Skip to main content
Suggested itineraries

Explore the Museums of the Lac-Saint-Jean Region by Bike: A Journey through Culture and Nature

  • Itinerary
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Solo
  • duo
  • In a group
  • Arts and crafts
  • science and nature
  • Indigenous peoples
  • History and society
Tourist regions

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Journey

300 km

Discover details
Number of institutions

12 Museums

Time of year

Summer, Fall

About the Itinerary

Discover the Pays des Bleuets (Land of Blueberries)—the endearing nickname given to the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region—with this itinerary that combines bicycle touring, heritage and culture. As you cycle along the Véloroute des Bleuets, stop off at museums where you’ll discover the history, local crafts, wide-open spaces and communities that shape the identity of this region known for its many hidden treasures. A unique way to combine cultural discovery with the pleasure of riding one of Québec’s most beautiful cycle routes, which winds along the shoreline of a lake spanning more than 1,000 square kilometres. 

The result of a partnership between Vélo Québec and the Société des musées du Québec, this itinerary allows cycling and culture enthusiasts to combine their passions in a unique and unforgettable adventure! 

The Route

Day 1

Discover the Builders of the Lac-Saint-Jean Region

Alma

L’Odyssée des Bâtisseurs

Begin your adventure around the Lac Saint-Jean by discovering the history of these lands. During your visit to l'Odyssée des bâtisseurs, you will be steeped in the culture of the land of blueberries, as told through the stories of the region’s inhabitants. A highlight of your visit is certain to be the former water tower, which has been transformed into an immersive experience perched more than 24 metres above the ground. Don’t forget to take in the view and admire the vast expanse of the region you’re about to travel through!

View museum profile
Day 2

A Visit to the Land of Maria Chapdelaine

Péribonka

Musée Louis-Hémon

At the heart of Péribonka, a small village nestled at the mouth of the river of the same name, discover the story behind author Louis-Hémon’s work at the very location where he stayed in 1912 to write his famous novel Maria Chapdelaine. Founded over 85 years ago, the Louis-Hémon Museum has set itself the task of promoting not only the author’s work, but also literature from here and elsewhere.

local_seeGood to know

The Louis-Hémon Museum is part of the Espace Péribonka, which houses a tourist information centre, a gift shop, a library, and several other convenient services designed to enhance your stay.

View museum profile
Day 3

An Excursion to the Heart of Nordicity

Saint-Félicien et La Doré (From Normandin to Chambord)

Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien

A key attraction in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, the Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien is a paradise for animal lovers. Whether on foot or by mini-train, set off on an adventure and discover the residents of this zoo dedicated to the wildlife of the boreal region, both native and exotic. Feeling a bit out of your element? Head over to the little farm to meet some farm animals that are sure to melt your heart.

local_seeGood to know

All of the Zoo’s profits are reinvested in research and species conservation. Your visit therefore makes a tangible contribution to animal welfare!

View museum profile

Moulin des Pionniers de La Doré

The Moulin des Pionniers is a historic site that will delight outdoor enthusiasts! Here, you’ll discover the daily activities and ingenuity of the early 20th-century settlers, all brought to life within the heritage mill and its forge. Don’t miss this opportunity to get off your bike and into a kayak or canoe for an outing along the picturesque banks of the Rivière aux Saumons.

local_seeA must

Looking for an unforgettable overnight stay? Book a traditional cottage on the mill site and step back in time for a night.

View museum profile
Day 4

Indigenous and Settler Know-how

Saint-Prime et Mashteuiatsh

The Old Perron Cheese Factory Museum

While passing through Saint-Prime, take a moment to stop by this century-old former cheese factory that is now a historic landmark. A testament to Québec’s culinary expertise, this institution will introduce you to four generations of the Perron family and their enduring legacy. Roll up your sleeves and take part in a handcrafted butter-making workshop while sampling the cheeses that are the pride of the region. 

View museum profile

The Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh

Delve into the age-old history of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh people, the Ilnue First Nation of Pekuakami. During your visit, you have the opportunity to discover a vibrant and resilient culture that has inhabited this territory for generations. With programming in the visual arts, anthropology, and archaeology, there’s sure to be something for everyone! 

View museum profile
Day 5

A Trip Back in Time at Val-Jalbert

Chambord

Village historique de Val-Jalbert

Discover an authentic company village where time stood still in the 1920s. While there, you can tour workers’ homes and a general store, and watch reenactments that will immerse you in the everyday life back in those days. Just a short distance from this hamlet frozen in time, venture to the old mill to see the Ouiatchouan Falls—taller than Niagara Fall—and ride a cable car to the summit overlooking the site.

View museum profile
An Additional Itinerary Leg

An Excursion to the City of Saguenay

Saguenay

Centre national d'exposition de Saguenay

Visit the Centre national d’exposition, which overlooks a remarkable natural landscape and offers an unobstructed view of the Jonquière borough. Engage with art, history, and science through a year-round rotating exhibition program. An ideal setting to discover works by professional visual artists as well as exhibitions featuring pieces from Quebecois, Canadian, and international collections. 

local_seeGood to know

Prolong your experience with a gourmet break combining farm-to-table dining and a summer guided tour, in a friendly atmosphere where nature and culture converge.

View museum profile

Arvida Heritage Museum

Step back in time to discover the history of two company towns that shaped the industrial development of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. Discover the stories behind Kénogami, founded by Sir William Price, and Arvida, a town planned around the aluminum industry, through exhibitions, period artefacts, and personal accounts. This tour will give you a deeper understanding of the industrial, architectural, and human heritage that has shaped the region—a heritage whose influence extends far beyond the borders of Quebec.

View museum profile

La Pulperie de Chicoutimi / Regional Museum

Located on a vast historic riverside site, the museum bears witness to Chicoutimi’s industrial history and development in the early 20th century. The immersive exhibitions invite you to relive the Pulp Company's epic history and explore Chicoutimi’s historic trading post through archaeology and interactive displays. The tour also includes riverside trails that are accessible year-round.

View museum profile

Bagotville Air Defence Museum

Immerse yourself in the history of Canadian military aviation through a collection of aircraft, authentic artefacts, and interactive experiences. From the earliest aircraft to modern fighter jets, this tour highlights the outstanding missions of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Bagotville Air Base.The experience is enriched by exhibitions devoted to significant events in the region’s military and civilian history.

View museum profile

Musée du Fjord

Set in the heart of an exceptional natural environment, the Musée du Fjord takes visitors on a journey of discovery through the Saguenay Fjord, combining science, culture, and regional heritage. An aquarium highlights the local aquatic biodiversity, while immersive and multimedia experiences allow visitors to learn about the fjord’s geology and history. The exhibitions also focus on genealogy and the connections between people and their land.

View museum profile

To help you plan your bike route with ease, consult the Véloroute des bleuets cycling itinerary available on the Québec à vélo online platform.