Prêts pour des vacances plus grandes que nature?
Here is an itinerary that will lead you around the town of Saguenay and the fjord for a weekend getaway with your family. Take advantage of the white season to live new outdoor adventures, follow some foodie tips to treat yourself and enjoy cozy accommodations for some relaxing moment. Ready for an exciting family outing?
First tip: Winter can be cold in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Then, make sure to dress appropriately to enjoy the best of the outside activities. You should dress up in layers then you can easily add more or fewer clothes depending on how you feel.
Start your family road trip off right. Why not add an extra day for travel time? Come to the region directly from Charlevoix (routes 170 and 381), from Quebec (route 175), or from the Côte-Nord (route 172). You can also take advantage of the air and rail transport to make your way to the region either by plane from Montreal to Bagotville (YBG) or by train with arrivals to Chambord and Jonquière.
Day 1: Urban Activities for All the Family
To make sure you enjoy the best of the attractions of the area without having to worry for your accommodation during a short trip we suggest you stay 2 nights atHôtel Chicoutimi located directly in downtown in the borough of Chicoutimi. Let’s your exciting journey begging directly in Chicoutimi!
Head to Parc Mille Lieux de la Colline with your children to meet Alaska who as left his native northern land to spend the winter at the park to tell delightful anecdotes. He travels with his two sled dogs Glaçon and Verglas. Fun ice skating and snowshoeing will amuse the whole family.
After a few hours of fun outside, it's time for warming yourself with some tasty hot chocolate and delicious lattes from one of the local coffee shops located in the heart of the downtown Chicoutimi.
Then enjoy the rest of the day, strolling along Racine Street with its local artisan shop. You could also visit La Pulperie de Chicoutimi to learn more about the regional history.
Return to the hotel.
Day 2: Frozen fjord, ice fishing and fun learning
Take the morning to relax in the comfort of your room. Then, take the road to the borough of La Baie where you’ll spend a fun-learning day and where you’ll also get the chance to admire the Saguenay Fjord which is now all cover with ice.
Are you ready to catch a fish? This morning, a professional guide will teach you all the secrets of ice fishing! It is a winter tradition in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Around a thousand colourful fishing huts are installed directly on the ice over the fjord during the winter just like real ephemeral villages that come to life.
Tip: The Corporations Contact-Nature and Pêche Aventures Saguenay offer different packages to introduce this activity that will please both youths and adults.
Lunch at the Fromagerie Boivin factory or diner is a favourite with the locals. Try out their classic poutine and squeaky cheese curds.
Head for your afternoon at the Musée du Fjord. The museum provides a hands-on look at the marine species that inhabit the fjord. Check out both the giant aquarium and touch basins for great learning experiences.
Sit down for a family dinner at La Grange aux Hiboux or another local restaurant in the heart of downtown La Baie, before heading back to your hotel in Chicoutimi with your heart fulfilled of tremendous memories.
Day 3: Several possibilities
Now that you have discovered two of the three boroughs of Saguenay, here is the big question: Will you continue your journey to the Lake Saint-Jean area or head home?
If you decide to pursue your trip to Lake Saint-Jean, make a stop on the way to the borough of Jonquière to explore the city downtown before heading to another local cheese factory La Fromagerie Blackburn.
