LAC ST-JEAN

Travel reviews
3.9 / 5 - 606 reviews

What to do

  • Noteworthy
  • Worth the detour
  • Must see

Sunset at St-Gédéon, Lac St-JeanLac Saint-Jean is a vast inland sea.

The region's inhabitants are affectionately referred to as “les Bleuets” (Blueberries) after the wild blueberry that grows in abundance here.

The people of Lac St-Jean are also famous for their warm hospitality, which you are sure to encounter early in your stay.

If you are looking to build a short 10-day itinerary in Canada, it is definitely a must-see. 


SAINT-FÉLICIEN WILD ZOO

St-Félicien wild Zoo, Lac St-Jean This wild zoo is different from traditional zoos: it houses only animals from Boreal climates, i.e. from the world's northern regions such as Canada, Alaska, northern Russia and certain areas of Asia (Japan) and Europe.

There are more than 500 animals of 86 different species and 4.5 km of hiking trail. At Saint-Félicien Wild Zoo, visitors enjoy a unique experience as they take a ride on board a screened-in train along nature trails where humans are in cages, while the animals roam free!

You will also find on the site some shops, a main restaurant and several dining areas if you want to bring your picnic.

 



VAL-JALBERT HISTORICAL VILLAGE

Ouiatchouan Falls and the mill, Val-JalbertFounded in 1918, Val-Jalbert became a “ghost town” after being abandoned by its inhabitants in 1927, the year the pulp and paper factory closed its doors.

Visitors can admire the powerful Ouiatchouan Falls , higher than Niagara Falls, and forty or so original period buildings including the convent-school, general store and post office. Other activities include guided tours on board the trolleybus, theatrical presentations and a cable car ride to the top of the falls. Restaurant and shops on the site.

 



NATIVE MUSEUM OF MASHTEUIATSH

Native Museum of MashteuiatshThis museum is a fascinating way to discover the culture and lifestyle of the Ilnus of Lac-St-Jean and to learn about the other First Nations of Québec and the Americas through a permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions and much more

Open every day from mid-June to mid-September from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday-Saturday in low season. Closed during the holiday season.

SWIMMING IN LAC ST-JEAN

The shores of Lac Saint-Jean offer many kilometres of sandy beach. Here are a few suggestions of places to enjoy the lake's refreshing waters:

  • Vauvert beach: A favorite! Vauvert-sur-le-lac-Saint-Jean is a tourist complex known for its magnificent 8-km long beach, stretching between the estuaries of the Péribonka and Mistassini rivers. Several services are available and access is free of charge.
    488 Route de Vauvert, Dolbeau-Mistassini / vauvertsurlelacsaintjean.com

  • Parc National de la Pointe-Taillon beach: Another favourite! The park entry fee must be paid in order to access this lovely long beach. The site also offers picnic tables, kids' playground, walking trails, bicycle trail and rental of watercraft (SUP, kayak, pedalboat, canoes) and bicycles.
    835 Rang 3 Ouest, Saint-Henri-de-Taillon / www.sepaq.com/pq/pta

  • Belley beach: The Belley Campground beach is a favourite with families for its long stretch of sand and its warm shallow waters. Children love playing in the privateer boat on the edge of the water. Entrance fee required.
    100 Chemin Belley, Saint-Henri-de-Taillon / campingbelley.com

  • Le Rigolet beach: There is supervised swimming for the whole family at the Le Rigolet recreational tourism centre. The site also features a restaurant, snack bar, walking trails and playground. Access is free of charge.
    18 Rue Saint-André, Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix.

Where to eat

  • $ Inexpensive
  • $$ Moderate
  • $$$ Upscale
  • $$$$ Fine dining

MICROBRASSERIE LA CHOUAPE ($)

La Chouape brews flavorful, original and natural beers from locally-grown organic barley and wheat. Two of their beers have won medals at the Mondial de la bière de Strasbourg. Customers come for good beer, snacks and a small selection of light meals. The terrace is superb!

 



LE DRAVEUR COOKERIE & BAR ($$-$$$)

This newcomer to the Rober­val restaurant scene is already enjoying immense popularity with its logging / log driving theme and rustic-chic décor inspired by the logging camps of yore. The menu offers reinvented classic Quebec comfort foods that were served in the camps, with a modern twist.

 



LE BAUMIER ($$-$$$)

Chefs Patrick Fournier and Sébastien Simard from Hotel du Jardin offer a Nordic inspired cuisine. The passionately concocted dishes will give you a taste of all the flavours of the season, made with fresh local products.

 



RESTAURANT DU MOULIN ($$$)

Discover local specialties through mouth-watering regional cuisine. The dining room combines rustic charm and modern architecture with a prime location near the majestic Ouiatchouan Falls, which are illuminated at night.

Festivals calendar

Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean

Dates: end of July

Description: Every summer since 1955, The Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean has been attracting elite open water swimmers from around the world to the town of Roberval. Activities include open water swimming races, outdoor shows, fireworks, Supper in the Streets, a Winners' Parade, family events, and more.



Festival du Bleuet (Blueberry Festival)

Dates: end of July

Description: The blueberry, the emblem of Lac Saint-Jean, can be found in all its forms during this popular celebration, where a giant 1.5-m pie made with 90 kg of blueberries is shared by 450 festival-goers and activities such as a grand parade, live entertainment and supper in the street promise fun for the whole family.

Map

When to visit

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Climograph

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Travel reviews

Travel reviews

3.9 / 5 according to 606 reviews
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great

Geert Audiens Saturday June 24, 2023

wild blueberries

Sandi Armitage Wednesday October 9, 2019

Not a lot of options for eating in St Felicien maybe better to stay in Roberval
Highly recommend Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh

No further comment.

Anonymous Monday July 30, 2018

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