We are captivated by the warm welcome of the locals, the magnificent landscapes, and the rich and authentic culture of Lac-Saint-Jean.

Whether it's for its breathtaking nature, the vastness of the lake, its legendary Véloroute des Bleuets, its countless gourmet stops, or encountering the Ilnu community, the journey begins on Route 169!

Check out the official website for the complete route (In French only).

263 km

By car, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, or bicycle, the Tour of Lac Saint-Jean introduces us to a welcoming territory full of history... where everything is larger than life.

Days
7
Destination
1
Activities
16

Region

Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean
Day 1

Industrial heritage and Pékuakami Beach

L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs

L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs immerses us in the history of Lac-Saint-Jean through exhibitions and family activities. Take the opportunity to explore its walking trail, dotted with artifacts and interpretive elements. The highlight: an old water tower converted into a 360-degree immersive projection room.

A couple atop an old water tower enjoys the view of the Grande Décharge River and the mouth of Lac Saint-Jean.

Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon

Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon is a peninsula with endless sandy shores, nestled between the waters of Lac Saint-Jean and the Péribonka River. A protected favourite spot for swimmers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts!

A couple with their little girl cycling on the bike path of Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon. Lac Saint-Jean in the background.
Day 2

In the land of Maria Chapdelaine and the great rivers

Musée Louis-Hémon

Nestled in the Espace Péribonka and bordered by the river of the same name, this museum offers an unforgettable journey through regional history through the story of Maria Chapdelaine, the heroine of Louis Hémon's literary work.

View of a pretty white church topped with a bell tower.

Centre touristique Vauvert-sur-le-lac-Saint-Jean

Vauvert-sur-le-lac-Saint-Jean is ideal for vacationers. Swim in the lake or relax on its superb golden sand beach, enjoy water sports or hike the hiking trails, and then end your day nestled in the comfort of its accommodations.

Facing Lac Saint-Jean, a man and woman are sitting on a blanket having a picnic on the beach.

Parc régional des Grandes-Rivières du lac Saint-Jean

A vast playground of nearly 100 square kilometres! Spread across different sectors, this regional park offers a wide range of activities and adventures. What a joy for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers. 

A group crossing a footbridge over a river.
Day 3

A jam maker, a taxidermist, and pioneers

Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean – ÉCONOMUSÉE de la confiturière : bleuet sauvage

From processing to the production of its many delicious products, Les Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean tells the story of wild blueberries. Learn about their production methods through the history of this small fruit, a powerful symbol of the region. In season, head out to the countryside to experience a pick-your-own experience.

A woman explains and presents wild blueberry products to a family for tasting.

Bilodeau Canada Universe

A ormer trading post in modern times! In this unusual setting, learn about the craftsmanship of the artisan who skillfully crafts and transforms fur. The interactive guided tour even gives you the chance to see the artist at work.

Inside the Économusée boutique, where a range of boots and other fur items are presented.

Moulin des Pionniers

An immersive experience in the history of the first pioneers by visiting the sawmill which is over 100 years old! Powered by the power of water, you can experience and feel, in virtual reality, a small part of the scale of the work involved.

Outdoor landscape overlooking the old Pioneer sawmill. In the background, mountains and a river.
Day 4

The animals of La Boréalie and the Ashuapmushuan River

Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien

A must-see for the whole family! On the agenda: miles of trails where you can greet the Zoo’s charming residents (over 86 exotic and native species!), a train ride where you'll get up close and personal with the animals in the wild, and fun water features in the summer.

A herd of bison wanders near the train, which is fenced and carrying visitors.

Parc du Sacré-Cœur

In downtown Saint-Félicien Parc du Sacré-Cœur offers an enchanting panorama of the Ashuapmushuan River, which means “place where we watch for moose”. Its history has been told since its creation in 1900. On summer evenings, the fountains put on a spectacular display, combining water, sound, and light. And it’s free!

In autumn, a pedestrian walkway surrounded by old buildings, with a cannon and a river in the background.
Day 5

Gourmet stop and a break on the beach

Musée de La Vieille Fromagerie Perron

Founded in 1890, this cheese shop has become a master in the production of fine, artisanal cheeses. Award-winning, they are made using traditional techniques. Enjoy this "historical-tasty" duo in an authentic, warm, and cheesy setting!

The Museum's frontage features a vintage reproduction of a horse pulling a cart with milk cans.

Saint-Prime Municipal Beach

Nestled on the shores of majestic Lac Saint-Jean, the municipal beach of Saint-Prime promises idyllic swimming. Its clear waters, adorned with fine sand and lush greenery, make it a dream location for relaxing or... enjoying the pleasures of beach life.

The beach is packed with children and swimmers in a bucolic setting.
Day 6

Heritage of 1927 and a foray into Ilnu culture

Musée Ilnu de Mashteuiatsh

Through exhibitions and activities, the Musée Ilnu de Mashteuiatsh plays a key role in transmitting the culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the only Indigenous community in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region. Let yourself be guided through this incredible cultural immersion.

On an outdoor tour, a mother and her child meet a guide who interprets a work of Indigenous culture.

Village historique de Val-Jalbert

A former company town frozen in 1927, the Village historique de Val-Jalbert is an authentic and immersive experience that unfolds through the lively period buildings, the pulp mill, the view from the cable car, and what can we say about the spectacular Ouiatchouan Falls!

Viewpoint of the immense Ouiatchouan Falls overlooking the village and the former pulp and paper processing plant.
Day 7

Introduction to crystal prospecting and beekeeping

Cristal du Lac – ÉCONOMUSÉE du prospecteur cristallier

Prospecting for unusual crystals and artifacts is what Cristal du Lac offers. Explore the mine and then take part in educational activities to learn more about extraction methods, crystallization, and crystal varieties

A red-pink crystal is presented with the Cristal du Lac Museum building in the background.

Miel des ruisseaux – ÉCONOMUSÉE de l’apiculteur

The educational tour of this ÉCONOMUSÉE, along with tastings of honey and artisanal beekeeping products, is a fun springboard into the fascinating world of bees. Even more so thanks to the virtual reality experience, where you're transformed into the life of this super worker bee with a thousand virtues.

A man giving a presentation.
Titre
From village to village, Tour du Lac Saint-Jean!
Description

Before exploring this authentic region, full of history and adventure, visit the official website of the Route. Will we see each other somewhere along the way?

Plan your getaway

Customize your trip

Whether you're travelling with family, friends, as a couple or by yourself with your pet, we have a few suggestions for you.

Where to sleep

Find the perfect accommodation for you, whether in town or in nature. 

Festivals and events

We enjoy a good time. Whether it's large cultural or sports events, city celebrations or charming village gatherings, we're always ready to have fun!

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