![\"\"](\"https:\/\/destination.dev-cvrsolutions.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Plages-gratuites-1.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nReady to spend your days by the water this summer? There\u2019s no shortage of beaches around Lac Saint-Jean. Here are the best free spots to enjoy the summer season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Le Rigolet Beach in M\u00e9tabetchouan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Easy to reach,\u00a0plage Le Rigolet<\/a>\u00a0is the perfect place to enjoy the Lac Saint-Jean experience with your family. One of the most beautiful spots in the area to watch the sunset, the beach offers nearby restroom facilities and dining options, as well as quick access to the 256 km of bike paths along the V\u00e9loroute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can relax and sink your feet into the warm sand of this 13-km-long beach while gazing out at the vast expanse of water. The beach is lifeguarded and features play structures for kids to burn off some energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s hard not to find peace and quiet on one of Quebec\u2019s most beautiful beaches, where you can unwind along more than 8 km of natural, fine sand. With breathtaking views of Lac Saint-Jean, you\u2019ll love this lifeguard-patrolled beach, which offers all the amenities you need for a great time with family, as a couple, or on your own: a snack bar, restrooms, and kayak rentals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the size of the area, it\u2019s just a few minutes\u2019 walk from the tourist center to slip on your flip-flops and jump into the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in Roberval, Pointe Scott Municipal Beach promises plenty of fun with its two lighted beach volleyball courts and swings to keep the little ones active. You can also grab a bite to eat at the picnic area and enjoy your day in comfort thanks to on-site supervision and nearby showers, restrooms, and changing rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that you can access the beach via the V\u00e9loroute des Bleuets, located less than 200 m from the site. Biking and the beach: a perfect combination to relax and cool off before hitting the road again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without a doubt, the Ermitage Saint-Antoine offers an extraordinary experience straight out of a fairy tale. Discover nature in an enchanting setting, where a grand natural basilica formed by trees stands alongside picturesque gardens, works of art, stained-glass windows, and historic buildings\u2014not to mention a magnificent view of Bouchette and Ouiatchouan lakes. You\u2019ll be pleased to know that there are several free options available for exploring the sanctuary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best ways to explore\u00a0L\u2019Ermitage Saint-Antoine<\/a>\u00a0of Saint-Antoine is to explore its many hiking trails<\/a>, which are suitable for all skill levels and preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Stroller\u2019s Trail features over 7 km of well-maintained paths, crisscrossed by numerous loops that offer a variety of route options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To enhance the experience, 33 maxims\u2014drawn from the book *Le Calepin d\u2019un fl\u00e2neur* by poet F\u00e9lix Leclerc\u2014will accompany you along the way. A truly poetic stroll!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Notre-Dame Kapatakan Trail is often compared to the \u201cregional Little Way of St. James\u201d of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. It stretches from Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay in Rivi\u00e8re-\u00c9ternit\u00e9 to Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes in L\u2019Ermitage Saint-Antoine. For the most adventurous souls tempted by the experience, this trail spans over 215 km. However, there\u2019s no need to hike it all at once to enjoy its attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The trail is divided into 12 stages, passing through towns, villages, countryside, mountains, plains, lakes, and rivers. An extraordinary experience where you\u2019ll have the chance to observe the region\u2019s northern flora and fauna, as well as unique spiritual sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pilgrim\u2019s Passport, available for $5, also allows you to collect stamps at each stage, which you can keep as a souvenir of your accomplishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a step back in time at the\u00a0Centre Elz\u00e9ar-DeLamarre<\/a>, which pays tribute to the founder of L\u2019Ermitage and to those who contributed to his work. Founded by the Antonian Sisters of Mary and the Capuchin Friars, you\u2019ll explore this historic site through various themes, including that of Victor DeLamarre, the founder\u2019s nephew, who left his mark on Quebec with his feats of strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the strongest men in the world,\u00a0Victor DeLamarre<\/a>\u00a0still holds the record for the one-arm (left) deadlift of 309.5 pounds. The man who aspired to follow in the footsteps of Louis Cyr also helped build the magnificent sanctuary. Learn more about him through this free exhibition!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The highlight of the site, this observation tower dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua offers a 360-degree view of the grounds and Lake Saint-Jean. Reach the summit by climbing its eight flights of stairs. During your ascent, you\u2019ll be inspired by excerpts from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, the \u201cSermon on the Mount,\u201d as well as the thoughts of Saint Anthony that you\u2019ll see incorporated into the structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A must-see in the region, the\u00a0Chocolaterie des P\u00e8res Trappistes<\/a>\u00a0is a stop you simply can\u2019t miss. Learn more about the institution\u2019s history at the museum-shop and take the opportunity to stock up on their gourmet treats at the gift shop before heading out for a stroll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The site welcomes visitors of all ages with its playground and picnic tables. You can visit the chapel and explore the 28 km of trails along the Chemin P\u00e8lerin Monasteriorum, which runs alongside the Rivi\u00e8re aux Rats between Dolbeau-Mistassini and St-Eug\u00e8ne-d\u2019Argentenay, taking you to the sites of three Trappist monasteries established since 1892.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also explore the audio-guided discovery tour \u201cThe Trappist Fathers: The Driving Force Behind a New Land\u201d in the Pointe-des-P\u00e8res sector of the Grandes-Rivi\u00e8res Regional Park of Lac Saint-Jean, which transports you back to the era of the first settlers organizing themselves under the monastic order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A spiritual experience just 9 km from the site!<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s still so much more to discover in Lac-Saint-Jean! A network of hiking trails, ranging from short to long, lets you explore the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With over 35 km of maintained trails, the\u00a0Parc r\u00e9gional des Grandes-Rivi\u00e8res du Lac-Saint-Jean<\/a> is a true playground. Plan your outings in advance, as you\u2019ll have plenty of options for spending a day surrounded by nature. Dog owners are welcome to bring their furry friends along!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit this exceptional site along the Ashuapmushuan River, located on the tourist-friendly Boulevard du Jardin and near downtown. A true natural spectacle,\u00a0Parc de la Chute-\u00e0-Michel<\/a>\u00a0is the perfect place to admire magnificent sunsets and enjoy peaceful family walks along its 3 km of trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Completely free of charge, the \u00a0V\u00e9loroute des Bleuets<\/a>\u00a0is one of the region\u2019s most popular activities, thanks to its 256-kilometer route that circles Lac Saint-Jean. Throughout your journey, you\u2019ll pass through towns and villages where you\u2019ll have the chance to experience the region and relax in complete comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mountain bikers, take advantage of your trip along the V\u00e9loroute to explore\u00a0Parc d\u2019une Rive \u00e0 l\u2019Autre<\/a>, which offers bike trails surrounded by nature, right in the heart of the city of Alma. Download your Ondago map to explore the network of trails connecting\u00a0Centre Mont Villa<\/a>, la Pointe-des-Am\u00e9ricains, the\u00a0centre Dorval<\/a>\u00a0and the bassin Saint-Georges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you\u2019ll enjoy exploring Lac Saint-Jean on foot, you\u2019ll love exploring it by boat just as much. There are several free boat ramps around Lac Saint-Jean where you can spend hours enjoying your kayak or canoe, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enjoy a free guided tour of the Langage Plus contemporary art center, which offers a diverse program of exhibitions featuring works by local and international artists, as well as events, artist residencies, and educational activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vous pourrez \u00e9galement vous amuser avec les diverses installations dans les villes et villages :<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is a fee, there are several affordable activities to choose from in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Free for children 5 and under and $10 for adults, you\u2019ll have the chance to visit the filming locations of the hit movie *Maria Chapdelaine*.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A must-try agritourism activity in the region, picking your own local produce\u2014including the popular blueberries\u2014is the perfect way to discover our local area. It\u2019s an affordable activity that everyone will enjoy. Don\u2019t miss our next article on places to go pick-your-own around the lake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few places for pick-your-own:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For just $4, you\u2019ll have access to the beach, located right on the grounds of Robertson Beach Campground. Intimate and close to amenities, it\u2019s the perfect spot to spend a peaceful day by the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the agritourism activities to try during your visit around the lake are the region\u2019s exceptional vineyards, where you can sample their fine wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among others, you can visit\u00a0Bont\u00e9 Divigne<\/a>, in Roberval, as well as the\u00a0Vignoble Couchepagane<\/a>\u00a0in Metabetchouan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although we\u2019ve listed 10 free activities to enjoy in our beautiful region, there are many others we could have included\u2014not to mention all the very affordable options. Lac-Saint-Jean is undoubtedly a top destination this summer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the opportunity to stop by the best restaurants <\/a>in Lac-Saint-Jean. You can also find places to stay during your visit<\/a> on our website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n
\n\n\n\nPlage Vauvert<\/a> \u00e0 Dolbeau-Mistassini<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPlage de la Pointe Scott<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nL\u2019Ermitage Saint-Antoine a des options gratuites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/destination.dev-cvrsolutions.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ermitage-1.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHiking trails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSentier du fl\u00e2neur<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSentier Notre-Dame-Kapatakan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCentre Elz\u00e9ar-Delamarre<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nVictor Delamarre<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nObservation Tower<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nL\u2019\u00e9conomus\u00e9e de la Chocolaterie des P\u00e8res Trappistes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/destination.dev-cvrsolutions.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/peres-trappistes.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHiking trails all around the lake<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe hiking trails of the Grandes-Rivi\u00e8res Regional Park in Lac-Saint-Jean<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nParc de la Chute-\u00e0-Michel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLa V\u00e9loroute des Bleuets: a must-have\u2014100% free<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/destination.dev-cvrsolutions.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/velo.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor the more adventurous, mountain biking takes center stage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nKayak or recreational canoe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"marina-de-roberval\"](\"https:\/\/destination.dev-cvrsolutions.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/marina.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDynamic Art in Alma with the Langage Plus Exhibition Center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nA few more suggestions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nPaid activities, but affordable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTour of the Maria Chapdelaine Filming Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPick-Your-Own<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\nRobertson Beach in Mashteuiatsh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWineries and tastings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLac-Saint-Jean: A Must-Visit Destination for Affordable Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n