the Pekuakamiulnuatsh (the Ilnuatsh of the Mashteuiatsh community), the rivers of Lac-Saint-Jean are more than just waterways; they are ancestral routes. Our history and way of life revolve around the Pekuakami (Lac-Saint-Jean) and its tributaries.
Our people, who have inhabited the vast territory extending beyond the Pekuakami watersheds for millennia, have always used the rivers as transportation routes. They are our highways! In the past, they were the primary means we had to travel to our hunting grounds in the fall and return to the lake when spring arrived.
Families would leave the community in the fall in their canoes to travel upriver along the major rivers surrounding the lake (Mistassini, Mistassibi, Péribonka, Ashuapmushuan, Métabetchouane, etc.). As they traveled upriver, the families would split up as they reached their family hunting grounds.
These expeditions were long and arduous. I remember the stories my grandfather told me about how it took them two months to reach the family hunting grounds at the headwaters of the Mistassini River. For each stretch of the river, the men would make an initial trip to transport most of the luggage and set up camp. Then they would return to fetch the family and travel back up the same stretch of the river the next day. The journey was long, but it was undertaken calmly, taking care to quietly gather provisions for the long winter months.
There were many portages along these turbulent waterways. In fact, several major rapids still bear traces of these old portages today. The next time you paddle on the rivers around the lake, keep your eyes peeled—you might spot remnants of these trails, which are still visible.
Even today, Ilnuatsh families still occupy and travel down certain sections of the rivers, with grandparents continuing the oral tradition by telling the younger generation about their adventures and stories from the territory. Every year, a river trip is organized by the community to give First Nations members the opportunity to experience this tradition and commemorate the culture and heritage that has been passed down to us.
What has changed is how quickly we can reach our hunting grounds. Nowadays, we can make the trip in a single day. The distance is the same, but the roads that have been built over the decades—and especially modern transportation—have made it much easier to access these remote areas.
If you’d like to learn more about the history and culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, I invite you to take advantage of your visit to Lac-Saint-Jean to visit the Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh, where you’ll discover the richness of our thousand-year-old history.
For hiking enthusiasts and pilgrims, here is a trail tailor-made for you: the Monastérium. This nearly 30-kilometer trail along the Rivière aux Rats between Dolbeau-Mistassini and Saint-Eugène-d’Argentenay showcases the remarkable heritage that bears witness to the invaluable contribution of the Trappist Fathers to the north of Lac Saint-Jean for over 125 years.
Along the route, you’ll discover the sites of the three monasteries occupied by the Trappist monks since their arrival in the northern Lac-Saint-Jean region in 1892.
The pilgrimage route will take you from the historic Pointe-des-Pères area to the Chocolaterie des Pères economic museum and the Cistercian abbey, where some 14 guest rooms and a monastery shop are available.
In Saint-Eugène-d’Argentenay, the church will be open to the public and will even welcome pilgrims wishing to spend the night there. A riverside park and a walking trail leading to an illuminated cross round out the local experience.
Beyond its historical and religious significance, this trail, built along an old rural road, reveals all the charm and poetry of the meandering Rivière aux Rats as it flows to Dolbeau-Mistassini. It also offers a chance to admire the distinctive natural beauty of the northern lake region in all its splendor, winding through blueberry fields and boreal forest.
Starting point of the Monastérium
The suggested starting point is the Regional Park Visitor Center in Dolbeau-Mistassini. Eventually, as is often the case in France and elsewhere in Quebec, a pilgrim’s passport will be available as a souvenir. It is used to collect stamps, as well as to record personal reflections on the experience.
32nd Pilgrimage Route of the Province
The Monasteriorum Pilgrimage Route is the 32nd pilgrimage route in Quebec. It builds on other religious tourism offerings in the region, such as l’Ermitage Saint-Antoine du Lac-Bouchette and Notre-Dame-de-Kapatakan, Pilgrimage Route, which stretches 215 km between Rivière-Éternité and Lac-Bouchette.
For more information, visit the website of the Grandes-Rivières Regional Park of Lac Saint-Jean: https://grandesrivieres.com/
My favorite spot in our MRC is the Scullion Garden, since it’s a beautiful site that’s constantly evolving. Although the site is still in its early stages—considering it’s a garden—it’s already absolutely enchanting!
Another favorite spot around the lake would be the Chute à l’Ours tourist site, since it’s exactly the kind of campground I look for when I travel, with the beautiful waterfall flowing right through the site. Plus, it’s a “Cyclists Welcome” site.
Noémie
My favorite spot in the Lac-Saint-Jean-Est RCM is undoubtedly the new section of Pointe-Taillon National Park in Saint-Gédéon, known as Le Camp de Touage. The national park’s campground is well-maintained with green spaces, and the campsites are well-spaced. The view of the islands and Lake Saint-Jean from the park is magnificent. It’s the perfect spot for lovers of water sports, camping, and wide-open spaces!
As for my favorite spot in the region, it’s the La Chouape microbrewery in Saint-Félicien. I find that the layout of the terrace and the view of the Ashuapmushuan River create a festive and warm atmosphere that’s perfect for the summer season. Plus, the organic beers are made with local, seasonal ingredients.
Eileen
My favorite spot is Mashteuiatsh—it’s the only Indigenous community in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. You can learn about the history, culture, and traditions of First Nations, and experience an adventure that blends culture and nature. I find that the trees and birds radiate a wonderful energy.
There’s a shop where you can find lots of souvenirs, and Robertson Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
Ariane
My favorite spot in the area is the Coconut Café bistro. It’s a real favorite of mine, since they almost always use local ingredients. The owner also has an on-site smokehouse, and their coffee is excellent. In fact, they’re the only place in Lac-Saint-Jean that makes Bubble Coffee. They sell craft beers on-site, mainly from Lac-Saint-Jean, like their neighbor, the Lion Bleu. There’s a wonderful atmosphere, and it’s hard not to fall in love with the shop where the meats are smoked, which opens onto a terrace overlooking the Petit Décharge River. They offer takeout options, special add-ons (it’s the only café that puts maple syrup in iced coffees), and an on-site creamery. In addition to being a first for Bubble Coffee, they’re connected to L’Escaparium du Lac via a door between the two businesses. In short, the Coconut Café is one of a kind. Their location is perfect for customers, as they’re situated on the main street in downtown Alma, making them accessible to tourists who’d like to experience local flavors and take some home with them.
Around the lake, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cheese shops, farms, and microbreweries waiting to introduce you to their specialties.
A wide and varied selection of dining options
They bring life to the towns and villages of Lac-Saint-Jean and delight countless tourists… there’s no shortage of restaurants here! Sample regional specialties and must-try dishes—and treat yourself! Choose from a wide variety of gourmet options to make the most of your stay in the region.
As a boreal region, Lac-Saint-Jean showcases local products and expertise developed in areas that are both wild and agricultural. Discover all the traditional dishes of the Lac-Saint-Jean region at our “Ambassadors of Flavor” restaurants.
What is a Flavor Ambassador?
An “Ambassador of Flavors” is a restaurant that proudly uses products from Lac-Saint-Jean to showcase their excellence. Each season, it offers flavors that are emblematic of our region and promotes the producers and processors who supply them.
Who are the Flavor Ambassadors?
There aren’t many of them, but they won’t let you down! Among them are Resto 3F and Microbrasserie Le Coureur des Bois in Dolbeau-Mistassini, Le Baumier and Ô Pied Marin in Saint-Félicien, Chef du Terroir and Café in Alma, and L’Orée des Champs in Saint-Nazaire.
Saint-Félicien
Restaurant le Baumier
Here’s a culinary ambassador who’s sure to wow you! Le Baumier is the perfect place to enjoy a truly delightful dining experience. In its warm and charming setting, savor innovative dishes inspired by Nordic flavors, crafted by the two head chefs, Patrick Fournier and Sébastien Simard. Each season, enjoy a new variety of dishes created with passion, combining the quality and freshness of our regional flavors.
Ô Pied Marin
If you’re in the mood for a delicious traditional meal with a breathtaking view of the lake, head to Ô Pied Marin. Located at the marina de Saint-Félicien on the banks of the Ashuapmushuan River, it offers a double treat: a feast for both your taste buds and your eyes. Enjoy magnificent sunsets while savoring healthy, sustainable dishes made with local ingredients.
Dolbeau-Mistassini
Microbrasserie le Coureur des Bois
For a break with friends or family, stop by the microbrasserie le Coureur des Bois to enjoy simple, flavorful dishes made with local ingredients. And, of course, sample their delicious craft beers on-site to quench your thirst! Be sure to visit the shop to discover local products, and don’t miss their incredible brewery.
Resto 3F
By sourcing ingredients through short supply chains, Resto 3F offers dishes made with seasonal produce from local farmers. Enjoy a high-quality culinary experience that celebrates the boreal region all year round.
Alma
Chef du Terroir
A producer of cheeses, beers, jams, and spices, Chef du Terroir is first and foremost a restaurant offering wonderful culinary discoveries to explore.
With a mission to showcase dedicated and talented local producers, Chef Mary Gravel has truly succeeded in her mission and offers delicious dishes made with local ingredients.
L’Exode Café
This urban coffee is the perfect spot for all kinds of breaks: catching up with friends over coffee, having lunch with coworkers, or taking a break after a workout. Enjoy fresh, high-quality dishes that highlight the region’s signature flavors and, of course, are made with local ingredients.
Saint-Nazaire : à l’Orée des Champs
For delicious local cuisine featuring lamb as the main ingredient, prepared right on a farm by the lake, head to l’Orée des Champs! Offering a wide selection of lamb meats and charcuterie, the restaurant also serves its signature dishes on-site. It’s the perfect spot for a warm, high-quality dining experience to share with a lamb lover!
Le Lac-St-Jean : une route gourmande incontournable
Lac-Saint-Jean offers an incredible culinary tour that’s sure to delight your taste buds! All the local producers and restaurateurs are committed to bringing their creations to life through culinary explorations inspired by the flavors and specialties we hold so dear. As you can see, if you want to sample high-quality, seasonal products, there’s only one thing left to do: take a trip to Lac-Saint-Jean!
Lac-Saint-Jean is brimming with new things to enjoy this summer during your vacation! Whether it’s accommodations, outdoor or digital activities, cultural attractions, or culinary delights, there’s a ton of new things to discover in the region this year!
New accommodations in Lac-Saint-Jean
Unique and off-the-beaten-path accommodations in the Lac-Saint-Jean region are our specialty! Check out the official list of new accommodations in the Lac-Saint-Jean region:
The 14 exceptional cottages in Val-Jalbert, offering breathtaking views of Lake Saint-Jean (available for rent starting July 1).
The Maria Chapdelaine tours offer visitors the chance to explore the attractions of the “Land of Blueberries” through the lenses of urban life, agriculture, and the fur trade.
New 100% Digital Products
Spending your vacation with a cell phone addict? You’ll definitely want to check out these new features to capture the attention of your nomophobes:
Le Saint-Crème Dairy in the historic Sainte-Marie Church in Isle-Maligne.
There’s no shortage of new attractions this year!
Now more than ever, whether you’re visiting or simply looking to rediscover your region, Lac-St-Jean welcomes you with a host of new offerings among its hundreds of tourist attractions.
What is the circuit des amusées ? It’s a partnership of 9 musées exceptionnels et uniques around Lac-Saint-Jean. Visit three or more museums this summer and get 15% off the regular admission price! This is your chance to enjoy a cultural getaway in Lac-Saint-Jean!
Participating museums
This year, you’ll have the chance to visit the following nine aMUSÉES: the Trou de la Fée Cave, the Moulin des Pionniers, the Ermitage Saint-Antoine de Lac-Bouchette, the Mashteuiatsh Native American Museum, the Louis Hémon Museum, the Métabetchouane History and Archaeology Center, The Odyssée des bâtisseurs, the Old Perron Cheese Factory, and the Val-Jalbert Historical Village.
La caverne du Trou de la Fée
The Trou de la Fée Park features several attractions, the main ones being the immersive experience, the cave tour, and the Métabetchouane River Canyon. Come explore the canyon and discover the turbulent Métabetchouane River with its waterfalls and rapids. Stroll through the heart of the canyon along the water supply pipeline walkway and the footbridges anchored to the rock outcrops. Let yourself be enchanted by the Three Falls Trail and captivated by the Green Corridor Trail. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, you can cross the canyon on our 350-meter zip lines at a height of 50 meters.
The Pioneers’ Mill
This year, Le Moulin des Pionniers offers a brand-new experience. The whole family can have fun with water games, giant dry slides, a giant trampoline, an obstacle course, and much more! During your visit, you’ll also discover a wide variety of items belonging to a family from the 1900s. If you’d like, you can even stay on-site in one of four unique accommodations. A unique opportunity to have a great time with your family at Le Moulin des Pionniers!
L’Ermitage Saint-Antoine de Lac-Bouchette
You’ll enjoy an extraordinary immersive, visual, and narrative experience at the Ermitage Saint-Antoine. The Expérience Origine takes the form of a story that speaks first and foremost to the senses and emotions. While we are accustomed to words, here it is images and music that take center stage. Origine plunges the viewer into the heart of a multisensory experience and gradually leads them to experience new sensations. The content of the Origine experience is exceptional and different from what is usually offered, which is why this Quebec production is unique in North America!
Mashteuiatsh Native American Museum
The Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh shares the history and culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh through a tour where you can immerse yourself in the knowledge of the Ilnuatsh, as well as learn about other First Nations in Quebec and across the Americas. In addition to its permanent exhibition, the Native American Museum offers three temporary exhibitions; a tour of the Nutshimitsh outdoor garden (in the forest); and creative arts workshops.
Musée Louis Hémon
Be inspired, reflect, and explore. As a space for both creativity and exchange, the Musée Louis-Hémon seeks above all to share its passion for regional literature and history with you. Located in the very heart of the land of Maria Chapdelaine, the Museum invites you to delve into the intimate world of Louis-Hémon’s work and get to know the people who inspired him.
In addition to offering breathtaking views of the mouth of the Péribonka River and Lac-Saint-Jean, the Louis-Hémon Museum offers unique and refreshing museum experiences every year, including the brand-new virtual tour of the Maison Samuel-Bédard, where the writer stayed in 1912. A must-see in the beautiful Lac-Saint-Jean region!
The Métabetchouane Center for History and Archaeology
The Métabetchouane History and Archaeology Centre is located on the shores of Lac-Saint-Jean. For thousands of years, it served as a gathering place for most of the Indigenous nations of northeastern North America, who met there every summer to trade and share. The site features, among other things, an archaeological site and a powder magazine, the oldest building in the region. You can also admire works by local artists in temporary exhibitions.
L’Odyssée des bâtisseurs
L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs immerses you in the captivating history of Lac-Saint-Jean and offers indoor activities (year-round) and outdoor activities (June through September), including immersive exhibits, a walking trail, a water tower featuring a 360-degree immersive film, and an obstacle course.
Through 3D animations and historical reenactments, discover the origins and functions of various 20th-century industrial artifacts and devices featured along the outdoor trails. The exhibitions presented in the heritage building of the Maison des bâtisseurs invite you to learn more through the permanent exhibition “Beyond Water” and the temporary exhibitions “Frette or Tablet – 400 Beers in Quebec” and “Through Krieber’s Eyes,” not to mention that you can walk on a giant map illustrating the vast regional territory.
In addition, to explore the history of the Isle-Maligne and Riverbend neighborhoods—former company towns located in Alma—two Balado-Découverte interpretive tours with interactive maps are offered free of charge to discover the area’s heritage history.
La vieille fromagerie Perron
The Vieille fromagerie Perron is housed in an exceptional historic building: a former cheese factory that stands as the last and only remaining example of the artisanal cheese factories that once dotted the rural landscape of Quebec in the early 20th century. A guided tour of the old cheese factory and the logis du fromager will give you a better understanding of its history as well as the traditional techniques used to make cheddar cheese. To conclude your visit, you’ll be treated to a cheese tasting and can participate in a workshop on atelier de fabrication de beurre artisanal, a new addition since 2022.
The Historic Village of Val-Jalbert
Step back in time to an authentic company village featuring some forty original buildings. You’ll be captivated by the enigmatic atmosphere of this place, where time stood still in 1927. It’s an open-air museum where you can, among other things, touch the period houses, hop aboard a trolleybus for an unforgettable guided tour, feel the energy of costumed characters, and immerse yourself in the heart of the village and its history with a breathtaking immersive show… Finally, a visit to Val-Jalbert wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the base (or the top) of the majestic Ouiatchouan Falls!
A vacation is all about unique experiences. During your stay in Lac-Saint-Jean, there are plenty of fun and original activities for you and your whole family to enjoy. Here are 10 activities that you and your loved ones won’t soon forget.
Think outside the box with unique attractions
Are you the type who likes to make the most of your vacation? You won’t be disappointed by these suggestions, which are sure to spice up your stay: there’s something for everyone in Lac-Saint-Jean!
Family Water Activity
Who doesn’t love playing in the water? In Lac-Saint-Jean, there’s no shortage of waterways to enjoy.
Parc Octopus
Voted Canada’s largest water park, Parc Octopus will entertain the whole family this summer with its thrilling water course. Those brave enough to venture there can expect plenty of fun as they navigate the inflatable play structures. The site also offers the chance to explore the waters of Lac Saint-Jean on a paddleboard, in a kayak, or on a floating island that can accommodate up to six people. A memorable day ahead!
For families who love speed
Go-Kart Saint-Félicien
Are you visiting Saint-Félicien? Stop by Karting Saint-Félicien with the whole family. Young and old alike can have fun in specially adapted, safe karts. The karting circuits are open to those 14 and older, while the go-kart tracks are perfect for younger kids who want to try this activity for the first time. In their little electric Formula 1 karts, they can race in a safe environment. The “pump track”-style sand track is sure to delight the youngest visitors with its bumps and turns to navigate on small electric bikes.
A family adventure high in the air at Val-Jalbert
Cable car
Take a cable car ride to the top of the Ouiatchouan Falls, which stand 72 meters tall. Marvel at the power of nature at this imposing waterfall, which is 20 meters taller than the famous Niagara Falls, located in the heart of the village historique de Val-Jalbert. The highlight of the experience is the breathtaking panoramic view of the vast Lac Saint-Jean, a sight unlike any other. This natural spectacle will impress the whole family.
Budding cavers at the Trou de la Fée Cave Park
Are you adventurers at heart? You won’t be disappointed by the many activities available at Parc du Trou de la Fée, which are sure to give you a thrill. The whole family will love experiencing the 350-meter-long zip-line course, exploring the three chambers in the park’s cave, and watching the 360-degree projection in the 7-meter-high natural amphitheater formed within the Canadian Shield. And there are many more activities waiting for you, such as the impressive suspension bridge over the Métabetchouan River and the numerous hiking trails through the enchanting forest.
After caving, geology!
Join a guided tour to search for quartz crystals at the mine in Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix.Cristal du Lac allows visitors to take home the semi-precious stones they find during the hunt. Equally unique, the activity of harvesting cultured pearls right before your eyes offers the chance to handcraft jewelry using them. Also explore the on-site economic museum, which displays the mine’s finest finds in the Cristal Gallery.
Bannique at the Mashteuiatsh Native American Museum
Immerse yourself in the culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the only Indigenous community in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, during a visit to the Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh. In addition to its exhibits, which will teach you more about this unique and vibrant culture, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the trails of the boreal forest with a nature guide. You can also experience the culture firsthand by tasting bannock, a flatbread native to North America, handmade from unleavened flour, lard, salt, and water, as well as a traditional herbal tea made from ingredients found in the boreal forest.
High-Rope Course at the Saint-Félicien Zoo
Want to stretch your legs in the treetops? Swing from tree to tree at the Zoo de Saint-Félicien by taking part in a variety of aerial activities. This one-of-a-kind course, featuring zip lines to cross, is sure to entertain the whole family. Explore the forest from a unique perspective in complete safety and take on this challenge with our team of enthusiasts, who will make sure you have an extraordinary time!
Donkeys Take Center Stage at Douceur de Mulâne
Discover the world of donkeys at the donkey farm in Albanel, Lac-Saint-Jean. Get up close with these big-eared animals through a farm scavenger hunt. This family-friendly activity is a wonderful opportunity to introduce little ones to the countryside. Beloved for their gentle nature, donkeys produce milk that has been prized for its benefits since ancient times. Les Douceurs de Mulâne uses this milk to handcraft body care products, available for purchase at the shop for your enjoyment.
Space is also a theme in Saint-Félicien, with the Planetarium
Observe celestial phenomena at the planétarium de Saint-Félicien. On the agenda: viewing the sun and stars through a giant telescope, a 360-degree show, an interactive discovery room, and a tour of the permanent exhibition on the Northern Lights. Don’t miss the new Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headsets this year.
A farm like no other at Ferme Dan Nature
A family day at Ferme Dan Nature is full of memorable moments that will have the little ones buzzing with excitement! In this enchanting setting, you’ll get to meet the farm’s animals. Stroll through the water gardens to the sound of birdsong and take the opportunity to pick your own berries along the way. You’ll also be delighted to discover the little “Noah’s Ark,” home to peacocks, alpacas, miniature horses, Angora goats, sheep, Vietnamese pigs, emus, and more!
Lac-Saint-Jean is brimming with off-the-beaten-path activities
There’s no shortage of unique activities in the Lac-Saint-Jean region. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you have plenty of options for a wonderful stay!
Even when the weather isn’t great, Lac-Saint-Jean is full of fun activities you’ll love to do during your vacation. We’ve got a variety of family-friendly options to help you make the most of those gray days!
A scientific, enriching, and culinary outing
Interested in learning more about beekeeping? Miel du Ruisseau, an educational museum located in Alma, invites you to explore its world and share its passion for bees during a guided tour. Young and old alike will enjoy the virtual reality experience that transports you into the world of this fascinating pollinator. You’ll also see a live beehive behind glass, and the tour concludes with a delicious tasting of 100% natural and eco-friendly products.
The role of the beekeeper
While bees fly from flower to flower to produce honey in their hives, beekeepers primarily harvest their sweet nectar, which they turn into products for consumption or for personal care. They may also raise bees for their pollen, propolis, or wax.
Local products, a gift from the bees!
Miel du Ruisseau offers a wide variety of products in the shop that you’ll love to try: mead, honey, beeswax, lip balm, pollen, sweets… everything you need to round out your guided tour in style!
Family Sports Activities with Alma’s Mégafun
Children, teens, adults, and seniors—there’s something for everyone at Mégafun d’Alma with 16 play areas and amenities that make it one of the largest entertainment centers in Quebec.
From slides and a ball pit to ceramic painting, board games, and inflatable attractions, fun is guaranteed for the whole family. Be sure to check out the new arcade zone during your visit—it promises plenty of fun!
The suspense of an escape room
In teams of 2 to 8 players, work together to complete a series of challenges during 60 minutes of suspense. The goal of the game: work together to solve a puzzle so you can escape the room as quickly as possible. Escaparium, a new entertainment concept in the region, promises to take you on an emotional roller coaster. Are you up for the challenge?
Let’s not forget the museums!
Exploring a region through its museums sparks the imagination and is a fun way to learn more about its culture.
Have you heard of the Circuit des Amusées?
There’s no shortage of options for exploring museums in the Lac-Saint-Jean region during your summer stay. The Circuit des Amusées, features 9 exceptional museums that you absolutely must visit.
L’Ermitage Sainte-Antoine de Lac-Bouchette : Discover the history of the sanctuary through a multisensory experience in the heart of an amphitheater, and learn about its founder during a visit to the Centre Elzéar-Delamarre.
Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh : Discover the history and culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the only Ilnu Indigenous community in Lac-Saint-Jean, and participate in creative workshops.
Musée Louis-Hémon : Explore the world of Louis Hémon and his famous work Maria Chapdelaine at the region’s oldest museum.
The Métabetchouane History and Archaeology Centre: discover a historic site of exchange between Indigenous nations and admire the breathtaking view of Lac Saint-Jean.
L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs: learn about the history of the region and its treasures, and enjoy a 360-degree immersive experience inside a water tower. Fromagerie Perron: tour the building of the region’s oldest artisanal cheese factory and take advantage of the setting to enjoy a gourmet tasting of the products.
Unique cultural activities
Learning more about the culture of the Lac-Saint-Jean region has never been so much fun!
L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs
Take a journey through the history of Lac-Saint-Jean at L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs ! Learn more about the construction of the region’s hydroelectric dam network through its major permanent exhibition, “Au-delà de l’eau.” Have fun solving a famous case in a virtual exhibition. Continue your visit by exploring the traveling exhibition that highlights the region’s identity and history.
History and Archaeology
The Centre d’histoire et d’archéologie de la Métabetchouane is the perfect place to visit on a rainy day. Travel back in time 500 million years and discover the first humans who walked the land around Lake Piekuakami more than 6,000 years ago. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts from the region’s earliest Indigenous peoples, spanning the period up to the arrival of the first Europeans. As a significant trading hub among Indigenous nations, you can also enjoy the view overlooking Lac Saint-Jean.
Immerse yourself in Indigenous history
Meet the Pekuakamiulnuatsh at the Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh in an immersive exhibition that highlights the way of life of this local Indigenous community throughout the seasons. Kukum (Grandmother) and Mushum (Grandfather) will guide you throughout your visit. Also explore an exhibition featuring works by a dozen Indigenous artists from various Nations, all centered on the theme of boreal wildlife. Finish your tour with an introductory workshop on Indigenous crafts, led by an artisan who will guide you and share the history and origins of your creation.
Cristal du Lac
Discover the magical world of Cristal du Lac at the Mineralogical Activities Park, located in Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix. This preserved and protected area in the region hides unexpected treasures that you and your family will enjoy discovering during a free visit to its economuseum. With a reservation, watch a pearl extraction demonstration right before your eyes and enjoy having a piece of jewelry made with the pearl!
Pearl harvesting
Help a pearl diver extract a pearl from a cultured oyster! This unique experience lets you take home a piece of jewelry custom-made just for you.
Economuseum
While you’re here, be sure to stop by the Cristal Gallery to explore the quartz crystal exhibition, then head over to the Interpretation Center to learn more about the origins of this semi-precious stone.
Discovering Taxidermy as a Family
L’Univers Bilodeau, tours Available
With their striking realism, the animals on display during your visit to L’Univers Bilodeau will entertain the whole family. During a guided tour, watch the artisans as they work with various materials to create exact replicas of these animals, prepared with the utmost respect. Internationally renowned for the quality of his products—sold in over 27 countries—and for the sets he creates for Hollywood films, this taxidermist will share his passion for his craft with you.
Summer theater for rainy evenings
Enjoy an evening of summer theater and relax in good company. As it does every summer, the Dam-en-Terre Resort is hosting a new play to delight audiences. This year, catch the hit French play that has sold over 600,000 tickets, « Ils se sont aimés », running from July 7 to August 27, 2022.
A variety of outings to discover or rediscover
Looking to spend some quality time with your family? There are plenty of indoor activities in Lac-Saint-Jean to keep you entertained on rainy days. Discover or rediscover these fun places.
Movie theaters
The movie theater at the Jacques-Gagnon Complex in Alma
Would you like to watch the latest hit movie with your family? Take advantage of a rainy day to enjoy a fun outing at the cinéma du complexe Jacques-Gagnon à Alma. Relive those nostalgic moments while stuffing yourself with popcorn and candy in the utmost comfort.
Zoo Cinema in St-Félicien
End your day on a high note during your visit to the St-Félicien Zoo by catching an evening screening of a family-friendly movie. Young and old alike are sure to enjoy this relaxing moment after a long day of having a blast.
Cinéma Chaplin Roberval
If you’re visiting Roberval, you’ll love spending quality time with your family at cinéma Chaplin de Roberval. This cozy spot is the perfect place to escape a rainy day in complete comfort. All that’s left is to pick a movie!
Fun Cafés
Have you heard of game cafés? These places, where you can play a wide variety of board games with friends or family, are sure to appeal to everyone, regardless of age.
Sortez le Grand Jeu at Roberval
Located in Roberval, Sortez le Grand Jeu promises you a fun time playing board games. With about a hundred games to choose from, you’ll have the chance to put your impressive strategic skills to the test.
Soirée de Jeux at Alma
Soirée de Jeux, it’s a fun café-pub where everyone can enjoy playing board games, with entertainment available. Take the opportunity to enjoy a good local beer or a cup of coffee. The perfect combination!
Don’t forget to stop for some tasty treats!
With so many activities to enjoy on rainy days, you’ll never run out of things to do during your stay in Lac-Saint-Jean. You’ll also love exploring the region’s microbreweries, chocolate shops, bakeries, and cheese shops—all wonderful places to discover when the weather isn’t cooperating!
