Immense Magazine 3rd edition - Travel

immense Sag u e nay–Lac-Sai nt-J ean Magaz i n e

Issue 3

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Québec, Canada

fjord tastic

The fjord, action-packed or laid-back

URBAN BUZZ

Downtown festivals and fun

lake of

gold Wonder is all around lac Saint-Jean

living memory the story of tourism in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Keep your magazine all year long to plan your vacation!

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contents welcome winter magic

175 very good reasons 4 to come visit us!

Places to Discover 6

News

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Calendar 12

Itinerary 14

Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien 17

City of Saint-Félicien 17

Destination Lac Saint-Jean 18

Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon 20

in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

you and i

39 Auberge des 21 39 Auberge des Battures

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Tourisme Alma Hôtel Chicoutimi Hôtel La Saguenéenne Promotion Saguenay

picture perfect 21 46 recipes big air roots Véloroute des Bleuets 23 Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux 23 Parc national des Monts-Valin 24

fjordtastic

Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent 27

Musée du Fjord 28

sandy horizons urban buzz

36 The Top 10 Winter Activities

Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay 29 Promotion Saguenay 30

kids big and small

Village historique de Val-Jalbert 33

Centre touristique du Lac-Kénogami 33

Centre de villégiature Dam-en-Terre 34

Parc thématique l'Odyssée des Bâtisseurs 35

Parc de la caverne Trou de la Fée 35

46 Yum… a recipe!

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Pulperie de Chicoutimi Municipality of Péribonka Tourisme Autochtone Ermitage Saint-Antoine de Lac-Bouchette Five Essentials to Have in Your Backpack The Story of Our History

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a hearty

celebration The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region Celebrates its 175th Anniversary To celebrate this event, we had a great time putting together a directory of 175 very good reasons to come visit us. But don’t try to find Jérôme Couture on the list.

Our “National Blueberry”, the finalist in the television series La Voix, has become such a celebrity that we preferred to focus on the reasons you may not yet know about.

The great outdoors, historic sites, urban festivals, fine dining, spectacular landscapes, out-of-theordinary activities, alternative lodging... Everything you need to plan your stay between the inland sea, fjord and mountains.

With its deep wisdom and a funloving spirit that can be seen and felt everywhere, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is ready for some company! You’ll see that at the ripe old age of 175, we’re still alive and kicking!

Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean 412, boul. Saguenay Est, bureau 100 Arr. Chicoutimi (Québec) G7H 7Y8 418-543-9778 | 1-877-253-8387 www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca JULIE DUBORD Marketing Manager François potvin Marketing Assistant

brand publisher www.yqbmedia.com Anne-Marie Boissonnault Creative Director Diane Laberge Main Contributor Kathleen forcier / amélie côte Project Managers Andrée-Anne Hamel Art Director cynthia darras Graphic Designer LAURA DOHERTY Graphic Designer Dominique Laflamme Editorial Manager Peter McCambridge Translation Caroline décoste / Ross & Sheehan Inc. / Amélie lapierre Copy Editing Yves Vaillancourt Photo Treatment Katrinn Pelletier /COLAGeNE.COM Illustrations PHOTOGRAPhers Alexandre Deslauriers, Alain Dumas, Steven Ferlatte, Annie Fournier, Dominic Gagné, Gilles Lapointe, Kathy Lapointe, Marc Loiselle, Yves Ouellet, Claude P. Côté, Boran Richard, Jonathan Robert, Charles-David Robitaille, Éric Saint-Pierre, Jean Tanguay, Fabrice Tremblay, Gratien Tremblay, Jean Tremblay, Martial Tremblay Advertising Tourism Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Planning a stay with us is as simple as 1, 2, 3!

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Go to saguenaylacsaintjean.ca for a copy of our official tourist guide.

Reserve activities and accomodation (don't forget to read the Packages section at the end of this issue).

3 Friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter once you arrive.

Immense is published by YQB Media for Tourism Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. The next issue will be published in 2014. A digital version of the magazine is also available online at www.magazineimmense.com and on iPad through the App StoreTM. printed in canada by SOLISCO copyright © YQB Media, 2013 YQB Media and Tourism Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean take all possible precautions to ensure factual accuracy.

They are not responsible for errors in the information published. All reproduction, in full or in part, is forbidden without the written permission of YQB Media.

Please recycle this magazine.

now sit back relax, and start dreaming of your unforgettable stay with us in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-jean, where fun is contagious!

Like the magazine? Share your comments with us! commentaires@yqbmedia.com

FSC

road trips WIDE open spaces

roots

picture perfect

175 really

great

reasons

to visit

Saguenay–Lac-saint-jean

175 very good reasons to come visit us!

To celebrate its 175th anniversary, the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region has made things easy by launching a directory of 175 very good reasons to come visit us.

How does it work? Go to saguenaylacsaintjean.ca/175reasons and browse through 21 categories, based on area of interest to make your travel shopping experience a breeze. In the mood for action, a romantic getaway, a cultural visit or a family trip? Each section lists a host of attractions that offer exactly what you are looking for.

The beauty of it is that the Web site is here to stay. So, we’ll be surfing for a while yet, even after the 175th! saguenaylacsaintjean.ca/175reasons

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sandy horizons

A N I M A L

kingdom yum!

urban Buzz

fjordtastic! o n ly here

these reasons can be experienced…

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Learn why nature is in our nature In the Saguenay– Lac-Saint-Jean region, unspoiled natural beauty is everywhere you look— at the end of a trail overlooking the fjord or on either side of a winding country road. Can’t wait to brave the elements in the heart of our pristine wilderness? Follow us!

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Discover LacSaint-Jean and the Saguenay, a match made in heaven No one goes to Lac-Saint-Jean without driving through Saguenay, and no one goes to the Saguenay without going up to see the lake. Like love and marriage, the two go together like a horse and carriage. Family fun, romantic getaways, striking out alone… there’s so much to see and explore.

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Pick up the local accent

Fall for the scenery

The charming local accent is matched only by a string of colourful expressions that Quebecers, never mind visitors, have a hard enough time getting their heads around. But the fun to be had on the beach is unmistakable and, even if it’s been a while since French immersion, a laugh and a smile is the same in any language!

Our waterways, hiking trails and cycle paths are all great ways to stay in shape.

On the plateaux overlooking the lake, in the depths of the marine park, from the heights of our national parks, or atop a cliff overlooking the fjord, beautiful landscapes take shape… and we get to stay in shape!

welcome

immense

Happiness In the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, you’ll need more than a day or two to explore every corner of our vast outdoor playground. you’ll be wanting to stay a while. There is, of course, plenty to discover on and around the water, not to mention the rewards that come from scaling the heights. But above all else, the local hospitality makes every visit truly unforgettable.

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Illustration: Katrinn Pelletier

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Meet the hosts of a lifetime Since our first tourist—a certain Jacques Cartier—came to our shores in 1534, the region has become better and better equipped, to the point where it now welcomes 1.2 million visitors a year. Our hotels, theatres, concert halls, museums, and economuseums are all big enough to cope with growing demand and have everything you need for your big trip!

This summer, come explore kilometre after kilometre of unspoiled shoreline around the lake. Be wowed by our beautiful fjord.

Take a hike or climb a tree for a better view.

Tackle the great outdoors and choose from tons of festivals and adventures. Here even the smallest villages have plenty to offer.

Your place in the sun awaits in Saguenay– Lac-Saint-Jean, right between the wide open spaces, the vibrant cultural scene, and the first-rate restaurants.

discover!

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City of Saint-Félicien Municipality of Péribonka Tourisme autochtone Ermitage Saint-Antoine Parc de la caverne du Trou de la Fée Tourisme Alma

Make sure you never forget the first time

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Complexe touristique Dam-en-Terre

Never been to Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean?

Well, there’s a first time for everything.

And you’re guaranteed to fall in love.

They say you never forget your first time, so open your heart, open your eyes, open your ears and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.

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Destination Lac-Saint-Jean

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Parc thématique l’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs

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Centre touristique Lac-Kénogami

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Hôtel Le Montagnais

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La Pulperie de Chicoutimi

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Centre de congrès et Hôtel La Saguenéenne

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Promotion Saguenay

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Hôtel Chicoutimi

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Auberge des 21

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Musée du Fjord

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Auberge des Battures

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Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux

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Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent

must-sees 1 4

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Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon Village historique de Val-Jalbert Véloroute des Bleuets

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Parc national des Monts-Valin

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Les Croisières du Fjord

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Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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news Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is Full of Great Ideas!

So how was the park?

How far to Saguenay?

FROM MONTRÉAL 460 km FROM QUÉBEC CITY 210 km FROM TROIS-RIVIÈRES 330 km FROM LA TUQUE 220 km

That’s the question on everyone’s lips whenever you drive to or from Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean!

“So how was the park?” asks everyone who doesn’t know Route 175 has been given a makeover and is now a very safe highway with no shortage of scenery to admire.

With moose and deer safely behind their fences to the side, enjoying the view just got a whole lot easier.

48 hours of family fun The adventure begins with the first sighting of the fjord and the vast marine park where belugas swim free. Next stop is Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux, with a white-knuckle via ferrata for the daredevils and a new Bambino course for the little ones.

After all that excitement, take a breather on the beach at Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon. How does camping right on the lake sound?

Next up it’s Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien. Kids love the maze and petting zoo, and there’s time for an ice cream before getting back on the road to Chambord.

Cheese stop! Musée du fromage de Saint-Prime will break up the drive and you’ll learn all kinds of fun facts from Albert, whose grandfather Adélard was a pioneering cheese maker.

Set a few hours aside for historic Val-Jalbert. This former power plant offers a glimpse of a bygone era, the stories of its larger than life inhabitants and even a ghost or two! Then, learn about hydroelectricity with a trip to the new power plant under construction. If it’s getting late, spend the night—there’s a four-star hotel and a campground where the whispering river lulls you to sleep.

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honeymoon on the lake When time is tight you need a magical destination in your own backyard.

A romantic getaway to Lac Saint-Jean is just what the doctor ordered.

When the water hits 27°C things have a way of heating up, and the majestic fjord backdrop turns our thoughts toward the big questions. Build a sandcastle together, and maybe a life…

I do, I do, I do!

Less than an hour from Charlevoix Heading to Le Massif de Charlevoix this summer?

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is just a hop, skip and a jump away.

The road follows the river up to Saint-Siméon, home of the ChantEauFête folk festival in August. Then it’s up Route 170 to L’Anse-Saint-Jean to feast your eyes on the majestic fjord and some of Québec’s most prettiest villages!

Photo: Jean-Pierre Tadros

Three Saguenayans Make the Croisette at Cannes

Filmmaker Sébastien Pilote walked the red carpet at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Chicoutimi-born filmmaker and screenwriter Pilote is in seventh heaven. After generating quite a buzz with Le Vendeur, his latest offering entitled Le démantèlement has received the Société des auteurs et compositeurs dramatiques (SADC) prize at the 52nd Semaine de la critique at the famous Festival. The Saguenayan’s film features Gabriel Arcand, Gilles Renaud and Lucie Laurier. A movie you won’t want to miss! As for collegues Jean-Marc E. Roy and Philippe David Gagné, they had their short film Anata O Korosu presented as part of the Out of Competition selection in 2012. A great way to gain visibility worldwide.

Guy Time Road trip with the boys? We’ve got you covered. First things first, stock up on beer at Microbrasserie du Lac-Saint-Jean. Then go Tarzan on the giant ziplines in the treetops at Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux.

And there’s no adrenaline rush like putting pedal to the metal in a dune buggy. Trust us: the PGO Bug Racers at Horizon Évasion are ready to burn some rubber.

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camping with the kids

Personal Faves to Serve with la Tourtière du Lac

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean has no shortage of great campgrounds and endless opportunities for family fun. Yell “Ahoy, matey!” and attack the pirate ship at Camping Belley in Saint-Henride-Taillon, toast marshmallows as the sun goes down at Camping de Saint-Gédéon, or enjoy the privacy of wooded sites near Mashteuiatsh at Plage Robertson. It’s white sand, water games and ice cream for all!

Love wildlife? You came to the right place!

Our famous meat pie may be a deceptively simple recipe, but every cook adds their own touch. Some use ground meat, while others prefer cubes.

Two things we know for sure: no two tourtières taste quite alike, and you should always serve it with delicious sides.

Here are our personal faves:

home-cooked beets fruit ketchup (green tomato is popular)

classic coleslaw curly lettuce salad with green onions, sliced radishes and crème fraîche

On land: black bears, moose, wolves, spruce grouse, beavers, snowshoe hares, Canadian lynxes and more...

Under water: beluga whales, harbour seals, sea trout, Atlantic salmon…

Up in the air: bald eagles, buzzards, peregrine falcons, Barrow’s goldeneye, snow geese and Canada geese…

summer theatre

There’s plenty on the playbills this summer. Comedian Jimmy Doucet’s production, Bienvenue à Cayo Banano, will have audiences at Pulperie de Chicoutimi in stitches. And so will Théâtre Voix d’accès’ take on the classic French film Le Dîner de cons (remade for Hollywood in 2010 as Dinner for Schmucks), playing in Dam-en-Terre.

Cheese, Please As famous local dynasties Boivin, Perron, and Médard suggest, we love our fromage!

Any way you slice it—from our famous curds and whole wheels to soft cheeses and firmly ripened delicacies.

Sneak in a snack on the road, at the beach or even before bed.

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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news A must-try: the Marguerite pepper jelly.

Ideal with meat, cheese and oven-fresh bread. epicea.ca

Northern Flavours The boreal forest never ceases to amaze.

Rooted in our history and extracted from the balsam of the main northern evergreens, Épicéa’s boreal spices burst with surprising and exquisite flavours, combined with the taste of fresh fruit and vegetables. Épicéa offers these delights in the form of vinaigrettes and jellies.

Photo: Productions J

Jérôme Couture: A Star is Born It took only 13 episodes for Jérôme Couture to conquer the hearts of Quebecers on hit reality TV show La Voix. But the Jonquière native isn’t new to showbiz: he earned his stripes singing backup in Elvis Story, Les Misérables, Oh Boy! and À Jamais.

See what the buzz is about when Jérôme takes to the stage at Arvida’s Théâtre Palace in Cow-boys, a musical journey “from Willy to Dolly” by Québec Issime.

$39.95

Can you squeeze

95,000 km2

Eat like the Stars

onto a single page?

Check out the Tourisme Saguenay– Lac-Saint-Jean Facebook page to find out, and get a sense of the larger than life beauty and fabulous vacation opportunities in the land of an enormous lake and Québec’s only fjord. Like it short and sweet?

Follow us on Twitter and be the first to get our news!

@Saguenay_Lac #Didyouknow the Saguenay Fjord is the longest and only navigable fjord in North America (105km)?

Looking for a great cookbook?

100 personnalités 100 recettes makes a great souvenir. You’ll love these local celebs’ favourite recipes: painter Joanne Corno’s crispy fennel salad; TV personality Dany Turcotte’s trout, quail salad and potato fricassee; and producer Fabienne Larouche’s berry soup.

Actress Louise Portal dishes up nothing less than her “recipe for happiness.” $39.95 at any good Québec bookstore. saglac2013.com

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calendar

June 21–23

Randonnée Liberté à vélo d’Hydro-Québec (group bike trip)

June 14–16

Like the sound of a three-day, 267 km tour of Lac Saint-Jean?

The organizers have thought of everything, from transporting your bags to a masseur to soothe your muscles. Spend your nights in a B&B or camp out under the stars.

Festival international de cerfs-volants—Saint-Honoré dans l’Vent (kite festival) No matter what your fancy—giant kites, trick and art kites, single line or power (traction) kites—you’ll find it in Saint-Honoré, where the élite of the kiting world converges to paint the sky with movement and colour.

Photo: Liberté à Vélo

liberteavelo.ca

June 22–23

sthonoredanslvent.com

Spectacle aérien international de Bagotville (air show)

June 15–October 6

Si l’objet nous était raconté!

The Michel Barrette collection (exhibition)

Discover over 300 artifacts from the private collection of actor and storyteller Michel Barrette, with explanatory videos. A great summer exhibition you won’t want to miss!

This major air show features a display of legends of the air—the CH139 Jet Ranger, CC-130 Hercules, Piper Navajo PA31. But the real action is up in the sky, with Red Bull Air Race pilot Pete McLeod, and the Canadian Forces parachute team.

The CF-18 “Mass Attack” will even try to set a new world record for the “Wall of Fire”! saibagotville.com

pulperie.com

July 6–13

July 18–21

Festival des bières du monde de Saguenay (beer fest)

Photo: Festivalma

Festirame (rowing festival) This annual rowing and sea rowing, kayaking and surf-skiing event is centred on a sea rowing regatta like no other in North America. festivalma.com

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The festival is adding even more great flavours this year with workshops on local delicacies and outdoor cooking.

And if that gets you thirsty, well, you’re in the right place: three days of magic, sixty-odd exhibitors, over 250 great beers to discover, and close to 50,000 beerlovers. Admission is free and tasting coupons are a steal! bieresdumonde.ca

July 11–13

Festival des vins de Saguenay (wine festival) Since its 2007 foundation, star sommelier Philippe Lapeyrie has served as the festival’s proud spokesman. Join the 30,000 wine aficionados who make the pilgrimage every year to see Chicoutimi’s Rue Racine taken over by some fifty exhibitors and taste some of the world’s finest wines. festivinsaguenay.ca

July 18–21

July 25–August 4

July 31–August 4

Festival western Dolbeau-Mistassini (western festival)

Festival du Bleuet

Craving an authentic Wild West experience?

Love the rodeo, gymkhana (a hair-raising equestrian event), and dancing to live country music? This one’s for you!

Blueberries are a big deal in Dolbeau-Mistassini, as you’ll see at this festival packed with activities, shows, huge inflatables, a giant blueberry pie tasting, a parade and the chance to meet mascot Maître Bleuet.

(blueberry festival)

festivalwesterndolbeau-mistassini.com

July 20–28

Traversée internationale du lac Saint-Jean (open water swimming marathon)

Top freestyle swimmers have been flocking to Roberval for this one-of-a-kind swim since 1955, and not just for the chance to cross Québec’s most famous lake. There are also fireworks, a parade and a truly epic outdoor meal. Ready to take your place at a kilometre-long table and break bread with 10,000 new friends?

Photo: Dominic Gagné

festivaldubleuet.com

Festival International des Rythmes du Monde (world music festival)

Québec’s biggest celebration of diversity turns downtown Chicoutimi into a giant dance floor at this festival of percussion and more that draws over 950 performers and artists. rythmesdumonde.com

traversee.qc.ca

June 22 to Labour Day Weekend

Le choc des cultures, Métabetchouane (exhibition) This permanent exhibition at Centre d’histoire et d’archéologie de la Métabetchouane (CHAM) transports you back to the first trading post on the Métabetchouane and the 17th century heyday of the fur trade in New France. A journey through the ages from the first human activity to colonial times. chamans.com

Until October 13, 2013

Le Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean : au rythme de la musique d’autrefois (exhibition) This exhibition at Chicoutimi’s La Pulperie museum explores the local history of popular and traditional music and culture. pulperie.com

Zoom Photo Festival Saguenay

September 6–8

Happening de peinture de Tadoussac (painting festival) Painters from around the globe converge in one of the world’s most beautiful bays to be inspired by landscapes, create and share with workshops, talks, and demos. happeningtadoussac.com

October 29–November 24

(photography festival)

This fourth edition of the festival focuses on women photojournalists from all over the world. See how a feminine gaze colours these gripping works of journalism.

August 12

Soirée Perséides aux Monts-Valin (perseids/stargazing)

August is the time to experience a giant meteor shower, and a chance to learn about astronomy. Enjoy talks by experts and some old-fashioned stargazing. sepaq.com

August 23–25

Les Grandes Veillées (traditional music and culture festival)

A festival showcasing traditional music and culture with storytelling, foot-tapping and dancing.

Place des Artisans in La Baie. lesgrandesveillees.com

October 17–27

Saguenay en bouffe (food festival) There’s no better place than right here to discover gourmet delicacies from around the world. Guest chefs at local restaurants and free workshops are on the menu. saguenayenbouffe.com

zoomphotofestival.ca

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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Itinerary

the call

of the Open Road Feel like you’re spinning your wheels?

Immense has the answer: an unforgettable Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean road trip with seven pit stops for good times and great food along the way. Leave from Montréal and return refreshed a week later. What a drive!

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Leave Montréal behind: Québec City, here we come. Take Autoroute 20 via the bridges and scenic Boulevard Champlain with its riverside park section, Promenade Samuel‑de‑Champlain. Drop your bags in Old Québec and head out for a meal on one of the many great patios. Once you’ve eaten to your heart’s content, it’s off to the funicular and Dufferin Terrace—a spectacular view that will sow the seeds of sweet dreams.

You’re on the road to the Saguenay now. Take it easy down Autoroute 175 while your navigator leafs through Immense for a sense of the region’s innumerable attractions. Two hours later, say hello to Chicoutimi. Tour the shops and cafés of Rue Racine, a lively pedestrian thoroughfare. If you want a snack, try La Vieille Garde, or for a memorable burger, hit the Rouge Burger patio.

Illustration: Katrinn Pelletier

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Start your morning with a quick spin down to La Baie, where you can park your car and hop on a water shuttle to L’Anse-Saint-Jean.

It’s the perfect place to kick back, sample Madame Louise’s famous blueberry pie, check out the covered bridge, feast your eyes on the majestic fjord, and take in the lively scene at the marina at sunset. Spend the night at one of the local inns or B&Bs and catch the first shuttle in the morning, because tomorrow is a whole new adventure!

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Route 155 on a clear, starry night is a sight to behold. Even if you get in late expect a beautiful morning in La Tuque. First time? Don’t miss Parc des Chutes‑de‑la‑Petite‑Rivière Bostonnais, where the 35 m waterfall makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic picnic, followed by a hike down the walking or interpretation trails.

Music lovers should visit the Félix Leclerc centre—the iconic singer hailed from La Tuque—before buckling up for the drive home to Mauricie.

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Time on your hands?

You just can’t beat the train!

Hop on the Via Rail train from Montréal to Jonquière and prepare for great river views and scenic woodlands.

There’s simply nothing more relaxing than the leisurely pace of the train. Breathtaking! viarail.ca

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You can’t leave Lac-Saint-Jean without a visit to the zoo in Saint-Félicien. First, though, take a tasty break at Fromagerie Perron— their “Marie Souris” is a delicious cheese-filled chocolate, just the ticket to fortify you for the wildest, most welcoming zoo on the planet.

Hike through the land of the caribou and watch the Siberian tigers feed.

Then it’s back on the road because we’re off to La Tuque tonight!

Photo: Yves Ouellet

You’re off to Lac-Saint-Jean. The road is smooth. Stop in Saint-Gédéon for an ice-cold Gros Mollet, the local microbrew. Then head for the beach at Métabetchouan–Lac-à-la-Croix, just the spot to get your feet wet on a stand up paddleboard (SUP). Also plan a visit to Val-Jalbert, a reconstructed historical village where you’ll be humbled by human ingenuity in action and the larger than life waterfalls. Pitch a tent at the full-service campground, but don’t turn in before taking in the experience that recreates life in the company town.

You may even meet a few ghosts!

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You deserve something special for your last night. Look no further than Grandes-Piles, a quaint little town next to Rivière Saint-Maurice.

Exhibitions aplenty take you on a stroll back in time to the heroic age of log drivers. You’re also not far from Cité de l’Énergie in Shawinigan, a museum showcasing energy projects, and a great spot for a picnic. Stop for a bite in Trois-Rivières—you can’t go wrong on Rue des Forges—then get back on the road to Montréal. You’ll be home for dinner.

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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sandy horizons Thoughts wander in its dazzling shallow waters, sun-kissed fields of canola light up every face, and eyes open wide to take in the gentle greens of its lush meadows and age-old elms.

On the beaches of Lac Saint-Jean and in nearby pristine wilderness, wonder is all around.

Photo: Charles-David Robitaille

Every Kid’s Favourite

A big friend!

Be sure to say hi to Gobi, a camera-friendly Bactrian camel who loves being patted by young and old. Gobi was bottle fed by the zookeepers and is now four years old, weighing in at 1,600 pounds (725 kilos).

While Mom and Dad rave about the Walking Adventure in the Land of the Caribou, little ones will go nuts for the farm, the water games and, of course, feeding time at the zoo.You can’t come to Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien without learning a thing or two. And judging by the questions fired at the nature guides while the polar bears, tigers and Japanese macaques grab a bite to eat, you really do learn something new every day!

At Saint-Félicien, you won’t see any fences or cages between you and the animals.

Down on the (completely renovated) farm, for instance, chickens, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, guinea pigs, miniature horses, donkeys, goats, lamas and alpacas have plenty of time to make friends with the kids as animals run every which way. Then, a wooden walkway leads visitors over the duck pond to get lost in a gigantic labyrinth. On your way out, remember to stop by the dairy and throw down a blanket for a family picnic beneath the trees.

Photo: Jonathan Robert

Saint-Félicien, Naturally!

Along the shores of Rivière Ashuapmushuan— “the place where moose are seen” in Montagnais—Saint-Félicien offers a whole slew of activities for young and old.

Outdoor fans and cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the trails, while others can stop by the public market to stock up on local products and admire regional culture.

When evening comes, two shows take place at Parc du Sacré-Cœur and Féliscène, before sleepy heads begin to nod and fall gratefully into pillows at a local inn or bed & breakfast.

Photo: ville de Saint-Félicien

Don’t miss! Agricultural show: June 7 to 9, Cycling championships: June 28 to 30, Regatta: August 2 to 4 Photo: Éric Saint-Pierre

Photo : ville de Saint-Félicien

zoosauvage.org

ville.stfelicien.qc.ca

2230, boulevard du Jardin 418-679-0543

saint-félicien 1-877-525-9888

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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sandy horizons

Into the Blue

Is Lac Saint-Jean a great place to swim?

You bet. With 210 km of shoreline, 42 km of pristine beaches and fresh water as warm as the sun on your skin, this is as good as summer gets.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Put on your bathing suit because we’re off to the beach. The only hard part is choosing which one: Québec’s largest inhabited lake is surrounded by 15 white sandy beaches, covering a huge part of the shoreline.

What to do? If putting your feet up isn’t your thing, you can enjoy a picnic, build a sandcastle, tour a pirate ship, get out on the water or savour an ice cream while watching the sun set. Lac Saint-Jean truly has something for everyone, whether you’re on a solo mission, a romantic trip with your special someone or a fun family vacation. It’s playtime!

our favorite… beaches

boat rentals

campgrounds

With over 15 beaches and water that gets close to 27°C, there’s no reason not to get your feet wet!

Feel like striking out across the lake’s waves of blue? Windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, canoeing, sailboats, and rowboats are all so inviting whether you’re fond of fishing or of the great outdoors.

On the beach, at the edge of the woods, in the forest or on a deserted island—the hardest part is choosing the best place to put up your tent.

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Great for Boating: It’s Official It’s official: Lac Saint-Jean is now accredited under the “Québec Nautical Stations” program. That means that those in charge of our many lakes and rivers are going the extra mile for boaters and watersports enthusiasts.

FREE! Many public beaches give visitors free access to Lac Saint-Jean. Most have playgrounds, restaurants, and lifeguards.

The Lac-Saint-Jean region is a boater’s paradise where you’ll find almost as many docks as there are blueberries in our fields.

Explore our famous lakes—Lac Saint-Jean, Lac à Jim, Lac Bouchette, Lac Tchitogama—and our great white water rivers like the Mistassini, Métabetchouane, Péribonka, Ashuapmushuan and Ouasiemsca.

Whatever your style—adrenaline rush or smooth sailing—you’ll find it here. So get out on the water and leave your troubles behind!

Some like it extreme If the region has one thing, it’s rivers—pristine, a little bit wild and well worth a short detour. Why not start to the north, with white water rafting on the Mistassibi. Then paddle down the Ashuapmushuan, or take a canoe on the Micosas or Ouasiemsca. The landscape? Priceless. In late June, there’s no beating the Métabetchouane, further south, where they take their paddleboating very seriously.

Fishermen with big arms Lac Saint-Jean boasts 26 species of fish, including the legendary ouananiche (landlocked salmon), and it’s the only place in Québec where you can keep up to 10 walleye per day, not 6! And fishermen have no need for a boat—they can wade right in!

Amateur sailors ahoy!

Beach bums head to Saint-Gédéon, Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix or Dolbeau-Mistassini.

Anchors aweigh Lac Saint-Jean has numerous marinas, wharfs and boat ramps.

Sailing fans make a beeline for the marina in Roberval or in Péribonka.

mer

n This Sum

Watery Fu

festirame

cabins Where better than a fully equipped cabin to put your feet up after a discoverypacked day? Lac Saint-Jean offers a world of vacationing possibilities.

(rowing and more) July 6–14

marathon de nage lac à jim

(swimming marathon) July 12–14

coastal rowing regatta

the 59th traversée internationale du lac saint-jean (long-distance swimming race) July 20–28

à l’eau péribonka

(swimming festival) July 26–27

July 13

saint-félicien regatta

(speedboat race) August 2–4

lacsaintjean.com

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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sandy horizons

Bike, Rest and Play

Photos: Annie Fournier, Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon, Sépaq

new!

Le Pic-Assiette

How does pitching your tent on the shores of an enormous lake sound? Well, you can do exactly that at Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon, a park that’s perfect for families who want to enjoy some summer fun and end their day with a good night’s sleep on the beach.

A café-bistro-patio that’s full of local flavour

4 Ways to Make the Most of Summer!

The long ribbon of sand stretches over 20 km of shoreline. Water activities, swimming, kayaking and discovery activities all feature on the delta to-do list, as summer drifts gently by. Feel like a little more action?

Hop on a bike—the park rents out a few different models—and admire the scenery, taking in lungfuls of fresh air along the Véloroute des Bleuets bike trail that cuts through the park. In all, there are over 45 km of bike trails to explore—and a beaver or two to spot along the way! But do you know what’s best of all? Primitive campsites right by the water’s edge, with a beach far from noises and civilisation.

on the trail of the moose Hike through the forest with a park warden, eyes peeled for moose prints.

return to jeanne-d’arc Take a minibus tour and learn all about the village of Jeanne-d’Arc and the early days of the colony.

ring of fire Gather round the campfire with Pascal Bouchard for stories, legends and tall tales that add to any sunset.

sepaq.com/pq/pta 835, Rang 3 Ouest Saint-Henri-de-Taillon 418-347-5371

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Photo: Charles-David Robitaille

talks under the stars Learn more about local archaeology and the park’s insect population with a series of engaging talks from scientists and specialists.

picture perfect

Shutter bug Love beautiful landscapes?

Looking for a postcard that takes you off the beaten path?

You’re in luck! Try these spots for spectacular snapshots.

Photo: Charles-David Robitaille

Sainte-Rose-du-Nord Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Fjord” and known as one of Québec’s most beautiful villages, this picturesque town nestled on the fjord’s north shore doesn’t disappoint. No photographer can resist the pier, a pick-up point for tour boats and water shuttles.

Sainte-Rose-du-Nord is also part of the marine park discovery network.

Le Jardin Scullion One of Québec’s most beautiful gardens is spread out over 2 km and is home to over 2,000 international plant varieties. Get up close with the animals in the petting zoo or have a picnic to experience the best of this photogenic Garden of Eden.

The Saguenay fjord: This is it!

Leaving from Tadoussac, the Saguenay fjord is a photographer’s dream. Whether you tackle the hiking paths in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay or check out the 25 stops in the marine park’s discovery network, you’re always on the verge of capturing a majestic beluga or a soaring peregrine falcon—with your camera, of course!

Photo: Yves Ouellet

L'Anse-Saint-Jean Magnificent L’Anse-Saint-Jean is on the fjord’s south shore.

Recognized as one of Québec’s most beautiful villages, this community pulses with creative energy.

Travellers and sightseers come from near and far to enjoy the area’s fascinating history and legendary friendliness in equal measure. Kick back on the pier or shop for a unique souvenir in the many boutiques and handicraft studios.

Photo: Alain Dumas

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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big air Come open your heart, nourish your mind and breathe in lungfuls of clean, fresh air. Bike rides, sea kayaking, raison kitesurfing, whitewater rafting, ziplines, via ferrata—there’s so much to do! Take things easy or move up a gear or two, just as long as you stock up on fresh air and fresh ideas, down by the water’s edge or atop one of the kingdom’s mountains.

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Hiking up hill and down dale, climbing the Monts Valin, clambering out onto a ledge, hanging on to the rock face for an even better view of the fjord—they’re all great ways to stay in shape and take in the awe-inspiring countryside around you. The scenery is stunning, whether you’re hundreds of metres up in the air or down by the water’s edge.

Photo : Fabrice Tremblay

Take in the view

Saddle Up for a Unique Experience Boasting 256 km of picture-postcard scenery around a huge lake, Véloroute des Bleuets is one of the world’s most beautiful cycling networks.

Nowhere else comes close—and did we mention it was paved from start to finish! More than half of the circuit guided by the free mobile app is a proper bicycle path, including the new Chambord-Desbiens stretch. It cuts its way through 15 municipalities, each prettier than the last, and brings you right to the doorstep of a slew of tourist attractions. You’ll never cover more than 10 or 15 kilometres without finding something of interest worth stopping for, and all along the way a host of bed & breakfasts, To spice things up a little, geocaching inns, and campgrounds are waiting has put in an appearance along to welcome you and your weary the circuit, including the Horst de legs with open arms.

Kénogami stretch, with 26 geocaches to discover along the way. How does it work? Players are given a booklet and instructions or download an app to their smart phone.

NEW: Geocaching on two wheels!

Bus exhibition Take a look inside the Allyson B. bus at La maison du vélo.

3 for 1 Véloroute des Bleuets has three partner networks to add to the fun.

72 KM

le horst de kénogami From Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix to Jonquière.

45 KM

au fil des rivières Loop from Albanel to Girardville, through the forest and along blueberry fields forever.

13 KM

ville d'alma Right downtown.

3

Photos: Boran Richard

top experiences at Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux Fully equipped to cook a memorable meal!

a home in the trees Crazy Heights, Day and Night Treetop hikes by night? A Via Ferrata under the light of the full moon?

A sea kayak excursion with an astronomer beneath a night sky lit up by the Perseids? There’s so much to fit in, you’ll hardly find time to sleep!

Fortunately, the experiential accomodation at Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux will have you sliding between the sheets in the great outdoors in no time.

veloroute-bleuets.qc.ca 1692, avenue du Pont Nord alma 418-668-4541

capjaseux.com 197, chemin de la Pointe aux Pins Saint-Fulgence 418-674-9114

Log cabins high up in the trees (8 metres).

suspended spherical tree house Dangling from the legendary pines 8 metres off the ground, a cozy sphere (looking like bird's nest or a mirror), and leading to a majestic view of Saguenay Fjord.

a dome beneath the stars With private access to the beach.

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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Photo: Charles-David Robitaille

big air

Any getaway to the Monts-Valin promises to be rich in grandiose scenery, right in the heart of Nordic life, but it’s also a chance to enjoy the quiet lakes and winding rivers that recharge and reinvigorate, 24 hours a day.

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers know the Monts-Valin well, particularly the snow-covered peaks of ghostly Vallée des Fantômes. But when summer comes, there’s plenty more reason for goosebumps, both out on the water and some 900 metres up in the air at the summit.

3

3 ways to get in on the action

1. Hiking from peak to peak A 30 km circuit of hiking trails is a great way to hit the heights of a dozen summits under 800 m in altitude on a route that takes two to three days to complete. In more of a hurry?

The Pic-de-la-Hutte trail is your answer.

Leave the car behind in the car park (altitude: 800 m and 1 km of walk) and continue along a gently ascending trail to the summit.

From 900 metres, the sunsets are always spectacular!

sepaq.com/pq/mva 360, rang Saint-Louis Saint-Fulgence 1-800-665-6527 or 418-674-1200

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Photo: Yves Ouellet

Kingdom’s Summit 2. Fishing at altitude Brook trout are increasingly scarce, but have made a home for themselves in the park's higher lakes. Take the all-included package (which lets you rent everything you’ll need) and you’ll be casting your line in no time.

3. Watery fun on the river Along the twists and turns of Rivière Valin, mountains towering in the background, canoe the calm waters or try your hand at paddle surfing. The best way to keep your balance? Keep your eyes on the stunning scenery.

Photo: Charles-David Robitaille

Wilderness cabins on Baie d’Alexis At 650 metres above sea level, pretty log cabins dot the shores of Lac aux Canots, offering rest for weary heads. Water sports, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and canoeing all await in this haven of peace and quiet.

-------------------

TRAVELLING

BETWEEN

CITIES AND

VILLAGES

-------------------

WITH THE

FJORD

SHUTTLE

TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED FOR THE MOST BREATHTAKING WAY TO DISCOVER THE SAGUENAY FJORD.

418 543-7630 1 800 363-7248 croisieresdufjord.com

CROISIÈRES DU

FJ RD

For more information about cruises, stops, schedules and fares.

fjord tastik The majestic fjord leaves no one indifferent. Capes, cliffs and gentle summer waves are all yours to explore on and around the fjord.

Sit back and take it all in or hit the gourmet trails for discoveries aplenty.

reason nº

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An inhabited fjord is rare, but an inhabited fjord that is the only navigable fjord in North America… well, that’s something special! And yet you’d never know it to talk to the lovely folk who live there. Friendly and welcoming, they make sure their part of the world is remembered as much for their smiles as for its enchanting shores.

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Photo: John Sylvester

Enjoy the great scenery—and the great people

Photo: Parcs Canada/Marc Loiselle

Photo: Claude P. Côté

What on Earth is a Marine Park?

Think of a park and chances are you’ll have both feet firmly planted on terra firma. Think “marine” and you’ll likely be having fun in or on the water.

But the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park manages to combine the two. Wet or dry, the only thing that really matters in the St. Lawrence Estuary and along the fjord is the natural beauty all around.

Photo: Parcs Canada/Marc Loiselle

25 ways to explore the marine park The marine park spans over 1,245 km2 of water, with an interpretation network on dry land that boasts 25 discovery sites along the St. Lawrence River and the fjord. In Saint-Fulgence, the brackish and saltwater marshes belonging to the CIBRO interpretation centre are a great place to learn more about the fjord’s birdlife, or stop by the wharf in Petit-Saguenay for unobstructed views of the fjord stretching 27 km into the distance. Hungry for more? There are 23 other sites to discover!

Eco-Whale Alliance Guarantees responsible practices.

parcmarin.qc.ca | 182, rue de l’Église, tadoussac | 418-235-4703

take a whalewatching tour From a hard bottom inflatable or the comfort of a bigger boat, a cruise out on the water is the best way to admire the whales and learn more about their natural environment.

watch whales from the shore The shoreline from Baie-Sainte-Catherine to Les Escoumins is a great place to watch—and listen to—the whales and porpoises at play.

5 must-dos

try an interpretation activity Listen to enthusiastic guides tell you all about marine life, starfish, sharks, lighthouses and the history of the First Nations.

go sea kayaking Strike out alone or take a guide and size up the sheer scale of your surroundings before heading to a camping platform on the edge of the park.

take in the view Slow down and enjoy the view.

On dry land or out on the water, keep your binoculars close to explore the jaw-dropping panoramas from top to bottom.

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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fjord tastic

Voyage to the Heart of Biodiversity Take the ultimate plunge this summer: a trip to the heart of the fjord and the melting of the glaciers 950 million years ago. At Musée du Fjord in La Baie, all aboard the NAVIS for a trip through space and time on giant Free D technology screens. As soon as you sit down, you’ll be transported high into the air, soaring above the huge fjord before plunging down into its depths, alongside 460-plus species of fish and invertebrates, the Greenland shark among them.

With a giant aquarium, vivarium, touch pool and touch screen, Musée du Fjord makes science fun and is sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages. So reach out and touch a starfish, come face to nose with an Atlantic wolffish.

Take an outdoor trip, catch a temporary exhibit or visit permanent exhibition “Roots and Dreams: A Fresh Look at the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region.” A modern and fascinating museum.

Photo: Gratien Tremblay

museedufjord.com

3346, boul. Grande Baie Sud Saguenay, Arr. La Baie 418-697-5077

reason nº

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Go 20,000 leagues under the sea

98

Reach for the star… fish At Musée du Fjord, it’s not just the museum’s aquarium and 9 m wall of water that have visitors oohing and aahing! Seeing the look of wonder on the kids’ faces at the touch pools is worth the trip alone. It’s not every day you get the chance to hold sea urchins, rays, and starfish, after all.

Welcome to a world of discovery!

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Photo: Fabrice Tremblay

reason nº

Photo: Fabrice Tremblay

Photo: Jean Tremblay

All aboard the NAVIS for a journey to the depths of the fjord, a great way to discover 950 million years of history. Musée du Fjord has really pushed the boat out with 150° screens and 3D technology that will help awake the Spock or Jules Verne in you.

Summer additions

South Shore

In Rivière-Éternité, hop on the water shuttle for L’Anse-Saint-Jean, where a shuttle bus brings visitors to Sentier Les Caps. Sleep in a hut and hike back to civilization the next morning.

Bird’s-Eye View Among the great horned owls and peregrine falcons, species of all kinds flock to Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. So what are you waiting for? Take to the water for a bird’s-eye view of your own!

To encourage visitors to experience the fjord from all angles, Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay has come up with a host of itineraries, packages and partnerships from one end of this wild kingdom to the other.

The area is nirvana for hikers, with accomodation options including huts, cabins, and wilderness campsites. Along the way you’ll meet no shortage of down-to-earth folk who treat the fjord like a member of the family. This summer, all aboard Three days of hiking and two nights the water shuttle for Baie-Éternité! on the Sentier du fjord trail, The first shuttle of the morning baggage service included. The first promises four hours of discoveries. night will be spent in a hut Head for Sentier de la Statue at L’Anse-de-la-Barge, the second in a yurt at L’Anse-à-Pierrot, (Cape Trinité) and picnic at the a stone’s skip from the fjord. sun-drenched top, before it’s time to tear yourself away.

For more information: 1-800-665-6527

Backpack-free hiking

parcsquebec.com 91, RUE NOTRE-DAME RIVIÈRE-ÉTERNITÉ 418-272-1556

sailing at baie-éternité Hard bottom inflatables, rabaskas, sea kayaks and boat tours are now joined on the fjord by sailing enthusiasts leaving from Baie-Éternité.

beach to beach Try one of our new guided expeditions: from L'Anse-Saint-Jean back to L'Anse‑Saint‑Jean in a loop, from L'Anse‑Saint‑Jean to Tadoussac and from La Baie to Baie-Éternité.

North Shore

ready to camp beside the belugas In Baie-Sainte-Marguerite, choose from Huttopia tents (at Le Bleuvet campground) or rest your head next to La Halte du béluga lookout to fall asleep to the sound of the belugas (at Pointe-du-Moulin campground). Looking for another great idea? Spend a night at Parc Aventures du Cap Jaseux and save big on admission the next day.

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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Photo: Marc Loiselle

capes and cruise package

fjord tastic saguenay

The Road to the Fjord

by car

by bus

on the water

by foot

There are over 300 km of discoveries on each side on the fjord. So hit the road and be sure to stop off in some of the province’s prettiest villages—L’Anse-Saint-Jean and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, among them—to taste the freshest products, shoot the breeze with the locals and bring back a photo or two that will have family and friends green with envy.

Hop aboard a luxury minibus and follow the fjord, discovering one pretty village after another along the way. In addition, take a mini-cruise on the fjord, as part of the Tour Aventure Fjord et Monde package.

Boat tours, sea kayaking, sailing, zodiacs, water shuttles—you can’t go wrong, if you go with the flow. You’ll feel immensely small compared to the giant cliffs all around. And don’t forget your binoculars! Seals and belugas love to be the centre of attention.

Put your hiking boots on and get ready to choose from 100 km of hiking trails in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, between Rivière-Éternité and Tadoussac.

All along the way, belvederes offer incredible views of the fjord.

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Illustration: Katrinn Pelletier

No need to go out of your way—there’s a world of beauty right on our doorstep! Saguenay is home to North America's only inhabited (and navigable) fjord! Your sea legs aren’t up to much?

Never fear: there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fjord, with sports, fine dining and cultural activities galore, from the tip of a cape right down to the water’s edge. Just make sure to bring your camera—everything here looks great on film!

3 Views to Take Your Breath Away

the statue In Rivière-Éternité, climb to the top of Cap Trinité to see the famous statue of the Virgin Mary. Stop by the Bellevue lookout for views to get worked up about!

reason nº

$1000 belvedere

106

Remind us we don’t look our age

This belvedere offers a magnificent view of L’Anse-Saint-Jean, famous for its covered bridge and its panorama reproduced on the $1000 bills from 1954 to 1992.

Photo: Martial Tremblay

We weren’t born yesterday, you know. The origins of the Saguenay fjord, one of the biggest dents in the Canadian Shield, date back 950 million years.

And this jewel in our crown is well worth a visit!

l’ansede-tabatière From L’Anse-Saint-Jean, climb to the summit to admire the fjord stretching far, far into the distance, from Île-Saint-Louis to Cap Éternité.

Free Audio Guide water shuttle

Find out everything you need to know with a CD audio guide. Pick one up from a tourist information office or an entrance kiosk to one of our four national parks.

You can also download the app from Saguenay.ca to your tablet or smart phone.

New this summer, content is adapted to whether you’re on the road or sailing down the river.

The water shuttle is a great way to hop from shore to shore, from village to village, letting visitors stay a few hours—or days—in each of the five picture-postcard villages the water shuttle stops off at along the fjord. The shuttle leaves from the city, and adventure awaits you in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, Rivière-Éternité, L’Anse-Saint-Jean, and Tadoussac. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, belugas, bald eagles and buzzards!

saguenay.ca 1-800-463-6565

Cyclists welcome!

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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kids big & small In the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, you’re never too old (or young!) to have a great time.

Families come in droves to lounge on the beach, go down the fjord in a rabaska, or zipline their way through the air. And when nighttime falls, the fun goes on—you can sleep right on the beach or high in the trees!

reason nº

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Did you know that the falls at Val-Jalbert are even higher than Niagara? No wonder people come from near and far to admire them. A panoramic viewpoint overhanging the water is a feast for the senses as visitors gaze out at this marvel of nature from behind glass panels.

And they look even better all lit up at night. Wow!

Photo: Jonathan Robert

Gaze on our very own Niagara

Photos: Jonathan Robert

And the power station?

A Ghostly Return This summer, the ghosts at Village historique de Val-Jalbert have a whole new lease on life as a new high-tech show transports visitors back in time. Projections of antique artifacts, while the workers who wrote the company village’s history in the twenties appear in the windows of the historic building. It’s twenty minutes of pure magic within the history-filled walls of the Old Mill.

You can count on the fact that there will be plenty of water at the Val-Jalbert falls this summer. A new mini hydroelectric power station will mean more water than ever, without changing a thing about the fascinating village experience.

Rest assured: Val-Jalbert’s DNA and reputation are intact… and here to stay!

Augmented Reality Discover the ghost town of Val-Jalbert by foot or trolleybus, GPS and video/audio guide in hand. An app brings enhanced reality to the party—download it to your iPad, tablet, or smart phone for even taller tales.

valjalbert.com 95, rue St Georges, Chambord 418-275-3132

ss Internet

new! free wirele

Photo : Sépaq

Oh-So-Civilized Outdoor Adventure

cyclists welcome Cyclists arriving by the Horst de Kénogami are always welcomed with open arms, with no need to reserve.

Centre touristique du Lac-Kénogami has plenty of room for all, and there’s a welcoming fire pit to boot!

Just one week of vacation? Then everything has to be just right! And Centre touristique du Lac-Kénogami has certainly thought of everything: convenience store, laundry, lakeside cabins with private beaches, Hékipia tents and campsites with four mini-cottages await half-hearted adventurers who like their creature comforts. The sandy beach beckons to (sun) bathers while the kids have fun with sand castles. Canoeing, sea kayaking—solo and in tandem—pedal boats and fishing on Rivière Pikauba offer some seriously fun competition to the sports to be enjoyed on dry land, not to mention long hikes through pristine pine forest. Too much sun? Head to the snack bar on the beach and cool down with an ice cream!

sepaq.com/ct/ken

9000, route de kénogami lac kénogami 1-800-665-6527 or 418-344-1142

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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kids big & small

Sea of Tranquility Dam-en-Terre is the place for a vacation like no other. Luxury camping, you say?

It’s not far off…

Halfway between Lac Saint-Jean and the Saguenay fjord, the Dam-en-Terre resort is a haven of tranquility that’s packed with family fun, all year round!

Unwind Feel like a laugh or two? Francis Veber’s play Dîner de cons is a great way to put in an evening. The riverside summer theatre is also the perfect place for a drink before the show. Dinner and theatre packages are available all summer long—and cooked up by well-known local chef Mario Brisson.

June 27 to August 24, Tuesday to Saturday

Getting there Visitors arrive by car, or by bike along Véloroute des Bleuets, and it’s like you’re reaching an island—over a lane across a river that flows busily into Lac Saint-Jean.

Relax Make the most of the beach and go for a dip in complete safety. Feel like heading out onto the water to do a bit of exploring? Kayaks are available for rent, and you can moor your boat at the marina if you arrive from across the water.

Rest your weary head You’re not leaving already, are you? We were just getting to know each other! Dam-en-Terre has 240 campsites, thirty-odd condos and charming, ready-to-camp cabins to convince you to stay a little longer.

damenterre.qc.ca 1385, chemin de la Marina alma 1-888-289-3016 or 418-668-3016

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mmer

new this su

full steam ahead!

With a new contemporary lounge look, a daily two-hour guided tour aboard this luxury 150-passenger boat has never been so inviting.

You can also opt for a themed cruise, pre-dinner drinks, a boat tour set to the hits of the day or a beer discovery cruise featuring the finest Lac-Saint-Jean microbrews and music by local group Costards et goddesses.

Watery Tales From the top of L'Odyssée des Bâtisseurs' water cistern, some 25 m off the ground, the views of Isle-Maligne and the river below are truly something, not to mention the show that’s going on inside. Aquavolt, an electrifying 12-minute multisensory movie projected at 360°, tells the tale of hydroelectricity in the Lac-Saint-Jean region over the years, while in the museum the Au-delà de l’eau (Beyond Water) exhibition relates the extraordinary "adventure of water, from yesterday to today". The whole experience really brings home the power The museum boasts a giant of water and the huge potential industrialist floor map of the spectacular James Buchanan Duke—the visionary Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean drainage basin… In a word: behind the construction of the Isle-Maligne wow! hydroelectric power plant—saw in it.

Au-delà de l’eau offers a fun, four-part tour of the history of hydroelectricity in the region, revealing its impact on industrial development and the changes brought by electricity coming to our homes.

Many of the items on display will have odysseedesbatisseurs.com 1671, avenue du Pont Nord, alma childhood memories flooding back.

Time to get your feet wet?

418-668-2606

A Fairy for Tarzan

cavernetroudelafee.ca Chemin trou de la fée, 7e avenue, Desbiens 418-346-1242

going down?

Grab a helmet and explore 12,000 years of history in the province’s oldest granite cave.

The cave is also the only protected natural hibernacula (a shelter used by animals in winter) for bats in Québec.

Photo: Prisme Équipements Canada

Whether you’re looking for gentle or all-out adventure, the canyon at Parc de la caverne Trou de la Fée is a must. (The park is home to a cave known as the “fairy hole.”)

Daredevils won’t think twice about whizzing across a zipline some 50 metres above the rapids of Rivière Métabetchouan, eyes wide open, and no wonder—the 350-metre course has views you won’t want to miss. For visitors who prefer to soak up their surroundings at a more leisurely pace, stroll up to the remains of a hydroelectric power station dating back to the 1920s, complete with suspended bridges, lookout points, cliffside walkways and breathtaking views.

On your way back, take Sentier de la Coulée verte, a spectacular trail that follows a gentle carpet of moss and ferns—and looks like something straight out of a poetry book! It’s easy to lose track of time in this natural paradise.

1 Snowshoeing

winter magic

Reason nº

71

Play Ghostbusters by torchlight

the top

Photo: Charles-David Robitaille

Photo: Jean Tanguay

When winter comes, a wind of fun blows on our large horizons.

Here, winter is king and it comes in a variety of adventures—easy or crazy—whether you prefer to bundle up or play hard in the all-white landscape. Who wants to play?

Snowshoes and head lamps at the ready, it’s time for the coolest of hikes! Every winter, Parc national des Monts‑Valin organizes a series of torchlight hikes through the powder at Vallée des Fantômes (Ghost Valley). This magical, ghostly hike really is out of this world!

10

Winter Activities in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Because winter is in our blood!

In Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, a little cold and snow doesn’t slow us down one bit.

Here, the Nordic way of life is part of our genetic code. This explains our fun-loving lifestyle where we celebrate all things winter.

From dogsledding to snowmobiling, Nordic skiing to ice fishing—from leisurely to extreme—all good reasons to head for the great outdoors.

2

Snowmobiling

Reason nº

32

Speed across a winter blanket of 3,300 km Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is nirvana for snowmobilers, with over 3,300 km of marked trails and the prospect of safely snowmobiling your way across a winter blanket of whiter than white.

The Circuit des sommets trail is a must, a dazzling foray across the Monts-Valin mountain range, featuring no fewer than five mountains and no end of picture-perfect scenery.

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5 Ice Fishing Reason nº

85

Thousands of anglers descend on Lac Saint-Jean every year in search of a catch that will set the end of their lines aquiver. Winter is time to head for a cabin out on the ice or to snowmobile your way across the frozen lake with a guide in search of the best spot. From lake to larder… how about that for a cool concept

6

Photo: Steven Ferlatte

Fish for wall-to-wall winter walleye

Ice Skating

3

Cross-Country Skiing

Reason nº

31

Brave ghostly Vallée des Fantômes A snowball’s throw from the far north, Parc national des Monts-Valin boasts over 5.5 metres of snowfall year in, year out. No wonder fans of the great outdoors head here in droves, snowshoes and skis at the ready. But a compass always comes in handy too in this ghostly valley where conditions can change in the blink of an eye.

105

Play with the big boys on Québec’s biggest rink Every winter, Roberval makes itself right at home on the frozen lake just in front of it. Between the icefishing cabins of its village on ice, people come to stretch their legs on a giant rink, their jumps and twirls adding to the magical atmosphere.

4 Bundling Up Reason nº

96

Keep the cold out with alpaca

Photo: Charles-David Robitaille

Photo: Jean Tanguay

Reason nº

Stay warm thanks to the nimble fingers of local artisans who make boots and mittens out of fur. Or opt for knitted fibres and all-natural tuques, cozy woolen garments and other delights. It’s a shopping spree that will warm more than just your heart!

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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winter magic

8 Photo: Charles-David Robitaille

7 Sliding Sports Reason nº

93

Have all kinds of slippery wintery fun Downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, telemarking… we know a thing or two about winter sports. But ever heard of Hok skis? A cross between cross country skis and snowshoes, you can give them a try at Parc national des Monts-Valin. The new sport is a whole new way to have fun off piste!

Snow Bathing Reason nº

90

Roll around in the snow Alternating between hot and cold is said to eliminate toxins, leaving skin firmer and more elastic. A visit to one of our Nordic spas is sure to send temperatures rising, with hammams, steam baths, massages, body treatments and some well-earned R&R in yurts… all right in the heart of nature.

9 Dogsledding Reason nº

101

Mush!

Dogsledding is a big part of winter fun here. Play with the animals, hook up the sled and marvel at the lead dogs as they strike out towards the forest for unforgettable, snow-filled memories.

10 christmas Photo: Charles-David Robitaille

Reason nº

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100

Drop by Santa’s house Travel back to the winter wonderland of your childhood with a visit to Maison du Père Noël in Girardville—Santa’s actual house! Lit up at the top of the hill, it takes two hours to visit Santa’s secret hideaway, not to mention the elves and reindeer, with tubing and sleigh rides rounding out the experience.

A must-see!

Photo: Charles-David Robitaille

you and i Yearning for a romantic getaway?

The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region has everything from fine dining to cozy inns. Even the scenery gets in on the act, revealing carpets of green, sandy beaches and inviting mountains and coves where couples come to unwind and recharge.

The Aromas of the Fjord Stretched out before Auberge des 21, the fjord puts on quite a show. Peek between the apple trees that line the waterside park to contrast the blues of the fjord against the sky, take in the greens of Mont Bélu to your right and admire the surprising architecture of the wharf to the left. And yet there is plenty more to enjoy in these idyllic surroundings.

The food served up by renowned chef Marcel Bouchard at Auberge des 21 is the pride of La Baie. In his kitchens, the fare with a First Nations twist goes perfectly with the sweet smell of the fjord—hence the name of the inn’s wellness centre, Parfum de Fjord.

It’s the perfect place to treat yourself to a sauna or Nordic spa, switching between hot and cold, and dreaming all the while.

Photo: Fabrice Tremblay

Charm à la française If France is built on a tradition of extending a warm welcome to visitors, in the Baie des Ha! Ha! a French family is busy building a tradition of their own at Auberge des Battures.

Fine dining and well-being await! Perched on the cliff, Auberge des Battures looks down over the fjord, offering visitors outstanding views and breathtaking sunsets. The pretty architecture blends perfectly into the idyllic blue and green surroundings. It’s a paradise between fjord and forest for the nature buffs who come for boat tours and all manner of activities in the area.

You feel right at home from the moment you set foot inside. The atmosphere is elegant and friendly.

In the dining room, natural light floods in through the enormous bay windows that open out onto the fjord. Visitors linger, knowing all the while that the same stunning views await in their own rooms.

Or perhaps they have opted for a room overlooking the forest, tempted by the thought of waking to cheerful birdsong. Several rooms have double hot tubs, perfect for romantic getaways.

ha! ha!

So you’ve been hiking, biking and on the move all day? Put your weary muscles in the hands of our experienced massage therapists at the inn’s very own health centre.

yum!

We can’t get enough of brioche feuilletée, a classic brioche that looks more like puff pastry. Enjoy it as an entrée to make any occasion extra special!

battures.ca

aubergedes21.com

6295, boul. Grande Baie Sud Saguenay, Arr. La Baie 1-800-668-8234

621, rue Mars la baie 418-697-2121

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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urban buzz

Photo: Jonathan Robert

In the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, happiness is never far. A hop, skip, and jump from the nearest lake or river, the bigger towns and cities also appeal with a merry-go-round of festivals, shopping, and cool bistros. The bright lights have a certain je ne sais quoi, with craft beers and a lifestyle to be proud of!

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gourmet trail

Alma, Naturally Beautiful With a little over 30,000 souls, the city of Alma may be the most populous in the Lac-Saint-Jean region, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors and a vibrant cultural scene.

Weaving your way between works of art is a daily occurrence in this part of the world: two international sculpture symposiums have left their mark on the city centre. And since art is part and parcel of everyday life, Alma has come up with a walking tour, a kind of outdoor museum that’s open to all.

So while some dive into the art world and stroll from one gallery to the next—don’t miss Langage Plus!—others will be taking a trip back in time on the walking tour to Parc Damase Boulanger. The park is home to the remains of Alma’s first house and you can even take part in an archaeological dig, under the watchful eye of an expert. Visitors looking to relax and put their feet up can continue on to Parc Falaise, taking the footbridge over the river, all just a hop, skip, and jump away from the city centre. It’s a great place for a family picnic, or to grab forty winks, lulled to sleep by the babbling of the river before the waterfalls.

Be sure to stop by Au cœur fondant, a chocolate store, while Café du Clocher is the place for an aperitif. Pick up some honey from Miel des Ruisseaux, and take it easy on the patios along Rue Sacré-Cœur. Grab a bite to eat at ex-hockey star Mario Tremblay’s restaurant and bar, then spend the night at Auberge-bistro Rose et Basilic.

There’s so much to do!

ready? set? go!

This is where the Véloroute des Bleuets bike trail starts its 256 km route around the lake. Or head for Pointe des Américains, where the fjord really starts to impress.

Don’t miss!

le festirame

(coastal rowing regatta) July 6 to 14

festival des bières (beer festival) July 26 to 28

tournée des chefs

(foodie heaven) August 2 to 4

tourismealma.com 1682, avenue du Pont Nord alma 1-877-668-3611

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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urban buzz

The hôtel in town!

On Rue Racine, the four-star hotel chicoutimi is right in the heart of Chicoutimi’s shopping and festival district. In summer, not a day goes by without a guest jumping right into the action. Could it get any more central than this? No way!

A Saguenay designer is behind the most fashionable hotel room ambiance in Chicoutimi.

Designed to put comfort front and centre, each room is an oasis of rest & relaxation, a treat for the senses. You’ll love the contemporary decor, healthy snacks, cozy sheets, handmade soaps, and river or street views!

A unique way of life, wall to wall Hôtel Chicoutimi doesn’t just encourage healthy lifestyles: it is also a showcase for local artists like painter and designer Pierre Routhier. The art of fine dining is also very much to the fore in each of the hotel’s three restaurants. Get your day off to a great start in La Galerie before falling for the aromas of the Mediterranean at lunch. Get a taste of local life over an aperitif at Rouge Burger Bar, before pulling up a chair and enjoying one of the à la carte burgers the whole town just can’t get enough of.

3 Reasons to Book Today

eat well

Each of the hotel’s three restaurants—La Galerie, Rouge Burger Bar, and L’International Café—serves up balanced menus, leaving more room for guilty pleasures.

stay active

How about a jog down by Rivière Saguenay? Running circuits have been designed by the hotel for runners of all abilities.

party!

hotelchicoutimi.qc.ca 460, rue Racine Est chicoutimi 418-549-7111

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So many festivals are just a short stroll away along Rue Racine!

You’d rather have a shopping festival? You’re right in the heart of the shopping district, too!

Always Trust Appearances It’s not a mirage, and more than an oasis. The Hôtel La Saguenéenne is an atrium that looks like a sun-filled palm grove, a magical, fascinating experience from start to finish. People come here to relax and unwind, with or without the kids. Garden-level rooms have direct access to the atrium pool, while upstairs rooms look out over the latest additions. When evening comes, magic takes centre stage in the hotel’s concert hall as the curtain opens Paolo De Ciccio, on a real blockbuster, Apparence 2. the new chef and owner of Le Tremblay restaurant, has concocted quite the family-friendly menu to go with the show …

Or try the new urban bistro that’s also easy on the wallet! fr.lasagueneenne.com

Dinner before the show?

250, rue des Saguenéens chicoutimi 418-545-8326

urban buzz

Reason nº

108

Photo : Jonathan Robert

Take in a tam-tam jam Every August, the Rythmes du monde international festival in Chicoutimi sees Rue Racine become a pedestrian zone as it welcomes the best in local and international music. Visitors are swept away by top talent… with or without a tam-tam!

Reason nº

58

Let us wow you

Photo : Jonathan Robert

Perhaps you’ve noticed already, but in our part of the world we like things to be on a grand scale. Even the shows we put on are larger than life. What can we say, that’s just the way we are. So go right ahead and enjoy La fabuleuse histoire d’un royaume, Québec Issime, Cabrioles, and our magic shows.

Just don’t go getting a stiff neck!

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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urban buzz

saguenay

A Festive City Saguenay is a city where travellers on a quest for culture can find a wide variety of festivals, big shows and the finest restaurants. Even downtown, the heart of the city beats to the pulse of its natural surroundings, just steps away from the festivities.

Photo: Frédéric Tremblay

Photo: Frédéric Tremblay

Summer in Saguenay is when the cities feel like holiday towns thanks to lush parks bordering the rivers, lakes and fjord.

Along Rivière Saguenay and Rivière aux-Sables, spread out your tablecloth for some serious picnicking or enjoy the water games and bike paths. There’s even a special train just for visitors! If you like your days action-packed, look no further than downtown.

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Saguenay’s claim to fame may be the larger-than-life landscape, but you’ll also be wowed by the great things to do in town. What can we say? The locals go to great lengths to throw a fantastic party. With this much to see and do you’ll want to stay a while.

Country sound Haven’t seen Québec Issime yet? It’s an unforgettable experience: a two-hour romp through the history of Québec’s popular music with a huge cast of performers and fantastic costumes. If your musical home is on the range, check out Cow-boys, showcasing some of the province’s vocal talent like Marie-Ève, Karine and Caroline Riverin, Dominique Godin, Jérôme Couture (La Voix, Québec’s version of The Voice) and Marc-André Fortin (Star Académie). This tribute takes us “from Willy to Dolly” with “appearances” by Garth, Shania and the legendary Man in Black. A blockbuster production you do not want to miss!

Not to be missed!

Cow-boys "de willie à Dolly" (QUEBEC ISSIME'S COUNTRY SHOW) Palace Arvida Theatre July 10 to August 17

Festival des vins de Saguenay invites lovers of the grape to Rue Racine (or the port if it rains) with 40 big tents and great wines from around the world.

This year is extra special with Dinner in the Sky: groups of twenty sampling the wares of legendary Innu chef Manuel Kak'wa Kurtness—45 metres up in the air!

With celebrity sommelier Philippe Lapeyrie as a spokesman, no surprise this is one of the most popular wine festivals running!

Photo: Frédéric Tremblay

Photo: Dominic Gagné

festival des vins de saguenay

don’t pass on this bus pass!

For $10, this special pass is just the ticket to see the very best of Saguenay, from museums to cheese makers and artists’ workshops to city parks. With two days of unlimited travel on three great routes, you’ll have plenty of time to see whatever tickles your fancy.

June 25 to August 24

July 12 and 13

Photo: Frédéric Tremblay

festival international des rythmes du monde This festival’s success now reaches well beyond the boundaries of Québec. Every year, more than 1,000 artists and artisans showcase their talents as percussionists, singers and dancers, as they take to the city’s streets and stages to the delight of thousands of festival-goers.

July 25 to August 4

and so much more…

Festival aérien international de Bagotville: June 22 and 23 Jonquière en musique: June 27 to July 13 Festival des Bières du Monde: July 18-21 La Fête des Saveurs et Trouvailles: August 9-11

Festival de la chanson de Saint-Ambroise: August 9-17 Les Grandes Veillées: August 23-25

Festival forestier de Shipshaw: August 30 to September 1 Saguenay en Bouffe: October 17-27

saguenay.ca 1-800-463-6565

Emotion and extravagance La Fabuleuse Histoire d’un Royaume, a pageant retelling the history of the Kingdom of Saguenay, has been a perennial favourite for 26 years. It takes 150 actors to play the 1,600 characters in this epic journey through time and space.

Cannon shots, floods and fires will have you right in the thick of the action.

Not to be missed!

"La fabuleuse" Over 1 million satisfied fans!

Palais Municipal de Saguenay Theatre July 10 to August 17

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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miam

smoked TROUT SALAD

by ERIC BLACKBURN La Voie Maltée (Chicoutimi and Jonquière)

serves 4 Instructions Blanch potatoes and let cool.

Meanwhile, prepare vinaigrette and set aside.

Wash and trim salad.

Roast fenugreek in frying pan, grind, then mix with yogurt (to taste).

for the salad 4 Gabrielle potatoes Salad mix 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds (to taste) 500 g pot plain Naturalait yogurt 1 jar La Mouchetée smoked trout in oil 1 cup grated aged cheddar

Chop blanched potatoes. Garnish with fenugreek yogurt, smoked trout and cheddar, then broil until lightly roasted.

On your plate, arrange part of the salad mixture in the centre, place a few potatoes with trout gratin around it, splash with vinaigrette, then garnish with cranberry sauce, fleur de sel, pepper, your favourite salad garnish and bread or croutons.

for the vinaigrette 2 tbsp. maple syrup 50 ml balsamic vinegar (or beer vinegar) 1 tsp. Madras curry powder

to arrange La Cannebergerie cranberries in sauce Fleur de sel and ground pepper Salad garnish (onions, spring onions, nuts, vegetables, etc.)

Bread or croutons

Handy Hint Use your favourite type of salad (baby spinach will help any salad).

You can also experiment with the individual ingredients, e.g., thin slices of cooked potato garnished with smoked trout, cheese, and a drizzle of vinaigrette, heated in the oven and topped with yogurt or cranberries in sauce.

To find out more on the region' products and the people who cook with them, go to the Table agroalimentaire du Saguenay– Lac-Saint-Jean website at www.tableagro.com

Illustration: Katrinn Pelletier

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panna cotta WITH SPELT CRUMBLE ON CRANBERRY COMPOTE

By MERLIN LAMBERT Bistro à vin La Vieille Garde (Chicoutimi)

SERVES 4

Instructions In a bain-marie (a cul-de-poule on a good, solid saucepan will do just fine), heat cream and vanilla (opened lengthwise with a sharp knife) over low heat. Leave to infuse a good half hour.

Heat oven to 325°F (170°C).

Mix and knead flour, spelt flakes, sugar, and butter.

Spread mixture over a cooking sheet covered with wax paper. Put in oven and bake 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown, mixing once or twice with a spoon.

Soak gelatin in cup of cold water. Drain well and work into vanilla cream mix. Melt and mix until desired texture.

Boil syrup and cranberries over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes until compote consistency.

Arrange verrine (or any other see-through ramekin) as follows: compote at the bottom, panna cotta in the middle, crumble on top.

for the panna cotta 300 ml 15% Nutrinor cream 1 ⁄2 bean fresh vanilla 2 cups La Couventine fromage frais from Fromagerie Médard 4 leaves gelatin

for the crumble 1 cup Moulin A Coutu spelt flour 1 1⁄2 cups spelt flakes 1 ⁄2 cup raw or brown sugar 1 ⁄4 cup soft butter 1 pinch sea salt

for the compote 1 cup fresh cranberries 1 ⁄3 cup maple syrup

Illustration: Katrinn Pelletier

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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roots

Photo : Jonathan Robert

The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region was built by many. Economuseums, museums, interpretation trails, First Nations cultural sites, traces left behind by glaciers… our roots are like everything else here—larger than life.

Michel Barrette, Storyteller and Collector

Photo : Steven Ferlatte

pulperie.com 300, rue dubuc chicoutimi 418-698-3100

Michel Barrette is well known for his storytelling throughout Québec. But as a collector?

The colourful local character has quite the collection to bring to the Pulperie de Chicoutimi museum this summer. It includes over 300 objects that belonged to the likes of Marylin Monroe, Frank Sinatra and John F. Kennedy. A motor-racing enthusiast, Michel Barrette even went as far as reproducing James Dean’s infamous Porsche 356 Speedster 500.

The replica takes pride of place in an exhibit that is full of humour, with a tale or two along the way.

As well as being a museum, La Pulperie de Chicoutimi doubles as a summer theatre.

The permanent exhibit Loin d’être naïf (Far From Naïve) also gives visitors a chance to explore the actual home of local painter Arthur Villeneuve, covered from floor to ceiling in murals.

Ah, if walls could talk!

the story behind the object!

June 15 to October 6

In the Land of Maria Chapdelaine It doesn’t get any more authentic than the village of Péribonka (population: 500). Its shores washed by Rivière Péribonka as the river flows into Lac Saint-Jean, the village is cut in two by the Véloroute des Bleuets bicycle trail. Cyclists take a welcome break to admire the sizzling sunsets or spend a night under the canvas at the new municipal campground. True, there’s a lively cultural scene (and you’ll love the theatre production written by Jimmy Doucet for Musée Louis-Hémon, a local museum dedicated to the author of Québec classic Maria Chapdelaine), but water sports fans will also be in their element. Rent a bike or a kayak This new exhibition or take a shuttle boat to Île Bouliane at Musée Louis-Hémon or Pointe-Chevrette located brings local history to life. in Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon.

"ET SI LE HAUT DU LAC M'ÉTAIT RACONTÉ…"

peribonka.ca 312, rue Édouard-Niquet péribonka 1-888-374-2967 # 103

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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roots

Kuei!

Kuei!

On the furthermost tip of THE Pekuakami (Lac Saint-Jean, in the Ilnu language), you can hear kuei here, there and everywhere (it means “hello” in Ilnu). On the shores of the lake, the Mashteuiatsh community is careful to keep its traditions alive.

kuei.ca

Three reasons to experience Ilnu culture for yourself 1. Discover an inspiring community Enjoy the great outdoors to the hilt (Aventure Plume Blanche, Pourvoirie Domaine Pipmuacan, Pourvoirie du Lac Husky), learn more about Innu culture (Site de transmission culturelle or Carrefour d’accueil Ilnu), or shop for authentic First Nations products in the stores on the reserve (Boutique Teuehikan, Boutique d’arts amérindiens, Artisanat Eshkan) and you’ll be amazed at the talent and know-how on display.

2. Visit the Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh The Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh keeps memories alive for a people that lives on, ensuring its words are never forgotten.

A visit to the museum is a trip back through centuries of memories that reveals the richness of a changing culture.

This summer, discover the troubling history of Québec’s residential schools with the Red Memory exhibit.

In Mashteuiatsh Boutique Teuehikan 1747, Rue Ouiatchouan 418-275-7012 Boutique d'arts amérindiens 1854, Rue Nishk 418-275-9155 Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh 1787, Rue Amishk 418-275-4842 Aventure Plume Blanche 1164, Rue Ouiatchouan 418-275-6857 Pourvoirie Domaine Pipmuacan 1610, Rue Matishu 450-348-8179 Domaine Philippe secteur central 200, Rue du Boisé 418-275-0541 Auberge Maison Robertson 1645, Rue Ouiatchouan 418-275-8375 Grand rassemblement des Premières Nations 65, Rue Uapakalu 418-275-5386, ext. 340

3. Take part in the Grand rassemblement des Premières Nations Summer has always been a time for celebration among the First Nations. July 11 to 14, come for the biggest First Nations gathering, with pow-wow dances, traditional sporting competitions, arts & crafts exhibits and especially the delicious game (moose, snow goose, Canada goose and beaver), prepared the traditional way.

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Uashassihtsh, site de transmission culturelle Ilnu 1514, Rue Ouiatchouan 418-765-1237 Carrefour d'accueil Ilnu (SDEI) 1516, Rue Ouiatchouan 418-275-7200 Artisanat Eshkan 2204, Rue Ouiatchouan 418-275-4657

Keeping Traditional Knowledge Alive It was 5,000 years ago, long before Christopher Columbus reached the Americas. The story of the Ilnuatsh started right here, on the bountiful shores of Lac Saint-Jean, where it continues to this day.

The Uashassihtsh site—meaning “the little bay” in Ilnu— recreates an incredibly authentic place where the Ilnuatsh, proud and courageous, live and meet other peoples. It is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about First Nations customs from 1910 to 1930.

Five Ways to Soak Up the Culture

Where to sleep?

Domaine Philippe secteur central Seven pretty cabins, all fully equipped, with access to Lac Saint-Jean. Ideal for families!

Auberge Maison Robertson Five cozy rooms in a heritage home with all the charm of yesteryear, right on the shores of Lac Saint-Jean.

Aventure Plume Blanche Discover the nighttime appeal of seven traditional types of tents and cabins.

The site is home to a multitude of experiences. Here are five ways to put your discovery cap on:

1. Try bannock with a cup of tea Bannock is unleavened bread and was long a staple for the First Nations. Learn the traditional recipe and enjoy a slice of the real thing on site.

2. Make a bark basket The famous traditional “curved knife” is the tool of choice for everything from baskets to snowshoes to paddles.

Ready to try your hand?

3. Repair your fishing nets Nets are always kept in good repair. These ultra-strong nets are equipped with hand-made wooden floats. Watch out, sea creatures!

4. Repair your canvas canoe After the bark canoe came the canvas canoe. Make sure the canvas is watertight so you can take to the water without taking on water.

5. Talk to the artisans The First Nations are past masters at passing on their knowledge. Come talk to the artisans and learn something new.

save the date!

June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, with a party planned to celebrate the new solstice on the Uashassihtsh site.

tourismeautochtone.com | kuei.ca 50, boul. Maurice-Bastien, local 220 wendake (Québec) 418-843-5030

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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Our daily bread New! Bakery La Mie de Saint-Antoine provides visitors who have worked up a hunger with daily bread and homemade pastries.

hebergement.st-antoine.org 250, route de l'Ermitage Lac-Bouchette 418-348-6344

Rest your body and nourish your mind On the shores of Lac Ouiatchouan, l'Ermitage Saint-Antoine is a popular destination with visitors in search of inner calm. People come to celebrate the wonders of the great outdoors for a night or more in rooms, cabins or at the 3-star campground.

Various packages are available, including meals at Le Campanile restaurant, featuring terroir-inspired menus.

Hikers should inquire about Sentier Notre-Dame Kapatakan, 215 km of bliss between Rivière-Éternité and Lac-Bouchette.

Five essentials to Have in Your Backpack Topibar Since Ferme BioMed in Saint-Fulgence discovered the health benefits of the Indian potato, the farm has been busy making bars from freeze-dried Jerusalem artichoke and dark chocolate. One Topibar a day is the only dietary fibre supplement you need.

The latest Pierre Lapointe CD No self-respecting playlist would be complete without Punkt, the latest album from Québec singer-songwriter Pierre Lapointe, who hails from Alma.

Maria Chapdelaine Take a trip back in time with Louis Hémon’s classic of Québec literature. Written in 1913, the novel tells the story of a family that tries to make a new home in the countryside, in Péribonka.

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A hunk of 14 arpents cheese All that hiking sure works up an appetite.

Make sure you always have a hunk of 14 arpents on you. The hazelnutflavoured artisanal cheese is produced

by Fromagerie Médard in Saint-Gédéon.

Swimwear In our part of the world, all roads lead to the fjord… or a lake… or a river. Don’t be caught without your trunks or swimsuit the next time you feel the urge to get your feet wet.

175 really

greaT

reasons

to visit

saguenay–LaC-sainT-Jean

GASTRONOMY

yum!

saguenaylacsaintjean.ca/175reasons

175

COOk up A STORM wiTh deliCiOuS lOCAl iNGRedieNTS The chefs around here take their ingredients to heart.

Combine the best and freshest ingredients, add a pinch of creativity, and you get house specialties built around local delicacies like spring shoots, summer berries, fall root vegetables, aged cheeses, and of course the catch of the day from our beautiful rivers.

This year, There are 175 great reasons To visiT saguenay–LaC-sainT-Jean. a 175Th birThday CeLebraTion is a big deaL! don’T miss The parTy! 175 really great reasons to visit:

nº

The Story of Our History We’re celebrating 175 years of welcoming people to the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Text and research by Éric Tremblay, historian for the 175th celebrations

19th Century, the Age of Steam For the first time in 1822, a steamship, Le Montagnais, ventured out onto Rivière Saguenay. When it arrived in Chicoutimi—at the time, a trading post—the boat drew the attention of the First Nations. They were frightened by the mysterious floating machine and fled to the woods, convinced that a fire had broken out on the water.

The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area was colonized in 1838 and welcomed its first cruise passengers in 1840. A steamship by the name of Unicorn brought tourists up from Québec City for a “pleasure cruise in the Saguenay.” In no time at all, more and more travellers came by steamship to admire the local scenery. By 1853, the Saguenay steamship was already offering twice weekly service between Montréal and Bagotville.

20th Century, the Age of Big White Boats For the first half of the 20th century, a trip down Rivière Saguenay brought with it beauty, wonder, and mystery. Many of the passengers were young couples on honeymoon.

It was a golden age for tourism out on the water. These floating palaces lived long in the memory, sporting evocative names like The Saguenay, The Richelieu, The St. Lawrence, The Tadoussac, and The Québec.

Boats belonging to Canada Steamship Lines could be seen on Rivière Saguenay once or twice a week.

“These floating palaces lived long in the memory, sporting evocative names like The Saguenay, The Richelieu, The St. Lawrence, The Tadoussac, and The Québec.”

Despite a downturn after the Second World War, excursions continued along the Saguenay until 1965. After that, suddenly cars were king as new roads, bungalows and malls sprang up all over Québec.

And yet, the dream of cruises along the Saguenay never faded, and many hoped to see luxury cruises return to the fjord. They had to wait until the 21st century, however, when a cruise ship wharf was built in La Baie.

www.fete175slsj.ca

Attractions by the Boatload Since the 1960s In the swinging sixties, the Québec government started to play a bigger role in culture and tourism, setting up ministries devoted to each. With more roads, accommodation and restaurants, many local municipalities opened their own tourism offices.

Back then, the most popular attractions were swimming across Lac Saint-Jean in the Traversée, the zoo in Saint-Félicien, the ghost town of Val-Jalbert, the Saint-Antoine Hermitage, the Mistassini blueberry festival, and the Carnaval-Souvenir in Chicoutimi. Visitors also had a host of sports to choose from, depending on the season, hunting and fishing being especially popular.

The Kingdom of Hunting and Fishing “Easy to get to”

The Beemer Empire in Lac-Saint-Jean In 1887, the railroad came first to Chambord, then to Roberval, forever changing Lac-Saint-Jean’s image.

The last section of line was even paid for by rich American industrialist Horace Jansen Beemer. Beemer also had a hotel built in Roberval, which in time became the place to be seen for anyone who was anyone and a favourite destination for sportsmen the world over. Beside the First Nations reserve at Pointe-Bleue, the village of Roberval prospered, becoming a modern town and generally a great place to live.

A luxury stay went hand-in-hand with a trip out onto the Grande Décharge, a river, to fish for ouananiche in absolutely perfect conditions.

Passengers crowded onto the splendid Mistassini, a steamship built in the Lac-Saint-Jean region at the end of the 19th century. Tourists—who came very much from the upper crust of Belle Époque society—were without a care in the world as they watched the end of the 19th century play out at a time tinged with both Romanticism and Modernism. Expanded in 1891, the sumptuous 257-room hotel offered all mod cons until it closed its doors in 1908, including running water, modern plumbing, electricity and a post and telegraph office.

For sportsmen, transport is everything. All the region’s hunting and fishing sites are very easy to get to and a road network criss-crosses the land.

If worse comes to worst, you will only have a short distance to travel by canoe.

— Taken from Saguenay– Lac-St-Jean vous invitent— Invite you (1935)

Tourists Writing About the Region “Cap Trinité and Cap Éternité” But not a rock—among all those whose violent and tormented border wearies the waters it caresses, and whose haughty peaks lean over the Saguenay, flooding it with their shadows— not a rock equals in strange and majestic majesty the two capes whose names alone arouse in the imagination feelings of exceptional size.

The two capes are Cap Éternité and Cap Trinité, giants of the mountains that plunge close to one thousand feet down to the river and that rise perfectly straight from this abyss to a height of fifteen to eighteen hundred feet, as though the entrails of the earth, weary from bearing such a load, had abruptly cast them off.

— Arthur Buies, Le Saguenay et le bassin du Lac Saint-Jean (1896)

Touring the Saguenay It used to be only the wealthy from the big American cities who would come to Québec once the warm weather set in.

But now folks from Montréal and Québec City—even Ontario and Western Canada— think it fashionable to tour the Saguenay. They cannot find it too bad, for there are people who come back to do it all again the following summer.

— Damase Potvin, Le Tour du Saguenay (1920)

Tourist Guides I shall sketch the Saguenay from the point of view of the tourist alone. To the man of study, to the man of business on vacation, nothing better refreshes body and mind than a voyage on the Clyde or the Union, in July or August, to the source of the brooding and deep river that waters the vast, fertile land known by our fathers as the Kingdom of Saguenay. To make the trip, choose if you can a dark morning or a quiet, star-filled night; but if, per chance, it is on a cloudy day in the month of August, the lightning is cracking overhead, there hangs in the air an odour of sulphur, and the flanks of the sublime mountains are cut across with lightning bolts, then do not be alarmed for so little: the thunder is inoffensive and the beams of light are but heat lightning.

— James MacPherson Le Moine, L’Album du touriste (1872)

Adventure Tourism, from Yesterday to Today From the days of fur trading, the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region has been synonymous with adventure. At first, trappers answered the call of the wild, with hunters and fishermen following on their heels. Today, it is sports enthusiasts and outdoor buffs who come to explore this vast playground.

As in the 19th century, the pristine natural surroundings add to the appeal. And it should also be said that having a healthy lifestyle so close to nature has made locals environmental leaders, people who understand just how important it is to take ecology and sustainable development seriously.

A Four-Season Destination Tourists used to flock to the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean regions only in the warm summer months. Well-off visitors would arrive for their vacation by boat, then later by train, booked in to the luxury hotels of Roberval and Chicoutimi. The opening of the new road through the Parc des Laurentides in the late 1940s opened Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean up to the world and offered a wonderland of winter fun, complete with skiing, ice fishing and winter carnivals.

All Roads Lead to Saguenay‒Lac-Saint-Jean Isolated at a time when tourists arrived by boat and train, the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area became much easier to get to in the first half of the 20th century. In its own way, it played its part in shaping the American dream, a dream where wide open spaces, automobiles, fabled highways and byways and modernity all took centre stage.

www.fete175slsj.ca

Tourism and the First Nations The First Nations have been in the vast Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region since time immemorial. In the days of New France, they guided fur traders and missionaries across their lands.

Completely at home in the woods, they also proved invaluable on hunting and fishing expeditions. In the 19th century, there wasn’t a sportsman who didn’t rely on the services of a First Nations guide.

One hundred years ago, a huge number of private clubs owned by wealthy businessmen sprouted up all across the region. First Nations guides were king, seeing to the comfort and safety of club members. Although often poorly paid, they remained faithful, even in the most dangerous of situations. At the time, it was not unusual for guides to take thrill-seekers down the Grande Décharge (near Alma), an undertaking so risky it sometimes proved fatal. But now it is the tourists who come to visit the First Nations at the Mashteuiatsh reserve, as they have done for the past few decades.

your vacation

packages

at Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean starts here !

Choose your Immense package today !

auberge des battures

motel panoramique

175th Cruise Package!

Sleep and Cruise Offer includes one night’s accommodation in double occupancy, a continental breakfast, a cruise on the Saguenay Fjord starting from Sainte-Rose-du-Nord or ville de La Baie.

Offer includes three-course dinner, one night's accommodation, a full breakfast, a cruise on the fjord with a stop between 11AM to 3PM in the National Park of the Saguenay Fjord for a free hike and a snack.

from

Per person, double occupancy, taxes extra.

$175

auberge le parasol

hotel-saguenay.com

motelpanoramique.com

6295, Boul. de la Grande-Baie Sud La Baie (Québec) G7B 3P6

1303, Boul. Saguenay Ouest Chicoutimi (Québec) G7J 1A1

1-800-668-8234

1-800-463-9164

Per person, double occupancy, service included, taxes extra.

ermitage saint-antoine

from

$109

hôtel du jardin

Cruise & Parasol

Press Pause

4-Star Zoo!

The Auberge Resto Le Parasol and Les Croisières du Fjord offer the Saguenay Fjord in all its glory! On board of the La Marjolaine, discover the village of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, see the highest cliffs of the Fjord, the Cap Trinité and Éternité, the statue of Our Lady of Saguenay. Then enjoy a night at the Auberge Resto Le Parasol, offering stunning views of the Saguenay River and the city of Chicoutimi.

Offer includes two nights’ accommodation in a comfortable room (3 stars), two dinners and two breakfasts at our restaurant Le Campanile. Free access to footpaths and to the 25 meters observation tower.

4-Star hotel offers indoor pool and spa, dining room, bistro and massage therapy.

Right next door to Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien. Offer includes the accommodation in standard room, 4-course dinner, American-style breakfast and admission to Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien.

aubergeleparasol.com croisieresdufjord.com

1287, Boul. Saguenay Est, Chicoutimi (Québec) G7H 1G7

hebergementermitage.org

1400, Boul. du Jardin, Saint-Félicien (Québec) G8K 2N8

1-800-868-6344

1-800-463-4927

1-866-543-7771 from

$109.95

from

from

Per person, double occupancy, taxes extra.

hoteldujardin.com

250, route de l'Ermitage, Lac Bouchette (Québec) g0w 1V0

$99.36

Per person, double occupancy, low season rate, taxes extra.

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

$155

Per person, double occupancy, service included, taxes extra.

Hôtel La Saguenéenne

hôtel chicoutimi

An Urban Experience!

Apparence Show The magical summer show returns for a second year at Le Cabaret of the hotel La Saguenéenne. A multimedia production that combines magic and illusions to entertain the whole family. Not to be missed! Offer includes accommodation in a comfortable room, admission to Apparence presented at the Hotel and a full breakfast.

from

Per person, double occupancy, service included, taxes extra.

$111

Offer includes an overnight stay in trend, à la carte breakfast at our Restaurant La Galerie, a table d'hôte dinner at The Coffee International, a gift bag of local produce, consumption of Microbrasserie du Lac Saint-Jean.

LASAGUENEENNE.COM

hotelchicoutimi.qc.ca

250, Rue des Saguenéens Chicoutimi (Québec) G7H 3A4

460, Rue Racine Est Chicoutimi (Québec) G7H 1T7

1-800-461-8390

1-800-463-7930

Per person, double occupancy, service included, taxes extra.

from

$193.64

chalets sur le fjord

hôtel universel

Auberge maison de vébron

Kayak the Fjord

Welcome to Cycling Buffs!

Cruise and Relaxation

Offer includes one night's accommodation, a full-course meal at Le Bordelais restaurant, and breakfast. Until October 31, 2013.

Offer includes one night’s accommodation or studio, breakfast, a cruise on the Saguenay Fjord, including a stop at the Saguenay National Park and its stunning view, and access to the Nordic Spa Edouard-les-Bains.

Follow the waterways of adventure down the magnificient Saguenay St-Lawrence Marine Park. Offer includes two nights' studio accomodation (cottages and condos extra), a 3-hour excursion in a solo or tandem sea kayak, two American-style breakfasts, and a table d'hôte dinner.

May 25 to October 13, 2013.

Family offers and longer stays also available.

Établissement recommandé

1 800 263-5261 • hot eluniversel.com

P LAISIRS

PURS ET SIMPLES

hoteluniversel.com

1000, Boul. des Cascades, Alma (Québec) g8b 3g4

1-800-263-5261 fjordenkayak.ca | chalets-sur-le-fjord.com

354, Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste L'Anse-Saint-Jean (Québec) G0V 1J0

from

$134

.50

piededouard.com

56, Rue de Vébron, L'Anse-Saint-Jean (Québec) G0V 1J0

Per person, double occupancy, service included, taxes extra.

1-877-472-3232

1-800-561-8060 from

$203

from

Per person, double occupancy, taxes and services extra.

$312

Per person, family room (2 adults and 2 children under 12), taxes extra.

comfort inn

from

$129

Per person, double occupancy, taxes extra.

motel princesse

La Fabuleuse Histoire d'un Royaume

Cowboy

With 40 comfortable rooms, the dining room and friendly staff, Motel Princesse has everything to ensure you a quality stay. Offer includes one night’s accomodation + two tickets for Quebec Issime Cow-boys show.

Offer includes one night's accommodation in double occupancy, two adult admission for La Fabuleuse Histoire d'un royaume, and breakfast.

Other packages available.

from

$215

Per person, double occupancy, service included.

comfortinn.com

motelprincesse.ca

1595, Boulevard Talbot Chicoutimi (Québec) G7H 4C3

2166, Rue des Étudiants Jonquière (Québec) G7X 9E1

1-877-574-6835

1-800-387-4069

www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

Per person, double occupancy, taxes and services extra.

from

$95.65

notre hôtel

hôtel delta saguenay

Zoo Tour

A Fjord to Discover

Offer includes one night's accommodation, a full-course meal at Le Coq Rôti restaurant, breakfast and admission to Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien.

Enjoy the majestic Saguenay Fjord on board of Les Croisières Du Fjord.

What better way to discover the breathtaking landscapes on a different and original way of transportation? The package offers one night's accommodation in a fashion room, a breakfast buffet, cruise ticket and service charges.

Until October 31, 2013. from

$125

Per person, double occupancy, service included, taxes extra.

notrehotel.ca

deltasaguenayhotel.com croisieresdufjord.com

450, Rue Sacré-Cœur Ouest Alma (Québec) G8B 1L9 from

$305

Per person, family room (2 adults and 2 children under 12), taxes extra.

2675, Boul. du Royaume Jonquière (Québec) G7S 5B8

1-877-917-3222

hôtel montagnais

Per person, double occupancy, taxes extra.

1-800-363-3124

from

$122.10

auberge des îles

Family Fun

Cycling Package

Enjoy a full day of fun at the indoor water park and at the health center of the hotel.

The offer includes accommodation, a full breakfast, access to Aquafun and a 30-minute treatment (Gom-Mee for kids or care for adult) at the Spa Baie sur mer.

The only inn on the lakeshore, the Auberge des îles has everything you might need to enjoy an unforgettable visit. Offer includes one night’s accomodation, dinner and breakfast.

Book your vacation now! immense pleasure ahead!

aubergedesiles.com

250, Rang des Îles, Saint-Gédéon (Québec) G0W 2P0 lemontagnais.qc.ca

1-800-680-2589

1080, Boul. Talbot, Chicoutimi (Québec) G7H 4B6

1-800-463-9160

from

$107.25 from

$79

Per person, family room (2 adults and 2 children under 12), service included, taxes extra.

from

$81.50

Per person, double occupancy, service included, taxes extra.

Per person, quadruple occupancy, service included, taxes extra.

Taking it easy

saguenay–Lac-sainT-Jean

reason

nº

61

Being good to yourself in the saguenay– Lac-saint-Jean region, we have everything you need to relax. check out everything we have to offer… even our campgrounds are incredibly popular!

Lounge around on the beach, kick back at the spa, set sail for watery adventure out on the lake—we have it all! and the longer you stay, the more you’ll find to enjoy.

This year, There are 175 great reasons To visiT saguenay– Lac-sainT-Jean. a 175Th birThday ceLebraTion is a big deaL! don’T miss The parTy! 175 really great reasons to visit:

saguenaylacsaintjean.ca/175reasons