Discover the Val-Jalbert Historical Village

Live in the heart of a 1920s village

A visit to the Val-Jalbert Historical Village is like going back in time a century and discovering a must-see tourist destination in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. You will learn why the village closed, why it was completely abandoned, and how it managed to rise so brilliantly from its ashes. Get ready for a unique experience with a wide range of activities and services offered to visitors of all ages!

Guided tour of the village

Hop aboard the 1920’s style trolley bus for a tour of this grand open-air museum. You will have the opportunity to hear true stories and anecdotes! During your visit, you will learn about the history of the region and daily life in the village, and discover what makes Val-Jalbert a distinctive Canadian experience.

A waterfall higher than the famous Niagara Falls

During your visit, you won’t want to miss the impressive Ouiatchouan waterfall, located near the pulp mill. With a height of 72 meters, 20 meters higher than Niagara Falls, it offers a breathtaking spectacle, day and night. For the more courageous, a belvedere equipped with a solid glass platform gives you the impression of being in the heart of the waterfall.

If you don’t suffer from vertigo, climb aboard the cable car where you will have not only an enchanting view of the waterfall, but also of the majestic Lac Saint-Jean. This ascent takes you to the top of the waterfall and if you climb a few more steps, you will discover Maligne Falls, more commonly known as the “second waterfall”, as well as the Ouiatchouan River which feeds both falls. You can also get to the top by climbing the 764 steps!

Visit the site at your own pace and learn about the era of the 1920s

Take your time strolling through the bustling streets of the village and enjoy the many trails found on site. Throughout your journey, you can learn more about the history of the village from interpretative panels. At certain places in the village, characters from the past appear and tell the story of Val-Jalbert. Feeling hungry? Stop at the café-terasse located in the general store.

Stop at the Pulp Mill

Along the way, stop at the pulp mill and enjoy the immersive show "Du coeur à l'ouvrage... L'épopée de Val-Jalbert" (from heart to work…the epic of Val-Jalbert) where 110 years of history are told in 25 minutes thanks to technology . Vibrate to the rhythm of projections, lighting, and multi-sensory effects that will make you relive the factory and its workers, the dramas of the village, and its ghosts.

Continue with a visit to the pulp mill, without which the village would never have been built. You will be able to admire period machinery and equipment, models presenting the techniques used to produce pulp, popular artworks by sculptor and memorialist Léon Bouchard, and exhibits.

You can also have a bite to eat in the mill. Le Restaurant du moulin offers a bistro menu for lunch and a table d’hôte menu in the evening. The restaurant also has a children's menu and vegetarian and gluten-free options.

An interactive treasure hunt

For your little techies, you can visit Val-Jalbert on an interactive treasure hunt. Navigate the village using the GPS that will give you clues and geographic coordinates to find the treasures hidden throughout the site. This activity will remain unforgettable during your family stay in the village.

Take advantage of accommodations on-site, on a campsite or in a mini-cottage

For an even more immersive and authentic family experience, you can sleep in the heart of the village in a period house where the rooms have been furnished in the style of the 1920s. You can take advantage of this stop in time to recharge your batteries and admire the illuminated waterfall in the evening. Your overnight stay includes a 4-course table d’hôte dinner at the Restaurant du Moulin and breakfast.

Would you like to sleep under the stars? It's possible ! The Val-Jalbert campsite is located at the entrance to the village and includes 188 individual campsites between two rivers. It is the ideal place for nature lovers. Your children will be able to enjoy the swimming pool and playgrounds.

All the necessary amenities are available: toilet blocks, reception building/convenience store, shelter with picnic tables, laundry facilities, dump station, and free WI-FI access (some areas only). In addition, you will receive a discount for a visit to the Val-Jalbert Historical Village for the duration of your stay.

Finally, the Val-Jalbert Historical Village also offers you to stay in mini-cabins. With a capacity of four people, you will be delighted with their charm and comfort. The mini-cabin with service is equipped with a small bathroom with toilet, shower, and sink. For the unserviced option, you must use the sanitary block located approximately 45 meters (150 feet) from your accommodation.

A discount for a visit to the Val-Jalbert Historical Village is also offered for the rental of a mini-cabin, as well as for access to the swimming pool and water games.

This summer, take a trip back to the 1920s at the Val-Jalbert Historical Village, one of the most beautiful tourist attractions for the family. Come and live a unique experience that will appeal to young and old alike!

What to do after a visit to the Val-Jalbert Historical Village

Outdoor activities

Looking for outdoor activities near the Val-Jalbert Historical Village? With your little ones, practice your putt at the Mini-golf at Camping Mont-Plaisant (15 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert) or, for the older ones, practice your swing on the course at Club de golf des Cèdres in Chambord (9 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

Go on an excursion in the boreal forest to discover its furry and feathered inhabitants! Observe black bears and beavers in their habitat thanks to the guided expeditions of Aventure Lac-Saint-Jean (13.5 km from the Val-Jalbert Historical Village). Learn more about the hidden treasures of the forest by taking part in a photo safari organized by Quebecphotogravie, on the banks of the Ouiatchouaniche River, to see the northern flying squirrel, one of the two species of flying squirrels that inhabit North America (11 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

Lac Saint-Jean, a real inland sea!

Lac Saint-Jean is THE ideal destination for a successful beach vacation! Dip your feet in its warm waters at Parc de la Pointe-Scott beach in Roberval (13 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert) or at the beach of Camping Blanchet in Chambord (16 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert), both of which are supervised by a lifeguard.

Of course, don't miss the opportunity to sail on the majestic Lac Saint-Jean in the company of captain and naturalist guide Charles Dufour (Aventure Lac-Saint-Jean), who will show you the immensity of the lake from a completely different perspective. You will also have the chance to learn more about the history of the lake, from the last ice age to the present day (departure located 10 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

Heritage tour on the shores of Lac Saint-Jean

For history and culture lovers, a 3.4 km walking circuit allows you to discover the heritage sites of Roberval. The route, which runs along the shores of Lac Saint-Jean, includes some sixty historical and architectural points of interest, as well as bronze statues of characters who have marked the history of Roberval (departure located 9 km from the Historical Village of Val -Jalbert).

During your journey, make a relaxing stop in the Jardin des Ursulines (Ursuline Garden) and visit its museum, as well as the Boulangerie Perron, the oldest bakery in Roberval (10 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

Rain day

Looking for indoor activities on rainy days? Discover the Pekuakamiulnuatsh (Ilnus of Lac-Saint-Jean) by visiting the Amerindian Museum of Mashteuiatsh. Let yourself be guided through the immersive permanent exhibition Tshilanu Ilnuatsh to learn more about the culture and way of life of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh through the seasons.

Extend your experience by taking part in the Nutshimitsh (in the forest) outdoor course, which will teach you to recognize the plants and trees of the boreal forest used for shelter, transportation, food, and medicine for thousands of years (19 km of the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

To finish the day, watch the latest movies at the Chaplin Cinema in Roberval (10 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

Local delicacies and gourmet options

Sweet tooth? Discover all the delicious possibilities that feature the legendary wild blueberry of Lac-Saint-Jean, by visiting the Maison du Bleuet, just outside the Val-Jalbert Historical Village. On warmer days, the La Vache Copine dairy bar in Roberval allows you to treat yourself to a nice soft-serve ice cream while cooling off (10 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

If weather permits, why not pick your own produce or visit a farm stand? A few minutes from the Val-Jalbert Historical Village is the Verger Marie-Soleil, a certified organic family farm where you can pick blueberries, cut flowers, and other products. Right next door, the Saveurs du Verger farm allows you to buy berries such as haskap, very popular in the region, blueberries, and cherries, picked by hand. (2 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert). Then, for a wide variety of vegetables and other small fruits, visit the Maraîcher du 1er rang, in Roberval (10 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

For wine lovers, the Bonté Divigne vineyard produces quality local wines, to taste and purchase on site (15 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert). Are you more of a microbrewery beer type? During your visit to Roberval, stop at the Beemer Distillery boutique to discover its selection of beers inspired by local history and its refined spirits (8 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

For cyclists

Did you know that the Véloroute des bleuets passes right in front of the Val-Jalbert Historical Village? Whether you are coming from Roberval or leaving for Chambord after your visit, most activities are accessible by the cycle path. The route is also punctuated with rest stops, picnic areas, and free parking lots to make your journey easier! In Roberval, the Véloroute des bleuets crosses the heart of downtown, including the marina, which hosts several activities. On the way to Chambord, a stop at the rest area is a must for a breathtaking view of Lac Saint-Jean and its immensity.

Where to eat near the Val-Jalbert Historical Village?

Your visit is over and you're feeling peckish? The restaurant l'Emporte-moi, located in Roberval, offers a variety of dishes to eat in or take away, individually or as a family (10 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert). In addition, La Faim de loup also offers several meal options, each more delicious than the last (11 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

For a successful dinner, the dining room at the Hôtel Château Roberval offers a current and family menu, from seafood to grilled meats, as well as several options for the little ones (11.5 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

To enjoy a festive evening as a couple or with friends, go to the Cookerie Le Draveur to taste a variety of dishes inspired by Canadian cuisine, with a twist (9 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert). Alternatively, choose the St-Alfonse Resto-Pub, located in the heart of downtown, for an affordable and varied menu (10 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

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Where to stay near the Val-Jalbert Historical Village?

Several lodging options are available for an overnight stay in the vicinity of the Val-Jalbert Historical Village.

Looking for options with a swimming pool? The Hôtel Château Roberval offers an indoor swimming pool and luxurious rooms for an enjoyable family stay (11.5 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert). For an economical option, the Motel Roberval has an outdoor swimming pool (8.5 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

For an overnight stay in a cottage near the majestic Lac Saint-Jean, Chalets et Spa Lac-Saint-Jean is located a few minutes from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert and is the ideal destination for a complete experience with nature (3.5 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

For camping enthusiasts, Camping Plage Blanchet in Chambord is located on the shores of Lac Saint-Jean and provides access to a fine sandy beach as well as several other activities for the whole family (15.5 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

In Roberval, Camping Mont-Plaisant invites you to stay in one of its eight cottages or on one of its 235 large camping sites to enjoy an unforgettable stay (16 km from the Historical Village of Val-Jalbert).

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COVID-19

To ensure a safe visit, specific measures have been put in place by the various tourist attractions. However, it is possible that some of their activities or services have been suspended due to restrictive Public Health standards. Before making a reservation, contact the tourist site by phone or consult their website.