Things to do in Lac-Saint-Jean when it rains: our suggestions

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!

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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!

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!