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    Category: Must-see attractions

    A fall tour of Lac Saint-Jean: what to see and do along the scenic route

    Posted on by apaC2V3R4

    Fall in Lac Saint-Jean is an unforgettable season. The vibrant landscapes, crisp air, local flavors, and diverse tourist attractions make it the perfect destination for a colorful getaway. To discover all the region has to offer, take the Tour du Lac Saint-Jean scenic route

    Hit the road and come for a ride!

    Here’s a look at the must-see attractions this fall.

    Oasis et Spa du Capitaine : relaxing by the lake

    There’s nothing better than a moment of relaxation to start your stay off right. At the Oasis et Spa du Capitaine, soak in the hot tubs, enjoy the saunas and relaxing treatments, all while taking in the view of the vast Lac Saint-Jean. Fall is the perfect season to enjoy the pleasant contrast between the crisp air and the warmth of the facilities.

    Musée Louis-Hémon : a literary and historical journey

    An iconic destination, the Louis-Hémon Museum in Péribonka immerses visitors in the world of *Maria Chapdelaine*, a work that has left an indelible mark on the Quebec imagination. Immersive exhibitions, guided tours, and walking trails around the site offer insights into the history of the settlers of the Jean region and allow visitors to experience the atmosphere of the area in the early 20th century.

    Véloroute des Bleuets : cycling through a sea of colors

    With its 256-kilometer cycling route, the Véloroute des Bleuets is the perfect way to take in the autumn scenery. Whether you choose a short stretch or the full loop, you’ll pass through vibrant forests, welcoming villages, and spectacular views of the lake. In the fall, the tranquility and golden light make the experience even more memorable.

    Cristal du Lac : a unique mineral adventure

    Discover the geological treasures of Lac-Saint-Jean with Cristal du Lac. This family-friendly activity lets you explore a quartz mine and even extract your own crystals. Educational workshops and guided tours add an educational element to an already fascinating experience.

    Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon : nature at its finest

    A true outdoor paradise, Pointe-Taillon National Park features expansive beaches and numerous trails. In the fall, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely hike amid the falling leaves. The Pointe-Taillon section is particularly popular for wildlife viewing, whether it’s migratory birds or the deer that roam the area.

    Parc de la Caverne du Trou de la Fée : underground adventure and panoramic views

    Located in Desbiens, the Parc de la Caverne du Trou de la Fée is an exceptional natural site. Explore the cave, walk along suspension bridges over the Métabetchouane River, and marvel at the canyon bathed in autumn colors. The site perfectly combines adrenaline-pumping adventure with natural beauty.

    Village historique de Val-Jalbert : a trip back to the 1920s

    The Val-Jalbert Historical Village is a true open-air museum. Stroll through the streets of a village frozen in time, visit period homes, and watch live demonstrations. The spectacular Ouiatchouan Falls, standing 72 meters tall, rivals the most beautiful waterfalls in Quebec. Fall makes the scenery even more breathtaking.

    Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien : Wildlife in the North

    The Saint-Félicien Wildlife Park is recognized as one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in Canada. As you board the famous open-air train, you enter the heart of a vast park where caribou, bison, moose, and bears roam freely. In the fall, the experience takes on a whole new dimension with the colorful landscapes of the Boreal region.

    Musée Ilnu de Mashteuiatsh : a genuine encounter

    The Ilnu Museum in Mashteuiatsh is a unique cultural hub that offers visitors a glimpse into the history, culture, and traditions of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh people. Permanent exhibits, Indigenous stories, and traditional artifacts come together to create a deeply human and enriching experience. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to understand the soul of the region.

    Hit the road and come take a trip!

    This fall, treat yourself to a getaway to Lac Saint-Jean. The Tour du Lac Saint-Jean is more than just a drive—it’s a travel experience that combines nature, culture, history, and relaxation.

    Tour of Lac-Saint-Jean by Snowmobile – Step by Step

    Posted on by apaC2V3R4

    Grab your bike and come for a nice ride!

    Surrounding the majestic Lac-Saint-Jean, this 325-kilometer-plus ride… invites you on a memorable adventure. From Alma to Dolbeau-Mistassini, via Roberval and Saint-Félicien, the route takes you through breathtaking landscapes, welcoming villages, and legendary stops. It’s the classic winter experience of the Jeannois region: snow, freedom, and memories to fill your visor.

    Step 1: Official departure: Alma Airport

    Free, secure, and easy parking—and above all, super convenient for snowmobilers coming from out of town.

    It’s easy to unload the trailer, hook up the sled, and head out without any hassle.

    As soon as you leave, you’ll be on the Trans-Québec Trail #23—it’s a smooth ride. Gas stations are nearby.

    Alma offers a variety of services: rest stops, safe accommodations, and more.

    Section 1: Alma → Roberval – 70 km

    As soon as you leave Alma (Trans-Québec #23), the scenery opens up: snow-covered fields.

    The ride is smooth, wide, and well-maintained.

    Ride along the lake, take Regional Trail #383 to join Trans-Québec #83, right on the lake’s edge, where the horizon stretches white as far as the eye can see.

    You’ll find several rest stops along the way if you need a break.

    In Chambord, you can take a shortcut across the lake via Local Trail #617 to arrive directly in Roberval.

    Village sur Glace

    (via Local Trail #373 or Lake Trail #617)

    The Village on Ice, a small town built on the frozen lake.

    It’s a signature feature of the region.

    It’s definitely worth a stop.

    In Roberval, a variety of services are also available to snowmobilers.

    Section 2: Roberval → Dolbeau-Mistassini – via Saint-Félicien (70 km)

    Continue on Trail #373 toward Saint-Félicien.

    The terrain offers a bit more variety: forest, valleys, and snow-covered corridors.

    Still on #373, you head toward Dolbeau-Mistassini.

    It’s wooded and secluded, with beautiful winding sections and a more immersive feel.

    In Dolbeau-Mistassini, several services are available for snowmobilers.

    Here, there are two possible routes:

    1. Head toward the 49th Street Bridge
    2. Continue toward Péribonka / Sainte-Monique / the east shore of the lake

    Option A : Passerelle du 49e parallèle (an additional 160 km)

    • Trans-Québec Trail #93 toward Girardville
    • Then Regional Trail #373 toward Saint-Élizabeth-de-Proulx
    • The 49th Parallel Footbridge is located along this route

    We also recommend stopping by the nearby Domaine du Lac Éden.

    Option B: A leisurely ride along the north shore – 95 km

    Dolbeau-Mistassini → Sainte-Monique → Saint-Henri-de-Taillon → Alma

    If you’re looking for a laid-back, open stretch that’s quintessentially Lac-Saint-Jean, this is the one.

    You’ll ride along the north shore of Lac-Saint-Jean, where the villages are blanketed in snow and brimming with hospitality, and where the lake occasionally comes into view, like a quiet giant watching you pass by.

    Take the Trans-Québec Trail #93 south to Alma.

    There are several services and rest stops along the way.

    Additional options:

    Tough option: Les Monts-Valin (90 additional km)

    You’re heading out to conquer the Monts-Valin via the Trans-Québec Trail #93.

    The Monts-Valin is a powder paradise.

    You’ll climb up via Regional Trail #383, then take Trail #328 toward Saint-David-de-Falardeau at Valinouët.

    The further you go, the higher the terrain rises, and the deeper the snow gets.

    That’s when you’ll understand why snowmobilers talk about it with such excitement.

    Legendary Option: Travel through the Mont-Apica Wildlife Reserve and Observatory (an additional 250 km)

    From Hébertville, you can reach the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve via the Trans-Québec Trail #23.

    This isn’t a casual Sunday stroll. It’s an expedition: miles of northern forest, sweeping panoramas, and a destination at Mont-Apica, a former military site. Silence. Vast. Powerful.

    A ride that puts things into perspective, requiring careful planning and thorough preparation.

    From Hébertville to the Mont-Apica rest stop, the round trip is about 150 km—a spectacular loop.

    Conclusion

    The Lac-Saint-Jean Snowmobile Tour is more than just a trail.

    It’s a region that embraces winter to the fullest and offers a wealth of possibilities.

    Snow, scenery, rest stops, and facilities tailored to snowmobilers of all skill levels.

    Helmet. Keys. Open road.

    The lake is waiting for you.

    Grab your machine and come for a ride this winter.

    Exploring the Laurentides wildlife reserve by snowmobile: heading for Mont-Apica

    Posted on by apaC2V3R4

    In Quebec, there are trails that are much more than just paths. The Trans-Québec #23 is one of them. Whether you start in Quebec City, the Saguenay region, or Lac-Saint-Jean, this long white ribbon winding through the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve is an adventure in itself—a vast, wild, spectacular landscape… and an absolute must for any snowmobiler who loves the great outdoors.

    A legendary trail

    Trail #TQ23 is the main snowmobile route into the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. It connects Québec City to Alma, traversing hundreds of kilometers of boreal forest, high plateaus, and snow-covered valleys. The ride is a long one, sometimes in almost complete silence.

    Mount Apica: a peak worth the hike

    In the heart of the reserve, the Mont-Apica rest stop marks a key point along the route. This is where the famous loop leading to the Mont-Apica observatory begins.

    After a few kilometers of climbing, you reach the summit, perched at an elevation of 884 meters, the highest point in the region. From up there, the view is breathtaking: a sea of mountains, forests, and frozen lakes stretching up to 50 kilometers on the horizon. In the middle of winter, it is quite simply one of the most beautiful panoramas accessible by snowmobile in Quebec.

    A piece of history

    In the 1950s, at the height of the Cold War, Mount Apica was a strategic military base whose mission was to detect any enemy air incursions, serving as a key defense post for Canada. The base has since been closed and dismantled, but the weather radar is still visible.

    Le Relais du Mont-Apica: A Refreshed Stopover

    Le Relais du Mont-Apica, a favorite among snowmobilers, is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The facility has recently expanded its space to offer an even more enjoyable experience.

    Its facilities ensure safety and provide all essential services: a gas station, food service, a bar, tools, restrooms, and Wi-Fi access.