Category: Roads and tours

Stretching 263 kilometers, Lac-Saint-Jean is dotted with little gems waiting to be discovered. From outdoor excursions and food stops to cultural activities and moments of relaxation, a tour of Lac-Saint-Jean has so much to offer! Ready to set off on an adventure with your significant other? Here are 15 stops to add to your itinerary.

Secteur Domaine-du-Roy

Ice Fishing with Aventure Lac Saint-Jean

How about going ice fishing on the famous Lac Saint-Jean? With Aventure Lac-Saint-Jean, you can try your hand at catching the various species of fish hiding beneath the thick layer of ice covering the lake. Please note that this winter activity is available by reservation only.

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Get up close with nature at Boisé du Curé

This little slice of nature in Saint-Prime is perfect for a snowshoe hike or a nice walk in the fresh air. Not only are the trails easy to access, but they’re also well-marked. It’s the perfect little outdoor break during your trip around the lake!

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Step back in time at the Moulin des Pionniers

Located in La Doré, the Moulin des Pionniers Museum offers a charming and authentic journey back in time. You can explore the area on cross-country skis, snowshoes, or a fatbike and admire an old sawmill.

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Discover Indigenous culture at the Musée ilnu de Mashteuiatsh

Just outside Roberval lies the Musée Ilnu de Mashteuiatsh, a place where history and culture come together. This museum is the perfect place to learn more about the Pekuakamiulnuatsh community and their way of life.

Maria-Chapdelaine Area

Relax at the Oasis et Spa du Capitaine

Need to unwind? Enjoy a romantic getaway at l’Oasis et Spa du Capitaine in Péribonka. Nestled in the heart of nature, this spa offers soothing hot springs, a variety of facials, and relaxing massages. You can also stay overnight. A well-deserved break in a true oasis of peace!

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Playing with Words at the Musée Louis-Hémon

Also in Péribonka is the Musée Louis-Hémon, a literary museum that lets you relive history through words. The museum offers exhibitions and literary activities for all ages. It’s the perfect destination for lovers of history and literature.

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Discover the world of fur with Bilodeau Canada

Take advantage of your trip around the lake to explore the fascinating world of fur with Bilodeau Canada, a local company that has been making a name for itself internationally for many years. Through interactive workshops, you’ll learn everything there is to know about fur processing and the trades of furrier-shoemaker and taxidermist.

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Playing Outside at the Association des sportifs d’Albanel 

Getting some fresh air in Lac-Saint-Jean during the winter is an adventure in itself! The region offers dozens of places to enjoy outdoor sports, and the Association des sportifs d’Albanel is one of them. Whether you’re snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or riding your fatbike, set out to explore the 42 kilometers of Nordic trails this site has to offer.

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Enjoy a beer at the Microbrasserie Coureur des bois

What could be better than grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying a delicious beer during a road trip around Lac Saint-Jean? Stop by Dolbeau-Mistassini—specifically, the microbrasserie Le coureur des bois, and savor the flavors of the north.

Lac-Saint-Jean-Est Area

Marvel at Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon 

Would you like to take a walk on the ice of Lake Saint-Jean? You can do just that by visiting Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon. Since it borders the majestic Lake Saint-Jean, you can explore the area on snowshoes or cross-country skis. You can also take the park’s bike path to enjoy this protected natural setting and observe the wildlife that calls this 97.5-square-kilometer playground home.

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Stop by the Centre de villégiature Dam-en-Terre

the Centre de villégiature Dam-en-Terre is a must-visit. Lace up your skates and take a spin on the ice trail. Lit up in the evening and surrounded by trees, this 1.5-kilometer trail winds through the campgrounds. You can also enjoy the snowshoe trails or the slide that will take you back to your childhood. Dam-en-Terre is also the perfect place to take a break from your adventure, since you can stay overnight there.

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Enjoy nature at the Arboretum de la Presqu’île Croft 

Here, time stands still, giving way to a peaceful, natural setting home to 2,000 trees. Whether on foot or on cross-country skis, explore the trails of this relaxing park in the heart of Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix.

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Learn with L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs 

If you’re interested in history, you’ll surely be delighted to discover L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs in Alma. This indoor and outdoor museum takes you on a journey through the region’s pivotal historical periods and features exhibitions on various regional themes. Outside, interpretive trails lead to an old water tower, where an immersive film is shown.

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Go horseback riding with the Mistouk Stables Equestrian Center

What could be more romantic than a horseback ride with your loved one? Discover all the natural charm of Lac-Saint-Jean on horseback with the Centre équestre les écuries Mistouk. With snow blanketing the region’s landscape in winter, this experience is all the more magical.

Domaine-du-Roy Area

Have fun at the Roberval Ice Village

Le Village sur glace de Roberval is a must-see in Lac-Saint-Jean. During the winter, the lake freezes over, allowing for the creation of a mini village where a ton of activities for the whole family take place!

Train rides, scavenger hunts, line dancing, Olympic-style games, inflatable games, a sugar shack, fireworks, a coconut hunt, and a movie theater… these are all activities offered as part of the program for this popular event, which runs until March 8.

Hit the slopes at Club Tobo-Ski

Tobo-Ski, in Saint-Félicien is perfect for families who love the outdoors. Snowboarders and skiers, take note: this mountain offers a 70-meter vertical drop, which is ideal for children just learning. In addition to snow sports, you can also enjoy tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.

Learn about the culture at the Musée ilnu de Mashteuiatsh

Visitors of all ages will be fascinated to learn more about the way of life of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, a people with a rich history.

Through various exhibits and activities, visitors to the Musée Ilnu de Mashteuiatsh immerse themselves in Indigenous cultural heritage. For example, the museum features the “Tressages” exhibit, which showcases the creative clothing designs of 11 Indigenous artists. Don’t miss out—this activity is free until February 17!

Get up close with nature at the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien

Renowned throughout Quebec, the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien is a must-see stop on any family trip to Lac-Saint-Jean. As you stroll along its snow-covered trails, you’ll have the chance to observe a variety of wildlife. Animals from the Arctic tundra, the Rocky Mountains, East Asia, Mongolia, and, of course, Quebec, call this vast site home.

Don’t forget to hop aboard the famous guided Boreal Train, which will let you admire the wild animals up close. Fun fact: admission is half-price during the winter season—one more reason to visit our animal friends!

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Maria-Chapdelaine Area

Visit les Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean and sample local flavors

Are your kids feeling peckish? Stop by the gourmet shop Les Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean in Albanel. This local business offers a wide variety of delicious regional products, ranging from sweets and spreads to sauces, beverages, and even wellness products. While you’re there, be sure to visit the museum, where you’ll learn all about the famous wild blueberries of Lac-Saint-Jean.

Go hiking at Pointe-Racine-Vauvert

If you love snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with your family, this is for you! Just off the shores of Lac-Saint-Jean lies a little slice of paradise: the secteur Pointe-Racine-Vauvert. At your own pace, enjoy exploring the miles of trails through the enchanting natural landscape of Vauvert, at the western end of Lac-Saint-Jean.

Discover the joys of winter at Parc Mahikan/Aventuraid

Dog sledding, snowmobiling, wolf watching, snowshoeing… that’s what Aventuraid has to offer for winter nature lovers. For the more adventurous, multi-day packages are available. The company also offers daily activities, which are perfect for giving kids a day of wonder!

Experience dog sledding with Attractions Boréales

Would you like to enjoy a magical experience straight out of a movie? Visit  Attractions Boréales, a company that offers dog sledding tours. The whole family will be charmed by the Alaskan Malamutes and Canadian Eskimos, two northern dog breeds that make up the team.

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Lac-Saint-Jean-Est Area

Hit the slopes at Mont Lac-Vert

Located in Hébertville, Mont Lac-Vert is truly ideal for families. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, ranging from downhill skiing and snowshoeing to fat biking and tubing. Note that a beginner’s slope and a rental shop are available for those just learning. Plus, in the evening, the mountain lights up, much to the delight of snowboarders and skiers.

Walking on Lake Saint-Jean at Parc Octopus

In Desbiens, you’ll find Parc Octopus, a place where you can enjoy family-friendly winter activities such as snowshoeing and snowshoe skiing (hok skiing). Whether you bring your own gear or rent it, follow the marked trails and discover the vastness and beauty of snow-covered Lac Saint-Jean.

Enjoy Winter at the Parc d’une Rive à l’autre

The Parc d’une Rive à l’autre is divided into three sections: the Mont Villa Saguenay ski center, the Dorval center, and Pointe des Américains. All of these locations are in Alma and offer different activities.

First, the Mont Villa Saguenay Center is a small mountain perfect for children, where you can enjoy snow sports and have fun on the tube slides. The Dorval Center, meanwhile, features enchanting trails where you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Finally, Pointe des Américains allows hikers to take a break outdoors amidst nature bordered by icy waters.

Go for a hike at the Ferme à Minuit

Located in Sainte-Monique, la Ferme à Minuit offers dog-sledding excursions. One thing is paramount to this local business: the animals’ well-being. If you’d like to enjoy this adventure with your family,  you must book online..