Far from the beaten paths, a vast 100,000 km² territory of raw, wild beauty awaits. Just a two-hour drive from Quebec City, welcome to the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, a region that embodies the great Canadian outdoors. Here, travel is an intimate experience, rooted in sustainable tourism that invites visitors to connect with a generous land and welcoming communities—and with themselves.
A trip to the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean promises authentic experiences away from the crowds, offering a chance to truly reconnect with nature. It’s one of the best things to do in the province, as each turn reveals a new treasure. This is especially true during the dazzling spectacle of the fall colors!
Musée Ilnu de Mashteuiatsh du Lac Saint-Jean
Start your journey in Saguenay by letting the millennia-old stories of the Ilnu people guide you. Located in Mashteuiatsh, the only Indigenous community on the shores of Lake Saint-Jean, this museum is a gateway to the culture, history, and craftsmanship of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation. You can gain insight into the traditions, spirituality, and ways of life that shaped this land long before the arrival of European settlers.
To make the most of your visit, don’t hesitate to use the services of a tour guide. Their stories undoubtedly enrich the experience of all visitors.
Lastly, be sure to stop by the gift shop. Here, you can pick up literature and crafts from various Indigenous communities across Quebec.
La Bercée Microbrasserie
Located in Hébertville, this microbrewery is a warm gathering place where locals and travelers come together to share a love for great beer and local flavors. Brewed with passion and creativity, their beers range from refreshing classics to bolder creations that highlight the region’s ingredients. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Lake Saint-Jean, all while enjoying a quality pint and comforting dishes that reflect the generosity of the land.
Ferme TournevenT
Dive into the world of a small family farm, on the border of Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean. Here, it’s a story of passion—a love for cultivating the land with care and respect.
Savor local products, meet the artisans who work to perpetuate a sustainable agricultural tradition, and admire the vibrant colors of the fields in autumn.
It’s also an opportunity to visit the Oil Mill Economuseum, going behind the scenes to discover all the steps involved in producing cold-pressed, organic virgin oils. Some flavors might surprise you—hemp, sunflower, camelina. It’s a true farm-to-table journey! You can even take part in a workshop to produce your own vial of oil.
Hiking in Parc national des Monts-Valin
If the call of the mountain beckons, parc national des Monts-Valin is a must-see. Watch the landscape transform as you climb the hiking trails that wind through a boreal forest dressed in its most beautiful autumn colors. Silence reigns supreme, disturbed only by the wind’s whisper and the rustle of leaves under the paws of, perhaps, a moose.
Reach the summit of the Mirador and let yourself be overwhelmed by a breathtaking view—an infinite panorama of wetlands, the meandering Valin River, and endless trees. With over 2,000 km of terrain to discover, this parc national is one of the best things to see in the region. Especially in winter, where the Valley of Ghosts, with its trees draped in ice and snow, transforms the forest into a magical, fairy-tale landscape.
Stay at Auberge du Cap au Leste
On the edge of the majestic Saguenay fjord, in the charming village of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, the Auberge du Cap au Leste offers an immersive overnight stay in the heart of nature. It’s the perfect place to recharge in comfortable, eco-chic wooden chalets while enjoying activities for all tastes—from black bear watching and fishing to SUP boarding and electric bikes. You might even be accompanied by a fox on your morning walk!
There’s also something to be said about the breathtaking view of the fjord, renowned as one of Quebec’s most beautiful postcards thanks to the new panoramic terrace. Watching the sunset from a comfy Adirondack chair is a truly memorable experience!
It’s also an ideal spot to observe the northern lights if you’re lucky.
Sea kayaking on the Saguenay Fjord
Imagine gliding silently on the waters of the Saguenay Fjord, its majestic cliffs rising on either side like stone giants watching over your progress. Thanks to the passionate team at Aventure Rose-des-Vents, you can enjoy a unique and sustainable sea kayaking experience—even if you’ve never done it before! This is a fantastic way to engage in water activities and learn about the fjord’s local marine life. Your guide will gladly share the history of the village, the richness of the local wildlife, and the best things to know about this unique North American fjord.
After your excursion, there’s nothing like a friendly meal at the Auberge d’Aventure Rose des Vents restaurant. Share your stories with other outdoor enthusiasts and savor comforting, carefully prepared dishes. The cuisine, focused on local products and seasonality, is a true tribute to local flavors.
Distillerie du Fjord
Born from the passion of two brothers and their father who grew up in the region, the Distillerie du Fjord was the very first microdistillery to be established in the area. Its secret lies in its respect for the environment and the use of ingredients foraged from the surrounding boreal forest. The key ingredient is natural spring water drawn from kilometer 12 of the Monts-Valin road, which also gave its name to their award-winning gin, Km12. This pure water, combined with local aromatics like balsam fir shoots and dune pepper, gives their spirits a unique character and unparalleled freshness.
When you visit the distillery, you’re invited to dive into this family story. Beyond a simple visit of the facilities, you can take part in a guided tasting where you’ll discover the complexity of the plants that flavor their gins. This tour is a great way to learn about the region.
What are the best things to do in Saguenay-Lake Saint Jean, Canada? More activities:
- Jardins de Sophie: Marvel at the splendor of the flowerbeds, discover local biodiversity, and get lost in a haven of peace.
- Véloroute du bleuet: Cycle the 256 km loop around the edge of Lake Saint-Jean, a veritable inland sea, and discover some great views of sandy beaches and quaint villages along the way.
- Whale watching in Saguenay – St. Lawrence park: Sail on the waters of the fjord to meet these impressive marine mammals in their natural habitats—a moment of pure magic.
- Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay: Go hiking to reach the Giant’s viewpoint and contemplate the majesty of the Saguenay River fjord from above.
- Restaurant Le Verre Lime: Savor the inventive and delicious local cuisine, prepared with fresh regional products, in downtown Chicoutimi on Rue Racine.
- Sleep in a geodesic dome at Parc Aventure Cap-Jaseux: Spend an unusual night under the stars, in the heart of nature, with a panoramic view of the sky. Soar through an aerial ropes course, explore suspended trails in the trees, or try a Via Ferrata for a good dose of adrenaline.
- Microbrasserie Chasse-Pinte: Relax with a local beer, brewed with passion, in a friendly atmosphere in the heart of Anse-Saint-Jean.
- Stay at Auberge Le Camp De Base: Enjoy welcoming accommodation and a family atmosphere, the ideal starting point for exploring the region.
- Musée du Fjord: Understand the geological formation of the fjord, its ecosystem, and its maritime history through fun and educational exhibits. A great museum to visit.
- Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien: Walk among animals that roam in semi-liberty, a unique way to encounter the fauna of Quebec and beyond.
- Pulperie de Chicoutimi: Dive into the city’s industrial history, relive the era of large paper mills, and discover various art exhibitions.
- Parc du Trou de la Fée: Go on an adventure to discover a canyon, suspension bridges, and a cave—an immersive experience that celebrates the raw power of nature.
- L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs: Visit this museum, housed in a former hydroelectric power station, to understand the region’s history and the ingenuity of the pioneers who shaped it. It’s a great tour for visitors.
- Restaurant Ananas mon Amour: Treat yourself to a culinary journey of flavors in a relaxed and warm atmosphere, where creativity is on the menu.
