Experience Immense Magazine - Winter Adventures & Discoveries in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

experience

WINTER

En.

immense Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean

| Quebec, Canada | 2016 2017

Adventures & Discoveries

Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean 412, boulevard Saguenay Est, bureau 100 Arr. Chicoutimi (Québec) G7H 7Y8 418-543-9778 | 1-877-253-8387 saguenaylacsaintjean.ca Julie Chiasson Sales and Marketing Director Marianne Parent Editing & Graphics Agent Amélie Simard Sales and Marketing Coordinator Jeannôt Tremblay Advertising Sales

yqbmedia.com Anne-Marie Boissonnault President and Editor Diane Laberge Main Contributor Yves Ouellet Contributor Dominique Laflamme Editorial Director Jennifer Campbell Project Manager Kathleen Forcier Project Manager Julie Boulanger Art Director Laura Doherty Graphic Designer Audrey Geoffroy-Plante Graphic Designer Stéphanie Langlois Graphic Designer Flavia Pereira Operations and Administration Coordination Geneviève Bolduc Graphic Designer, contributor Peter McCambridge Translation Elizabeth West Copy Editing

P H O T O : S É P A Q / P A R C N AT I O N A L D E S M O N T S VA L I N S

PHOTOGRAPHERS Etienne Boucher-Cazabo, André Chevrier, Paul Cimon, Olivier-Hugo Deschênes, Jean-Michel Decoste, Steven Ferlatte, Nelson Leblanc, Louis Jacob, Marc Loiselle, Charles-David Robitaille, Fabrice Tremblay, Martial Tremblay, Pierre-Philippe Tremblay On the cover: Charles-David Robitaille (dogsledding, bike), Fabrice Tremblay (couple snowshoeing), Zoo sauvage de ­Saint-Félicien (deer), Canopée média (people snowshoeing), Jean‑Michel Decoste (snowmobile) ADVERTISING Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Experience Immense Adventures and Discoveries is published by YQB Média, brand publisher, for Tourisme Saguenay–Lac‑Saint‑Jean.

A digital version of the guide is also available online at magazineimmense.com

A Land of Unlimited Adventure

Please recycle this copy.

Post your vacation photos and selfies to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Hashtag #Gigantic or #SaguenayLac to make even more people jealous!

In a part of the country that’s larger than life, it stands to reason that adventures here are anything but Lilliputian. Here, everything’s huge, sensational, and absolutely boundless. And as you hop from one adventure to the next, you’ll soon see why passionate locals have made this corner of Québec their very own outdoor playground, squeezing the most out of every season.

Here, it’s often whiter than white, and never too cold.

Printed in CANADA by SOLISCO Copyright © YQB Média, 2016 YQB Média and Tourisme 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 Média.

Ha s h ta g me!

Previous issues are available online at magazineimmense.com

On the lookout for authentic experiences?

Like to make your head spin without losing your way? You’ve come to the right place.

In Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, adventure and eco-tourism go hand in hand, summer or winter.

In winter season, it’s often whiter than white, and never too cold. And if the welcoming locals are so warm-hearted, that’s probably because they’re right in their element, surrounded by forests, mountains, rivers, and a lake as big as the sea.

In the Lac-Saint-Jean region, we cater for all kinds of adventure, family-friendly and otherwise. While the wind fills the snowkiters’ sails and people go fishing for pike out on the ice, young and old love getting up close and personal with the animals at a zoo that’s larger than life. You might be playing at musher on your own dogsled or lacing up to the world’s biggest ice rink—time spent here is anything but ordinary. And speaking

of extraordinary, either shore of the Route du Fjord boasts more than its fair share of winter thrills. There’s all the space you need to race through the woods for hours (on ski or snowshoes), adventurous souls love skiing with the ghosts of Monts‑Valin, and snowmobilers have 3,300 km of trails to explore.

Experience Immense Adventures & Discoveries is here to help you dive into this world of adventure. Whether you’re out to warm up by the fire or enjoy a first-rate meal in a brasserie or restaurant, it’s a world where a little rest and relaxation also comes in XXL. Ready? Set? Let’s go!

Your friends from the Saguenay– Lac‑Saint‑Jean tourism industry saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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saguenay lac-saint-jean

Putting Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean

Meet O ur P artners !

on the map!

01. Auberge des 21 (page 14)

02. Auberge des Battures 03. Auberge Éva

(page 14)

(page 06)

09. Club Tobo-Ski

04. Centre de vacances Ferme 5 Étoiles (page 14)

05. Centre de villégiature Dam-en-Terre (page 07)

(page 06)

10. Domaine le Cageot - Vignoble 11. Équinox Aventure

(page 11) (page 14)

21. Promotion Saguenay (pages 12, 13, and 16)

12. HopEra, microbrasserie et pizzéria

22. Restaurant Pacini Alma (page 14)

(page 11)

23. SÉPAQ (page 15)

(page 06)

14. Le Montagnais Hôtel multiservice (pages 09 and 14)

CANADA

19. Microbrasserie Riverbend 20. Musée du Fjord

(page 14)

13. Hôtel Universel Alma

N

18. Microbrasserie Le Coureur Des Bois (page 11)

(page 14)

(page 07)

06. Centre plein air Mont-Vilain

17. Microbrasserie La Chouape (page 11)

(page 14)

08. Chalets sur le Fjord

(page 14)

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is like… an inside-out island!

It’s not a piece of land surrounded by water, it’s a gigantic lake that spills into a fabulous river and on again into a mythical fjord. All in a sea of plains, spruce trees, and mountains. It’s an extraordinary place where people and nature live side by side. And where dreams of all kinds of adventure become reality.

07. Chalets St‑Fulgence (Les)

24. Tourisme Alma Lac-Saint-Jean (page 10)

15. La Maison du Matelot 25. Ville de Saint-Félicien

QUEBEC

(pages 11 and 14)

(page 10)

16. Microbrasserie du Lac Saint-Jean

26. Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien (page 08)

(pages 11 and 14) US

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DolbeauMistassini Peribonka

05 I L L U S T R AT I O N : M A R I E - M I C H E L L E G A G N É

Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon

26 25 09

17

Saint-Felicien

Lac Saint-Jean Mashteuiatsh

Alma

11

Saint-Gedeon- 13 de-Grandmont

16

Roberval

23

Parc national des Monts-Valin

24 19 15

07

22 10

Chambord

Desbiens

Jonquiere Hebertville

03 Lac-Bouchette

Chicoutimi 14 12

06

01

21

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Saguenay La Baie

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Saint-Fulgence 25 Sainte-Rose-du-Nord 02

Fjord du Sagu enay

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Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay

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Sacre-Coeur

RiviereEternite

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Tadoussac L'Anse- Petity a n ue Parc marin Saint-Jean Sag du Saguenay– Saint-Laurent

This winter,

TREAT YOURSELF TO MAGIC!

zoosauvage.org

aventures the great outdoors en nature AUBERGE ÉVA

Pick your superlative. Nothing is too o v e r- t h e - t o p . B u t m a n y a d e s c r i p t i o n won’t manage to do the whole thing justice. Because this huge outdoor playground is where happiness lives.

HÔTEL UNIVERSEL ALMA

Great New Looks When snowmobilers talk about a don’t-miss hotel in ­Lac-Saint-Jean, they mean Hôtel Universel Alma.

The hotel is right downtown and easily reached via the local 561 trail, with the northern parts of the Monts Valin just kilometres away. Padlocked enclosures with security cameras, 20 newly renovated rooms, the Apéro bar featuring a wide range of craft beers, an indoor pool and spa, and Italian specialties at the Pacini restaurant are all great reasons to choose Hôtel Universel Alma— not to mention a range of snowmobiling packages.

A huge outdoor playground. Picturepostcard surroundings

by Lake Bouchette. Cozy accommodation in a newly renovated chalet or luxury room. A friendly restaurant & pub where you can relax by the fire... Auberge Éva goes the extra mile to turn just another outing into a trip to remember!

Standing at the gateway to the Lac-Saint-Jean region (take the TQ 83 trail from La Tuque), Auberge Éva is an inn that knows how to treat snowmobilers: there’s a heated garage, drop-off area, and accommodation that’s perfect for couples, families, and small groups. And then there’s Resto Pub Saint-Patric, with its varied menu, generous fondues,

Auberge Éva is an inn that knows how to treat snowmobilers...

hoteluniversel.com 1000 boulevard des Cascades Alma 1-800-263-5261

CENTRE PLEIN AIR MONT-VILAIN

The Ultimate Snowmobile Stop At the foot of the Monts-Valin mountains where Lac-Saint-Jean meets the Saguenay region, the Centre plein air Mont-Vilain, a winter resort is the perfect headquarter for snowmobilers out to make the most of winter. It’s the ideal tourist destination, featuring accommodation and a happening bar & restaurant that serves up potence flambée, a tasty specialty for meat lovers. montvilain.ca 2000 chemin de la Montagne Lamarche 418-481-1666

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and well-chosen wine list.

Just the type of place you’ll want to return to for some summer fun! aubergeeva.com 160 chemin de la Montagne Lac-Bouchette 418-348-6832

P H O T O : C H A R L E S - D AV I D R O B I TA I L L E ( É Q U I N O X , S N O W M O B I L E )

The Great Outdoors

Tailor-made Trips

the great outdoors

The two-day trip is the perfect adventure. ÉQUINOX AVENTURE

A Classic From the moment Quebecers began snowmobiling over half a century ago, the trip around Lac Saint-Jean became an instant classic. The local snowmobiling route is both beautiful and accessible, topping the list of favourite winter destinations, with ideal conditions ensuring all the fun you can handle.

days, guides, dog sledding, ice fishing, and fat biking, to go with tailor-made packages. The self-guided tour of Lac Saint‑Jean includes snowmobile rental, GPS and road book, insurance, assistance, accommodation, and clothing. Hassle-free adventure is right this way!

The two-day trip (covering around 150 km each day) is the perfect adventure for new and infrequent snowmobilers, and local outfitter Équinox Aventure provides orientation

equinoxaventure.ca Alma 1-888-668-7381

ZOO SAUVAGE DE SAINT-FÉLICIEN

A WINTER’S TAIL Did you know that Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien has been named one of the world’s ten prettiest zoos*? This winter, come discover the boreal world and get up close and personal with many native and exotic species.

*Source: lexpress.fr

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Nature guides are everywhere and always eager to share an interesting fact or two.

Grab a tuque and hop aboard the covered train to discover a very special nature trail where animals roam and visitors are put in a cage! Take in some local history and culture on the 45-minute trip, then explore the rest of the zoo—the Arctic, Asia, the Mixed Forest, Mongolia, the Mountain, and the nursery where you can see a few of the animals—on foot. Got a question? Nature guides are everywhere and always eager to share an interesting fact or two.

You can even help them feed the animals, which is fun whatever the time of year.

On your way in or out of the zoo, warm up by the fire at the Borealium, a visitor centre that features 3D interactive movies starring mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers. And remember that the zoo is open in its entirety weekends and holidays, all year round.

Please visit the website for opening hours. zoosauvage.org 2230 boulevard du Jardin Saint-Félicien 1-800-667-5687

P H O T O S : S T E V E N F E R L AT T E (B E A R S I N S N O W ) , A N D R E C H E V R I E R (B E A R I N WAT E R , T I G E R) , C H A R L E S - D AV I D R O B I TA I L L E (S N O W M O B I L E ) , P A U L C I M O N (R O O M)

the great outdoors

LE MONTAGNAIS – HÔTEL MULTISERVICE

FUN-FILLED EXPERIENCES! Winter or not, Le Montagnais pulls out all the stops to provide experience-hungry travellers with the very best in water-fuelled thrills.

The hotel’s huge indoor water park, restaurant, and inviting rooms make it the perfect destination for some all-out comfort to go along with family‑friendly adventure.

Special offers available to snowmobilers!

It doesn’t matter if you’re spending a night or a whole week there: the biggest hotel complex in northeastern Québec has a focus on lifestyle that’s a treat for the senses. Right in downtown Saguenay in the borough of Chicoutimi, Le Montagnais boasts entirely renovated rooms, water park, health spa, and a restaurant & bar for drinks, classic and grill menus. Plus, it works hard to entertain, with a 12,000 sq. ft. indoor water park.

Kids and kids at heart will love the huge pool, slide, Supersplash, 33 play structures and water jets, 2 spas, and a hammam.

Discover a new approach to vacation fun for an unforgettable stay!

The four-star hotel also has a number of special offers available to snowmobilers.

They include a room (4 categories depending on your budget), a free shuttle service, snowmobile storage, American-style breakfast, and entry to the indoor water park. Or maybe you’d rather be downhill skiing or ice fishing? Either way, these hot deals are just what you need on a cold winter day. lemontagnais.qc.ca 1080 boulevard Talbot Chicoutimi 1-800-463-9160

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the great outdoors

TOURISME ALMA LAC-SAINT-JEAN

Mont-Apica is Snowmobiling Heaven Today more than ever, Mont-Apica is a place where snowmobilers come in search of wide open spaces. A new log chalet at the foot of the mountain makes a great pit stop—complete with fast-food restaurant and gas station— so be sure to fill up before heading out.

The views are amazing from atop Mont-Apica.

The views are amazing from atop Mont-Apica, the wildlife reserve’s highest point, which looked down onto an aerospace defence military base back in the 1950s.

Standing at an altitude of 884 metres, the observation tower is the best place to look out over Réserve faunique des Laurentides and the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area, and on a clear day you can see wind turbines over 27 kilometres away. tourismealma.com 1-877-668-3611

MAISON DU MATELOT

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Anchors Aweigh!

Cold outside? Looking to warm up? With Rivière La Petite Décharge straight ahead, La Maison du Matelot is the perfect place to weigh anchor in Lac-Saint-Jean.

The surroundings have been stylishly renovated, with plenty of charm to please anyone looking for some much-needed peace and quiet. It’s halfway between an inn and a bed & breakfast, providing warmth, intimacy, lots of space, and five rooms with private bathrooms. Slip on a bathrobe or snuggle up

under the covers for cozy moments to remember.

Then breakfast—and what a breakfast!—is included, as is Internet and parking right outside. All within walking distance of Alma and its delightful bistros. maisondumatelot.ca 10 avenue du Quai Alma 418-662-0348

P H O T O : N E L S O N L E B L A N C ( V I L L E D E S A I N T- F É L I C I E N)

The perfect place to weigh anchor in Lac-Saint-Jean.

adventures in brewing

MICROBRASSERIE DU LAC SAINT-JEAN

Bend Your Elbow in Saint-Gédéon

VILLE DE SAINT-FÉLICIEN

Saint-Félicien, Your Winter Destination!

In Saint-Gédéon, a cheeky beer from Microbrasserie du Lac Saint-Jean always goes down a treat. Sip on a wonderfully named Boutefeu (firebrand), ­ Vire-Capot (turncoat), Gros Mollet (big calf), or Tante Tricotante (knitting aunt) before chowing down on all kinds of local produce.

Inspired by Belgian brews, the microbrewery’s 30 craft beers (most of which are available from the brewery’s own store) reflect a desire to root these storied European traditions in Québec’s folklore and terroir. Enjoy them on 16 different taps or by the bottle in the 80-seat bistro, with the occasional live band for

Renowned for its snowmobile trails and winter attractions, our town is the place for winter fun. Enjoy all winter has to offer at Tobo-Ski, with tubing, skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking before admiring breathtaking snow‑filled views of the zoo and boreal village.

Explore it all with your partner, family, or friends!

accompaniment. They go perfectly with the creative menu of soups, charcuterie, blueberry sausage, duck breast, and mac and cheese for a comforting meal across the board. microdulac.com 120 rue de la Plage Saint-Gédéon 418-345-8758

These beers go perfectly with the creative menu.

ville.stfelicien.qc.ca 1-877-525-9888

ROUTE DES BIÈRES

Beer, Straight Ahead Fans of craft beers, laid-back microbreweries, and good friends are all set for adventure on the local beer route, La Route des Bières. One day and a few hundred kilometres is all it takes, passing through Saint-Félicien and Saint-Gédéon on the way from Jonquière to Alma. There are five stops on the trail: the Microbrasserie du Lac Saint‑Jean microbrewery (Saint-Gédéon), the HopEra microbrewery in Jonquière, the Riverbend production facilities and store in Alma, La Chouape (Saint-Félicien), and the Coureur Des Bois microbreweries. Now all you need is a designated driver! microdulac.com 120 rue de la Plage Saint-Gédéon 418-345-8758

hopera.ca 2377 rue St-Dominique Jonquière 418-412-9900

microriverbend.com 945 avenue Sicard Alma 418-758-1519

lachouape.com 1134 boul. Sacré-Cœur Saint-Félicien 418-679-3355

Coureur Des Bois 1551 boul. Wallberg Dolbeau-Mistassini 418-979-1197

saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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Snow accumulations are among the highest in Québec.

PROMOTION SAGUENAY

EXPERIENCE A WINTER PARADISE LIKE NO OTHER Snowmobiling A tour through the famous Monts-Valin mountains and a trip around the Fjord are two musts for any self-respecting snowmobiler! Both are renowned for plentiful snow, beautiful scenery, and warm welcomes—which all add up to a trip to remember!

Snow begins to fall in the Monts-Valin region very early in the season, meaning you can make the most of the wintry blanket of white for almost six months of the year! And our inns, B&Bs, and fine hotels provide great food and a bed for the night after a long day on the trails.

New to the sport? Many companies rent snowmobiles and gear, and offer guides for hire, to help you make the most of your backcountry adventure.

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experience immense

Snowshoeing in Ghostly Surroundings Vallée des Fantômes (Ghost Valley) and Contrée des Momies (The Land of Mummies) are two incredible snowshoeing destinations.

Parc national des Monts-Valin sits at an altitude (984 m) where heavy snowfall turns its mountaintop trees into “mummies,” making for a magical snowshoeing setting.

The Fantôme-Express shuttle takes 45 minutes to ghost its way along the scenic Bras-des-Canots route before dropping you off at the foot of the Valley. Already the surroundings and snowpack look radically different… and the magic has only just begun!

Strike out and discover a new land… a land of mummies! The Pic-de-la-Hutte sector of Contrée des Momies is well worth exploring and will wow anyone who’s already visited Vallée des Fantômes as well as seasoned winter enthusiasts looking for a new challenge.

P H O T O S : F A B R I C E T R E M B L AY / S É P A Q ( VA L L É E S D E S F A N T Ô M E S) , J E A N - M I C H E L D E C O S T E (S N O W M O B I L E A N D P A R C M I L L E L I E U X D E L A C O L L I N E ) , P A U L C I M O N (S A G U E N AY E N N E I G E ) , C O U R T O I S I E E N T R E C H I E N E T L O U P (D O G) , M A R T I A L T R E M B L AY ( V I L L A G E D E P Ê C H E )

the great outdoors

the great outdoors

Saguenay: a City, a Fjord Dog Sledding Dog sledding is a fun and original way to see the region from a whole new perspective. Dog sledding company Entre Chien et Loup in the village of L’Anse-Saint-Jean and the Cap au Leste outfitters in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord both operate trips around the scenic Saguenay Fjord. Between the Fjord and the mountains, the views never fail to impress.

Ice Fishing Beautiful, imposing, one of a kind… The wonders of the Saguenay Fjord are hard to put into words. And now you can admire it all from out on the ice, fishing rod in hand! The Fjord is teeming with all kinds of fish just waiting to be reeled in and served up for a tasty meal. Enjoy a memorable day of ice fishing on the Saguenay Fjord, where the deep salt water is perfect for going after less common species like the golden redfish, windowpane, and Atlantic cod.

Parc Mille Lieux de la colline

Rent a fishing hut or hire a guide at Baie des Ha!Ha!, Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, or L’Anse-Saint-Jean, all popular spots.

Beautiful, imposing, one of a kind...

The wonders of the Saguenay Fjord are hard to put into words.

City Lights The city of Saguenay is a hot destination, even in winter. Be sure to check out the Saguenay en Neige festival, featuring hundreds of snow sculptures downtown.

Then, at Parc Mille Lieux de la Colline, there are activities galore for visitors of all ages. During the week, you’ll love exploring the region’s longest skateway, while weekends, holidays, and Spring Break are the perfect time to tube, skate, and play with Alaska and his faithful huskies, Verglas and Glaçon. saguenay.ca

saguenay lac-saint-jean

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Auberge des Battures

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Experience the boreal winter in ideal surroundings, just opposite the Saguenay Fjord.

Auberge des 21 Treat your senses to something new.

battures.ca 6295 boulevard de la Grande-Baie Sud La Baie 1-800-668-8234

Come admire the Saguenay Fjord from a dog sled for a one-of-a-kind experience!

aubergedes21.com 621 rue Mars La Baie 1-800-363-7298

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Domaine Le Cageot - Vignoble Make the most of your getaway by sampling our spirits and farm-fresh products! domainelecageot.com 5455 chemin Saint-André Jonquière 418-547-2857

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Centre de Vacances Ferme 5 Étoiles ferme5etoiles.com 465 route 172 Nord Le Sacré-Cœur 1-877-236-4551

4 Chalets

sur le fjord

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toboski.com 500 Petit Rang Saint-Félicien 1-866-900-5243

Saint-Jean

Over 30 craft beers, many of them exclusive, quench the thirst of hop lovers.

chalets-st-fulgence.com 306 rang Sainte-Marie Saint-Fulgence 418-674-1402

microdulac.com 120 rue de la Plage Saint-Gédéon 418-345-8758

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Restaurant Pacini Alma

The address for parents and kids, with 12,000 sq. ft. of Aquafun.

Family fun, from the watery depths right up to the star... fish!

lemontagnais.qc.ca 1080 boulevard Talbot Chicoutimi 1-800-463-9160

museedufjord.com 3346 boulevard de la Grande-Baie Sud La Baie 1-866-697-5077

hoteluniversel.com 1000 boulevard des Cascades Alma 418-668-0872

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The best way to enjoy the great outdoors—from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to fat biking, tubing, and downhill skiing.

chalets-sur-le-fjord.com 354 rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste L'Anse-Saint-Jean 1-800-561-8060

Two 4-star cabins. Perfect for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing!

Musée du Fjord

Club Tobo-Ski

Warm welcome guaranteed!

From the Fjord to the mountain for a winter to remember.

Choose from an authentically Italian menu for breakfast, an express lunch, or a full‑course supper.

Directly accessible via the 561 snowmobile trail.

Hôtel Le Montagnais

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8 Microbrasserie du Lac ­

Les Chalets ­­ St-Fulgence

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saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

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Ville de Saint‑Félicien Visiting Lac-Saint-Jean? Be sure to stop by Saint-Félicien! Discover all kinds of cool winter attractions and enjoy the warmest of welcomes. ville.stfelicien.qc.ca 1-877-525-9888

P H O T O S : M A R C L O I S E L L E (C E N T R E D E VA C A N C E S F E R M E 5 É T O I L E S) , L O U I S J A C O B (C L U B T O B O - S K I) , P I E R R E - P H I L I P P E T R E M B L AY (D O M A I N E L E C A G E O T ) , O L I V I E R - H U G O D E S C H Ê N E S (M I C R O B R A S S E R I E D U L A C S A I N T- J E A N) , E T I E N N E B O U C H E R - C A Z A B O N (M U S É E D U F J O R D)

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favourite addresses

D i s cover a l l o u r g r ea t even ts !

A great place to eat? A fun visit? A beautiful place to stay? A thrilling experience? A must‑see destination?

Here, there’s always something new to discover.

Just ask!

T H E S A G U E N AY FJ O R D

INFINIMMENSE. There were no words to describe what we've seen. So we invented one.