When to visit
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What to do
- Noteworthy
- Worth the detour
- Must see
Lac 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
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.
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!
If it is possible for you to stay for the evening, don't miss the all new night walk, Anima Lumina. This 1.5 km trail running throughout the Zoo’s paths and footbridges explores animal life through a series of virtual scenes. Through the magic of multimedia, immersive effects and wilderness sounds, the most beautiful secrets of the forest are revealed.
The walk takes about 1 hour and the first departure is around 10 p.m. (end of June to early September). The zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. in peak season), from May to October. Reduced hours in low season.
VAL-JALBERT HISTORICAL VILLAGE
Founded 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.
Open from mid-May to mid-June 21 and mid-August to mid-October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from mid-June to mid-August from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
NATIVE MUSEUM OF MASHTEUIATSH
This 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-May to mid-October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday-Saturday in low season. Closed during the holiday season.
SWIMMING IN LAC ST-JEANThe 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:
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Where to eat
- $ Inexpensive
- $$ Moderate
- $$$ Upscale
- $$$$ Fine dining
MICROBRASSERIE LA CHOUAPE ($)
La Chouape brews flavorful, original and natural beers from locally-grown organic barley and wheat. Two of their beers have won medals at the Mondial de la bière de Strasbourg. Customers come for good beer, snacks and a small selection of light meals. The terrace is superb!
Open from 3 p.m. to midnight, Monday-Saturday from mid-June to early September and Wednesday-Saturday from early September to mid-June.
BISTRO JM ($$-$$$)
This small neighbourhood bistro, which has been delighting the finest of palates since opening its doors in 2017, is sure to surprise you! Chef Carl Murray showcases various cuts of high-quality beef, cooked to perfection on the wood-burning grill, as well as creative dishes prepared from local and regional ingredients. The lunch menu is more limited but offers a good selection. A sure value! Bring your own wine.
Open Wednesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
LE DRAVEUR COOKERIE & BAR ($$-$$$)
This newcomer to the Roberval restaurant scene is already enjoying immense popularity with its logging / log driving theme and rustic-chic décor inspired by the logging camps of yore. The menu offers reinvented classic Quebec comfort foods that were served in the camps, with a modern twist.
Open Tuesday-Wednesday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Thursday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. As it is also a bar, guests must be 18 or older to eat there, except in summer when the terrace is open.
EMPORTE-MOI / RESTO & TEA ROOM ($$-$$$)
Emporte-moi has won the hearts (and stomachs) of the locals with its freshly-prepared regional cuisine. Don't miss the house specialties of Lac-Saint-Jean Tortière, wapiti (elk) steak and walleye fillet. The menu offers a variety of choices and changes regularly. Or take time out for a cuppa in the tea room!
Open Monday-Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
RESTAURANT DU MOULIN ($$$)
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.
Open from late May to early October. Dinner service starts at 6 p.m. 4-course table d’hôte (around $50 for adults and $20 for children aged 2-12). Discount on your meal if you visit the historic site on the same day. Reservations required.
*** Hours may vary ***
Where to sleep ?
Festivals calendar
Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean
Dates: July 23-31, 2021
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 2021
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.
Location
Climograph
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| Month | Average temperature min (°C) |
Average temperature max (°C) |
Precipitations (mm) |
Overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -22 | -11 | 64 | |
| February | -20 | -9 | 46 | |
| March | -12 | -2 | 60 | |
| April | -3 | 7 | 59 | |
| May | 4 | 16 | 79 | |
| June | 10 | 22 | 81 | |
| July | 13 | 24 | 107 | |
| August | 11 | 22 | 95 | |
| September | 6 | 17 | 85 | |
| October | 1 | 10 | 63 | |
| November | -6 | 1 | 76 | |
| December | -17 | -7 | 71 |
Travel reviews
wild blueberries
Not a lot of options for eating in St Felicien maybe better to stay in Roberval
Highly recommend Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh
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