Experience Immense Magazine - Winter Adventures & Discoveries in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
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
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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)
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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
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A Land of Unlimited Adventure
Hashtag me!
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.
On the lookout for authentic experiences?
Here, it’s often whiter than white, and never too cold.
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
Putting Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean on the map!
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.
Meet Our Partners!
01. Auberge des 21 (page 14)
02. Auberge des Battures (page 14)
03. Auberge Éva (page 06)
04. Centre de vacances Ferme 5 Étoiles (page 14)
05. Centre de villégiature Dam-en-Terre (page 07)
06. Centre plein air Mont-Vilain (page 06)
07. Chalets St-Fulgence (Les) (page 14)
08. Chalets sur le Fjord (page 14)
09. Club Tobo-Ski (page 14)
10. Domaine le Cageot - Vignoble (page 14)
11. Équinox Aventure (page 07)
12. HopEra, microbrasserie et pizzéria (page 11)
13. Hôtel Universel Alma (page 06)
14. Le MontagnaisHôtel multiservice (pages 09 and 14)
15. La Maison du Matelot (page 10)
16. Microbrasserie du Lac Saint-Jean (pages 11 and 14)
17. Microbrasserie La Chouape (page 11)
18. Microbrasserie Le Coureur Des Bois (page 11)
19. Microbrasserie Riverbend (page 11)
20. Musée du Fjord (page 14)
21. Promotion Saguenay (pages 12, 13, and 16)
22. Restaurant Pacini Alma (page 14)
23. SÉPAQ (page 15)
24. Tourisme Alma Lac-Saint-Jean (page 10)
25. Ville de Saint-Félicien (pages 11 and 14)
26. Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien (page 08)
The Great Outdoors
Pick your superlative. Nothing is too over-the-top. But many a description won’t manage to do the whole thing justice. Because this huge outdoor playground is where happiness lives.
Tailor-made Trips
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!
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.
hoteluniversel.com
1000 boulevard des Cascades Alma 1-800-263-5261
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,
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
Auberge Éva is an inn that knows how to treat
snowmobilers...
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
CENTRE PLEIN AIR MONT-VILAIN
equinoxaventure.ca Alma 1-888-668-7381 The two-day trip is
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!
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.
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
*Source: lexpress.fr
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.
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.
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 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
The
The views are amazing from atop Mont-Apica.
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
MAISON DU MATELOT
VILLE DE SAINT-FÉLICIEN
Saint-Félicien, Your Winter Destination!
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!
ville.stfelicien.qc.ca 1-877-525-9888
ROUTE DES BIÈRES
MICROBRASSERIE DU LAC SAINT-JEAN
Bend Your Elbow in Saint-Gédéon
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
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
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.
Coureur Des Bois 1551 boul. Wallberg Dolbeau-Mistassini 418-979-1197
Snow accumulations are among the highest in Québec.
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.
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.
PROMOTION SAGUENAY
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.
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.
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
Beautiful, imposing, one of a kind...
The wonders of the Saguenay Fjord are hard to put into words.
Parc Mille Lieux de la colline
1
favourite addresses
Auberge des 21
Treat your senses to something new. aubergedes21.com
621 rue Mars La Baie
1-800-363-7298
Auberge des Battures
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!
2
Experience the boreal winter in ideal surroundings, just opposite the Saguenay Fjord. battures.ca
6295 boulevard de la Grande-Baie Sud La Baie
1-800-668-8234
Centre de Vacances
3
Ferme 5 Étoiles
4
6
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
Les Chalets St-Fulgence
7
Two 4-star cabins. Perfect for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing!
chalets-st-fulgence.com
306 rang Sainte-Marie Saint-Fulgence 418-674-1402
Hôtel
10
Come admire the Saguenay Fjord from a dog sled for a one-of-a-kind experience!
ferme5etoiles.com 465 route 172 Nord Le Sacré-Cœur 1-877-236-4551
Discover all our great events! saguenaylacsaintjean.ca
Chalets sur le fjord
Warm welcome guaranteed! From the Fjord to the mountain for a winter to remember. chalets-sur-le-fjord.com
354 rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste L'Anse-Saint-Jean 1-800-561-8060
8
5
Club Tobo-Ski
The best way to enjoy the great outdoors—from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to fat biking, tubing, and downhill skiing. toboski.com
500 Petit Rang Saint-Félicien 1-866-900-5243
Microbrasserie du Lac
Saint-Jean
Over 30 craft beers, many of them exclusive, quench the thirst of hop lovers. microdulac.com 120 rue de la Plage Saint-Gédéon 418-345-8758
11
Le Montagnais
9 Musée du Fjord
The address for parents and kids, with 12,000 sq. ft. of Aquafun. lemontagnais.qc.ca 1080 boulevard Talbot Chicoutimi 1-800-463-9160
Family fun, from the watery depths right up to the star... fish! museedufjord.com 3346 boulevard de la Grande-Baie Sud La Baie 1-866-697-5077
Restaurant Pacini Alma
Choose from an authentically Italian menu for breakfast, an express lunch, or a full-course supper. Directly accessible via the 561 snowmobile trail. hoteluniversel.com 1000 boulevard des Cascades Alma 418-668-0872
12
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
THE SAGUENAY FJORD INFINIMMENSE.
There were no words to describe what we've seen. So we invented one.
