Saguenay in Winter: Quebec's Grand North Version

Our winter adventure in Quebec continues: after leaving the city of Quebec City, we begin our road trip heading north to the beautiful region of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. On the agenda, Grand North experiences: snowshoeing, wooden cabins... On our way to discover Saguenay in winter!

This isn't my first time venturing into the region of the vast Lake Saint-Jean and the Saguenay Fjord. But the first time was 10 years ago. And, more importantly, the first time was in spring! In short, it's a totally different experience than what we had this time, in February, with all-white landscapes... and a few snowstorms to sprinkle it all!

By the way, while preparing for this trip, and up until the day before our departure from Quebec City to Saguenay, many friends and acquaintances from Quebec tried to warn us, even to dissuade us. You know how the French lament at the thought of going to Brittany? For Quebecers from Montreal and Saguenay, it's a bit the same.

In short, we began our road trip in Quebec with what was anticipated to be the most challenging part of our itinerary. Might as well start with a bang.

One thing is for sure, the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Tourism Office knows how to sell dreams! And you can understand these words from the very first kilometers. What a pleasure to find ourselves on these roads. These are the first we could conquer with our car as white as the landscapes, and certainly among the most beautiful. All this space! And that road seems to stretch out, as if moved by its own force. Moving forward, winding between the snowy pine forests. A few yellow signs warning us of potential caribou and bears on the road. In short, the roads of Canada like in the movies, those you imagine before leaving and which make you feel like you're still dreaming even behind the wheel.

The most beautiful road of our entire journey was the one we took when leaving Saguenay to head to Mauricie: absolutely stunning landscapes. So cinematic and photogenic that they become unreal!

And... yes, we had the legendary snowstorm. Yes, it's freezing! A biting wind that penetrates to the bone, feeling it crack with every step. And yet... how beautiful it was!

In Saguenay, I was able to live a Nordic adventure as I had dreamed of: landscapes >, a wooden cabin... Everything was there! And as a bonus, we even went to check out one of the most beautiful ice rinks in Quebec.

For our first night out of the cities, after passing through Montreal and Quebec City, we chose the wooden cabins at Cap au Leste. What a change! What a pleasure to feel surrounded by nature in this boreal forest with an incredible view of the Saguenay Fjord!

Inside the cabin, time stops. It's now time to relax, breathe, admire, taste, rest (especially after trying dog sledding!), and unwind in the warm atmosphere of the place.

Two very good memories will remain attached to Cap au Leste. First, the wonderful dog sledding outing. Then, a romantic meal. This is where we celebrated Valentine's Day with a special menu for the occasion, always true to the owners' desire to offer authentic regional cuisine.

For our second day in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, we leave Cap au Leste and travel upstream along the Saguenay River to reach Lake Saint-Jean. Thus, we will have seen all the places that give their name to the region!

In the evening, by the lake, from the resort where we were resting for the night, we planned to discover the ice path. An ice rink on the streets that stretches over 1.5 kilometers. This path is ranked among the top 5 most beautiful ice rinks in Quebec! And among the most romantic too, with soft lighting and music playing to glide to the rhythm.

We went in the evening for a romantic stroll... but the cold and the snowstorm raging that night got the best of us! Bad timing, maybe next time...

Of course, in just a few days, we didn't have the chance to see or do everything in this beautiful and large region of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean! But if you could only visit two places, it would be the national parks of Monts-Valin and the Saguenay Fjord.

The Monts-Valin National Park features a massif with about fifteen peaks over 800 meters and perfect snow coverage for winter activities, whether skiing or snowshoeing. And in the other seasons, it seems that the hiking trails are a pure pleasure for a good dose of nature and that its river is perfect for canoeing.

The Saguenay Fjord National Park has several very beautiful sectors, like the famous Tadoussac Bay. The marine park of the region is a protected area, ideal for observing the large whales that pass by between mid-May and October. I had the pleasure of visiting it with my parents 10 years ago, and it left me with much emotion. Those were the very first whales I ever saw with my own eyes! Now, I dream of one day being able to approach them without a motor so as not to disturb them, for example, by kayak or diving... One day!

Cap au Leste is truly beautiful, both inside, with its cozy wooden cabin atmosphere, and outside, with its natural setting and, especially, the stunning view of the Saguenay Fjord. Every evening, the spectacle of the sunset alone justifies enjoying drinks either cozily indoors or on the cabin's terrace.

The cabins on Booking and Agoda.

It was at the Dam-en-Terre resort that we settled for the second night of this Quebec road trip. We rented a >, a charming little fully-equipped apartment on the water's edge. We wanted to try out different accommodations, and we thought this type of setup was ideal for couples and families who want to settle for a few days or more to enjoy the region. Especially since this resort offers all sorts of activities, including the famous ice path.

The accommodation on Booking and Agoda.

It is with full hearts and minds brimming with beautiful images of grand roads, white landscapes > (I didn't make that up, that's the Tourism Office's tagline!), fluffy forests, cuddling dogs, romantic meals, and dreamy sunsets that we leave this region...

In partnership with the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Tourism Office.

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