Le parc de la rivière-aux-Sables — poumon vert de Jonquière.
1. Parc de la rivière-aux-Sables
The Parc de la rivière-aux-Sables — one of Saguenay's largest urban green spaces.
- Trails for walking and cycling
- Picnic areas, beaches, fishing
- In winter: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
2. Centre Georges-Vézina
The Centre Georges-Vézina — Jonquière's main arena, named in honour of the legendary goaltender.
Hosts the Marquis de Jonquière (LNAH), shows, public skating.
3. Lac Kénogami
Lac-Kénogami — one of the region's largest lakes.
- Equipped beaches
- Canoe and kayak rental
- Hiking
4. Libraries and cultural centres
Cultural life in Jonquière:
- Bibliosaguenay: network of municipal libraries
- Fully free membership for residents
- Book lending, workshops, computer stations, free Wi-Fi
- Théâtre Palace Arvida: beautifully restored (Quebec modernist architecture)
- Concerts, comedy shows, theatre productions year-round
- Centre culturel du Mont-Jacob:
- Visual arts exhibitions
- Community events
- Creation workshops
Excellent meeting points for newcomers who want to integrate culturally.
5. Sports and seasonal activities
Jonquière offers many seasonal activities. The table below summarizes the main activities per season and their associated venues.
Local sports clubs:
- Recreational hockey at Centre Georges-Vézina
- Summer soccer
- Skiing at Club de ski de Jonquière
Registration: August for the school year, May for summer.
| Season | Activity | Main venue |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cycling | Véloroute des Bleuets, local trails |
| Summer | Fishing | Lac-Kénogami, rivière aux Sables |
| Summer | Golf | Several local clubs |
| Summer | Hiking | Municipal and regional parks |
| Winter | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing | Municipal parks |
| Winter | Snowmobiling | Regional trails |
| Winter | Ice fishing | Frozen lakes |
| Winter | Outdoor skating | Several parks |
6. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions on parks and leisure in Jonquière: park admission fees, equipment rental, and kids' hockey registration.
Is there an admission fee for Parc de la rivière-aux-Sables?
No — free admission for all, residents and visitors.
Parking: also free.
Some specific activities have separate costs:
- Canoe rental: variable rates
- Camping: paid
But the basic access to the park (trails, picnic, beaches) is free.
Snowshoe and ski-de-fond trails in winter:
- $5-$10/day
- $40-$60/season
One of the great free assets of Jonquière life.
Where to rent a kayak or paddleboard in Jonquière?
Several spots:
- Lac-Kénogami municipal beaches: $25-$35/half-day for kayak, $30-$40 for paddleboard
- Private outfitters around the lake: similar prices, more boat options
- Rivière aux Sables (in the park): small seasonal kayak and canoe outfitter (June-September)
For frequent users, buying used equipment (~$300-$600 for a good kayak) pays off after a single summer.
How to register my kids for hockey in Jonquière?
Through the Association du hockey mineur de Jonquière:
- Registration: typically late August for the September-March season
- Cost: $400-$800/year depending on age and level
- Included: practices 2-3x/week + weekend games
Equipment:
- $300-$800 for a starter kit
- Used gear via Facebook groups: major savings
Most kids start at 5-7 years old.
Local culture strongly hockey-centric — your kids will integrate fast by playing.
School registration separate (most school sports happen at secondary level).
7. See also
To make the most of Jonquière year-round:
- Read living through Saguenay winter to prepare the right gear before cross-country skiing at the Parc de la rivière-aux-Sables.
- See first steps in Jonquière for services and Bibliosaguenay.
- Extend your outings with Mont-Valin and outdoors around Chicoutimi — 30 minutes for skiing and snowmobiling.
8. Official sources
Author's Note: A free card at Bibliosaguenay or registering for local hockey is an excellent way to meet the community.
