Lac-Saint-Jean, a vast playground to explore

Between its fine-sand beaches, hiking trails through the boreal forest and rich cultural heritage, the Lac-Saint-Jean region is an unforgettable vacation destination for families and lovers of the great outdoors.

An inland sea with countless possibilities

A veritable inland sea, the size of Saint-Jean Lake is sure to awe you. Its 42 kilometres of sandy beaches are perfect for swimming. In fact, the whole region is ideal for fans of water sports (website in French only), like kite surfing, kayaking, rafting, canoeing or sailing. The possibilities are as vast as the lake itself! You can rent all the equipment you need from one of the many outfitters or head out on an adventure led by an experienced guide.

Lastly, you won’t want to miss the legendary sunsets on the lake, whose fiery hues appear to stretch endlessly across the horizon.

Boreal forest as far as the eye can see

The Lac-Saint-Jean region is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts (website in French only). It has four incredible nature parks—Parc de la Couronne, Parc des Grandes-Rivières, Parc d’une Rive à l’autre and Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon—each offering a unique journey into the heart of the boreal forest. Marked trails traverse a wide variety of exceptional natural landscapes. Whether you’re in the mood for a short walk or a long hike, the infrastructure in place ensures a safe and pleasant experience.

Also, if you enjoy biking, the famous Véloroute des Bleuets circles the lake, connecting several picturesque villages. 

A rich heritage to discover

In addition to its stunning natural landscapes, the Lac-Saint-Jean region has a rich cultural heritage (website in French only). The Circuit des Amusées is an original way to visit several museums and cultural sites to learn the history that has shaped the region and its culture. Several sites also explain the traditions of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation (Pekuakami is the Innu name for Saint-Jean Lake) and other First Nations, whose cultures are still alive and intimately tied to the area.

During the summer season, the region comes alive with festivals and events celebrating music, food and local customs. 

One thing is certain: a single visit will not be enough time to explore the entirety of the vast playground that is Lac-Saint-Jean!