Step 1: Getting there
To make he most of your visit, check the distances and travel times between the attractions when planning your stay or you might lose your breath. An early arrival is best to get off on the right foot! Enjoy a good family road trip by driving directly from Charlevoix by route 170 and 381, from Quebec City by route 175, or from the North Shore by route 172. You can also take advantage of air and rail transportation to make your visit, either by plane from Bagotville (YBG) or by train with arrivals in Chambord or Jonquière.
Step 2: Make the most of it
DAY 1: THE LITTLE TRIP TO TOWN BEFORE THE ADVENTURE
Start your day in the borough of La Baie, where you can admire the Fjord and experience a fabulous and enriching time. Come to the Pavillon des croisières in the morning to plan your day. Find out about local gourmet and artisanal products in the area. Take a walk on the promenade, if the tide is low, you can go for a walk on the sand and a nearby children's park to please the little ones.
Then head to the Musée du Fjord. A laboratory, a place of learning and wonder, the Musée du Fjord will amaze the whole family. Learn about the abundant life of the Saguenay Fjord in the aquarium and through scientific activities. Don't forget to show your findings to our spokesperson! Then, ask how you can to discover the secrets of the tidal flats!
After your visit, you will have plenty of time to rest, discover new places and find a gourmet restaurant before ending the day with a performance of the iconic show La Fabuleuse histoire d'un Royaume.
Hôtel Le Montagnais
At the l’Hôtel Le Montagnais you can drop off your luggage for the night. Located in the heart of Chicoutimi, this hotel offers a multitude of services within the hotel: restaurant-bar, health centre, water park, outdoor pool with playground, sports bar and arcade!
Zec Onatchiway
DAY 2: IN THE MOUNTAINS!
Today, head north of the city for a day in the great outdoors at the ZEC Onatchiway, in the heart of the Monts-Valin massif. The entrance to the ZEC is about 65 kilometres from downtown Chicoutimi. About half of the road is paved, while the other half is gravel.
On site, there are many activities such as hiking in the Huits-Chutes sector, fishing, hunting or even paddle boarding and kayaking!
For fishing enthusiasts, you can rent boat, giving you access to about 15 lakes. Safety equipment and paddles are included in the rental price, but you must bring your own motor and fishing equipment. Are you taking children on this trip? They can fish for free, as long as the accompanying adult has a fishing licence.
Would you like to sleep on site and take full advantage of the vastness of the territory? On the shores of Onatchiway Lake, you can stay in one of the five fully equipped yurts. Access is via the Onatchiway reception post and since the yurts are located only 500 metres from the post, it goes without saying that your stay will be a safe and pleasant one!
At the site of your yurt, you can enjoy the nearby water. Access has been made easy to the small Mystery Lake. Three paddleboards and a kayak are available for rent. Please ask at the reception upon arrival.
Tip from your guide: Plan your meals in advance or take advantage of the Onatchiway relay, located close to the welcome station. Get a good night's rest, as you will need to build up your strength for the next day's programme.
Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux
DAY 3: CONTINUING THE ADVENTURE
This morning, we are off to Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux. Located in Saint-Fulgence, this park offers a wide range of outdoor and ecotourism activities such as hebertism courses, via ferrata, sea kayaking, fishing, not to mention the many unique accommodations and camping options available on the site. The site is accessible by land or by sea with the Navettes maritimes du Fjord. In passing, say hello to our adventurous Philippe Laprise before embarking on your own adventures.
Before you leave, book your activities. The more adventurous will certainly opt for the Via Ferrata, which takes place on the rock walls above the fjord, or for the extreme tree-to-tree fjord course.
For a full day, combine several outdoor activities or make sure you have enough time to enjoy the magnificent beach on the Saguenay Fjord. You can also opt for a massage or a yoga session to recover after an intense physical activity.
If you wish, you can sleep on site thanks to the many accommodation possibilities offered on site: glass dome, suspended spheres, tree house, camping…
Step 3: Continue your stay!
The itinerary is coming to an end, but the region still has a ton of activities to offer you. Want to continue your adventures in the region? Check out Philippe Laprise's other itineraries to discover a multitude of summer activities that will make you want to stay even longer on holiday in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
Alternatively, if you continue on the Route du Fjord (Route 172) you will arrive in Tadoussac. The ideal place to observe marine mammals in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.
