Travel reviews
What to do
- Noteworthy
- Worth the detour
- Must see
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
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. It’s also possible to book an “adventure in caribou country” and spend the night with caribous at the zoo in a prospector’s tent. This memorable experience is expected to be back in 2022.
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
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.
Open from late May to mid- October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NATIVE MUSEUM OF MASHTEUIATSH
Open every day from mid-June to mid-September from 9 a.m. to 6 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
- $$$$ Fine dining
MICROBRASSERIE LA CHOUAPE ($)
La Chouape brews flavorful, original and natural beers from locally-grown organic barley and wheat. Two of their beers have won medals at the Mondial de la bière de Strasbourg. Customers come for good beer, snacks and a small selection of light meals. The terrace is superb!
Open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Monday-Saturday from mid-June to early September and Wednesday-Saturday from early September to mid-June.
LE DRAVEUR COOKERIE & BAR ($$-$$$)
This newcomer to the Roberval restaurant scene is already enjoying immense popularity with its logging / log driving theme and rustic-chic décor inspired by the logging camps of yore. The menu offers reinvented classic Quebec comfort foods that were served in the camps, with a modern twist.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday during the summer, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the kitchen and midnight for the bar. As it is also a bar, guests must be 18 or older to eat there, except in summer when the terrace is open.
EMPORTE-MOI / RESTO & TEA ROOM ($$-$$$)
Emporte-moi has won the hearts (and stomachs) of the locals with its freshly-prepared regional cuisine. Don't miss the house specialties of Lac-Saint-Jean Tortière, wapiti (elk) steak and walleye fillet. The menu offers a variety of choices and changes regularly. Or take time out for a cuppa in the tea room!
Open Monday-Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
RESTAURANT DU MOULIN ($$$)
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 $53 for adults and $23 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 23-30, 2022
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 2022
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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| 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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Val Jalbert and musée amerindian MASHTEUIATSH
(Translated by Google) Val Jalbert, very beautiful historical site.
Native American museum where we attended a presentation on the life of these natives, very enriching.
