Exploring the South Shore of Lac-Saint-Jean – Via le Véloroute des Bleuets (Bicycle Route of the Blueberries)
A well known region of Quebec, Lac-Saint-Jean is an outdoor paradise in the summer months. In this post we explore things to do on the south shore of this legendary lake, and why it is a favourite of most Quebecers.
Geography
This large body of water located just east of the Saguenay Region in the Laurentian Highlands covers an area of 1,053 km2 (407 sq mi), and is 63.1 m (207 ft) at its deepest point. It is fed by a dozen small streams and river such as the Ashuapmushuan, the Mistassini, the Peribonka, the Des Aulnaies, the Métabetchouane, and the Ouiatchouane. The body of water drains into the St. Laurence via the Saguenay River and its fjord like landscape.
History
The Innu people of northern Quebec called this lake Piekuakami and it was given its present name by the French when a Jesuit missionary by the name of Jean de Quen, arrive in 1647.
The region would take off slowly, beginning with fur trade but it would not truly hit its stride until the 19th century when it became a center for industry. Industry drove the settlement of the land and this process would last from the 19th century until the early 20th century. These new settlers also created the ring of farmland you see around the lake today. Work in this region was concentrated into two main industries, the forestry and agriculture sectors. Industry peaked in the 20th century, when pulp and paper mills became the norm, and northern Quebec with its ample supply of lumber, lakes and rivers was the perfect place to build these plants. This was supplemented by aluminum smelting and the construction of hydroelectric dams such as the one found in Alma.
Today, the region is poplar with outdoorsmen and ecotourists. The region has become a summer resort hub and a superb recreational fishery home to an important sport-fishing industry.
Véloroute des Bleuets
The lake is known for its bicycle routes, in fact a network of paths and paved shoulders allow cyclists to traverse the entire contour of the lake by bike. This is in fact very popular in summer activity and campgrounds, beaches and lookouts have sprung up along the shoreline. For more information on the cycle-way and its possible itineraries click here.
The route’s name is a reference to the fact that Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is the largest producer of blueberries in Quebec. The region is known for its wild blueberries which you can pick or have as part of the many breweries offering blueberry beers!
A Few Possible Stops to Get You Started
Desbiens and the Métabetchouan Trading Post
Occupied by first nations dating back 6000 years, this site has always been one of trade. In 1652, the French established a trading post here during the reign of governor Jean de Lauson. It was located in the domaine du roy (king’s domaine), this was all territories north of the St. Laurence and meant that its revenue from its commerce belonged to the French crown. The Trading Post Métabetchouan had a jesuit mission attached to it but was abandoned for a time before being re-established after the conquest of New-France by the British. In 1802, the The North West Company out of Montreal would take control of this trading node, deriving its revenues from the fur trade – the fur trade powering Montreal’s garment district. The famed Canadian company would later merge with the Hudson Bay Company and is one of Canada’s most renowned enterprises.
Once you are done at the trading post, you should head down to the water where a nice park runs under the rail bridge and a beach is available on the opposite side.
Val-Jalbert
Lac-Saint-Jean’s historic “Ghost Village”, this once bustling company town was left to rot. Now restored as a museum it is a must visit attraction, for more information click here.
Parc le Trou de la Fée
A boardwalk up a river where old mills once were king this park offers the tourist a chance to experience the untamed power of the river as it barrels down towards the Lac-Saint-Jean.
Conclusion
Once a bustling industrial region, the Saguenay/Lac St. Jean has revitalized itself into an Eco-tourism paradise. Enjoy Quebec’s backyard, a place where the great outdoors reigns supreme.
