Travel reviews










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.
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.
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. 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
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-June to mid-September 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
- $$$$ Fine dining
MICROBRASSERIE LA CHOUAPE ($)
La Chouape brews flavorful, original and natural beers from locally-grown organic barley and wheat. Two of their beers have won medals at the Mondial de la bière de Strasbourg. Customers come for good beer, snacks and a small selection of light meals. The terrace is superb!
Open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Monday-Saturday from mid-June to early September and Wednesday-Saturday from early September to mid-June.
LE DRAVEUR COOKERIE & BAR ($$-$$$)
This newcomer to the Roberval restaurant scene is already enjoying immense popularity with its logging / log driving theme and rustic-chic décor inspired by the logging camps of yore. The menu offers reinvented classic Quebec comfort foods that were served in the camps, with a modern twist.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday during the summer, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the kitchen and midnight for the bar. As it is also a bar, guests must be 18 or older to eat there, except in summer when the terrace is open.
LE BAUMIER ($$-$$$)
Chefs Patrick Fournier and Sébastien Simard from Hotel du Jardin offer a Nordic inspired cuisine. The passionately concocted dishes will give you a taste of all the flavours of the season, made with fresh local products.
Open evenings Tuesday-Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., mornings Tuesday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to noon. Closed for the holidays.
RESTAURANT DU MOULIN ($$$)
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 $63 for adults and $33 for children aged 3-12). 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: end of July
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
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 |
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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
No further comment.
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A huge expanse
(Translated by Google) Just a few photos because too little time to explore it...