Les fameux fantômes du Valin en hiver.
1. Parc national des Monts-Valin
The Parc national des Monts-Valin sits about 30 minutes north of Chicoutimi.
- Winter: snow-covered firs in the shape of Valin ghosts
- Summer: hiking, mountain biking, fishing
2. Mont-Édouard and downhill skiing
Mont-Édouard (~1 hour) — one of the region's favourite ski stations.
- 44 trails (including 13 glade/sous-bois runs), vertical of 450 m
- Comparable to the Laurentians, less crowded, more affordable
3. Snowmobile and ATV
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is one of the world capitals of snowmobiling.
Over 3,500 km of marked trails. Several companies offer rentals and guided excursions.
4. The Saguenay Fjord
The Saguenay Fjord:
- One of the longest in the world
- Only navigable fjord south of the 60th parallel
- 105 km from Chicoutimi to Tadoussac (meeting the Saint-Laurent)
- Cliffs up to 300 m tall
The Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay offers:
- Hiking trails: La Statue, Les Caps, several others
- Sea kayaking
- Beluga watching (from the Saint-Laurent)
- Summer cruises departing from several points
Park access: $9.25/day for an adult, or about $95/year via the SÉPAQ annual card — pays off after about 11 visits.
5. The four destinations at a glance
The four major destinations for outdoor activities differ by distance, peak season and main activity.
The SÉPAQ annual card (about $95) covers the two national parks — Monts-Valin and Fjord-du-Saguenay — and pays off after about 11 visits. Mont-Édouard and snowmobile trails are run by other operators with their own prices.
| Destination | Distance | Peak season | Main activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parc des Monts-Valin | ~30 min | Winter | Valin ghosts |
| Mont-Édouard | ~1 h | Winter | Downhill ski (44 trails) |
| Snowmobile trails | On-site | Winter | 3,500 km marked |
| Parc du Fjord-du-Saguenay | At the door | Summer | Kayak, belugas |
6. Fishing, hunting and seasonal activities
Beyond major parks, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean offers:
- Salmon fishing in the Sainte-Marguerite River: legendary — special permit required
- Sport fishing on regional lakes: standard Quebec licence
- Hunting (moose, bear, small game): permit, training, respect for seasons set by the government
- Blueberry picking: summer — tradition that gave Saguenéens their nickname « Les Bleuets »
- Mushroom picking: autumn
- Colourful hikes: fall foliage — draw locals and tourists alike
To get started, the SÉPAQ annual card + a fishing permit open up most activities.
7. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions on outdoors near Chicoutimi: best fjord season, gear rental vs buying, and park access without a car.
What's the best season to visit the fjord?
Late June to early October — peak summer.
- July-August: warmest weather, best kayaking conditions
- September: fewer crowds, spectacular fall colours
- Belugas: most active June to September
Winter: different magic (frozen sections, ice fishing, snowshoeing) but most park services close from November to May.
For a first visit, August is ideal: good weather, full services, all activities available.
Book accommodations well in advance — lodging near the fjord fills up early.
Should I buy all the gear or can I rent?
Rent first, buy later.
For occasional users (1-3 trips/year): rental is more cost-effective.
Typical rental rates:
- Kayak: $40 to $60/day
- Snowshoes: $15 to $25/day
- Cross-country skis: $20 to $35/day
SÉPAQ parks rent most basic gear.
For frequent users (weekly+): buying pays off after 1-2 seasons.
Used gear via Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji: savings of 50 to 70 %.
Don't buy on your first visit — wait until you know which activities you'll actually do.
Can you reach the parks without a car?
Mostly no.
- The STS bus does not reach Monts-Valin or the fjord park
- Commercial tours from Chicoutimi: day excursions with transport included (~$80 to $150) — good for one-off experiences
- Bike + car: combo possible in summer if you have a car-owning friend
For frequent outdoor activities in Saguenay, a car becomes nearly essential.
Many Saguenéens carpool with coworkers or friends — ask around at work or sports clubs.
8. See also
To make the most of outdoors around Chicoutimi:
- Read living through Saguenay winter to prepare the gear before Mont-Valin and snowmobiling.
- See surviving Quebec winter for the basics of gear and driving.
- Prepare your move-in with first steps in Chicoutimi to discover the city before the nature getaways.
Author's Note: 30 minutes from downtown puts you in the boreal forest or by the fjord.