Equinox Aventure - Snowmobiles on lake Saint-Jean
Discover – or rediscover – winter in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean with friends or family while enjoying the snowy season fully. Put on your mittens and hats and let’s go! Ready for an exciting family outing?
First tip: Lake Saint-Jean is huge. You must take the time to go around. To avoid being out of breath, validate distances and travel times between attractions when planning your stay. This may also vary according to the weather.
Day 1 : Arrival at Lake Saint-Jean
[Translate to English:] Auberge des îles
Enjoy a nice family road trip while driving to the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. There are plenty of routes leading to the area. You could either 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.
Upon arrival, enjoy a first stop in a local cheese factory Fromagerie Saint-Laurent. Taste their fresh – still warm – cheese curds.
Then, head to l’Auberge des îles in Saint-Gédéon, which is located directly on the shores of the lake, for the first night of your trip. Do not forget your swimsuit as they have built a brand new indoor pool, jacuzzi and water dunk games. Looking for some adventures? Équinox Aventure offers snowmobile excursions and location of fat bike on the site.
For dinner, savour a succulent meal including regional flavours and local products at the Rang 9, restaurant of the hotel.
Day 2 : First nations and ice skating on a frozen lake
Roberval ice village
Wake up next to the giant and wonderful Lake-Saint-Jean. Admire the stunning view while eating breakfast at the hotel.
Ready for some fun adventures? Head on the road 169, which goes all around the lac, to go to theMusée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh. At the museum, learn more about the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the first nation of Lake Saint-Jean. Take part in a variety of workshops introducing traditional methods of fabrication.
In the afternoon, dress up warmly for an outdoor activity on the frozen lake. Visit the Village sur Glace de Roberval, the perfect place for an afternoon with all the family. An ephemeral village that comes to live during the winter season when a hundred colourful huts are placed direction on the ice of the lake. Enjoy ice skating and walking around on the site.
Finally, end your day in Saint-Félicien in one of the local hotels such as Hôtel du Jardin, Hôtel de la Boréalie or Auberge des Berges.
Tip: Book 2 nights in your accommodation so you can fully enjoy your last days in the region.
Day 3: Return home or continue your journey
Village historique de Val-Jalbert
Depending on the end of your visit, hit the road to La Chocolaterie des Père Trappistes in Mistassini to top the day off with delicious homemade chocolates.
The tour of Lake Saint-Jean is done and family memories have been created. Now the big question: head home or continue your journey to Saguenay and the Route du Fjord?
On your way, treat yourself with a gourmet break at the Fromagerie Perron. Who knows you might have lunch near our spokesperson? The fascinating history of the cheese factory began in 1890 and still today, it produces succulent cheddar cheese.
Tip: On your way take the time to stop at the Historic Village of Val-Jalbert. In the winter season, the attraction is accessible for snow shoeing and cross-country skiing. Plus, with no characters in the village, it really has the feeling of a ghost town. You’ll surely enjoy the panorama especially the frozen Ouiatchouan waterfalls.
