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History—Tread in the footsteps of the Trappist Fathers of Mistassini

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Get even more out of your visit to the Chocolaterie des Pères Trappistes with a balado-discovery audio tour of the Pointe-des-Pères area in Parc Régional des Grandes Rivières du Lac Saint-Jean. Starting 9 km away from the Chocolaterie, the Trappist Fathers, the Vital Essence of a New Country audio tour invites you to relive the historical epic of the first settlers who managed themselves as best they could under the strong leadership of the Trappist Fathers in the late 19th century. Do it before or after you stop by the Chocolaterie. It’s a must that’ll indulge your curiosity!

Experienced walkers and pilgrims can walk the entire 28 km pilgrimage path of the Chemin pèlerin Monasteriorum. The Aux Rats River that winds its way between Dolbeau-Mistassini and St-Eugène-d’Argentenay will lead you to the sites of three Trappist monasteries built since the community was established in 1892.

For more information:

Maison du Parc régional des Grandes-Rivières du lac Saint-Jean

Address: 400 boulevard des Pères, Dolbeau-Mistassini, QC G8L 6E4

Telephone: 418-274-8222

Email:   infoparc@mrcmaria.qc.ca

Website: https://grandesrivieres.com

 

Explore Dolbeau-Mistassini

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When Trappists arrived here more than 125 years ago, they contributed to the development of the municipality we know today as Dolbeau-Mistassini.

Carve out some time before or after your visit to the Chocolaterie to see what the city has become today.

On the way, keep an eye out for the huge white statues that line the Halles du Bleuet, located right where the former Monastère des Pères used to be. We strongly recommend you take a tour, indulge in a local frozen treat: a soft-serve blueberry ice cream dipped in Pères Trappistes chocolate. For any last-minute purchases, you can pick up some of our products there.

From the late July to late August, admire the fresh blueberry kiosks along the regional road or pick your own at one of the nearby blueberry farms.

Would you like to explore some other historical relics near the Chocolaterie? Set off on a road trip to the town of Ste-Jeanne-d’Arc and take a guided tour of the Vieux-Moulin. A visit to the Musée Louis-Hémon in Péribonka is another great way to end a day of family fun. The animated activities and immersive exhibitions transport you to an era that inspired the book, Maria Chapdelaine.  

On warm summer afternoons, go for a dip at the municipal beach.

If you or your teens have energy to spare, a guided rafting tour along the Mistassibi River with H2O Adventures will do the trick. The river is revered by water sports lovers, near and far! Too extreme for you? Instead, admire the blueberry fields on your hike or mountain bike ride through the trails at Centre Do-mi-ski.

End your discovery stay with a refreshing local beer and prepared terroir dishes at the Bistro-Bar at Coureur des Bois microbrewery.

Kick back and relax for the night at the Chutes des Pères motel or at one of the nearby campsites.

For more information:

Maria-Chapdelaine Tourist Welcome Office

Address: 265 boulevard des Pères, Dolbeau-Mistassini, QC G8L 5C5

Telephone: 418-274-7646

Agrotourism — A Taste of Haut-du-Lac

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Now that you’ve tasted Chocolaterie des Pères chocolates, your taste buds are bound to crave even more regional zest. Savour the array of flavours you can try through Escapades Gourmandes de la Zone Boréale.

In Haut-du-Lac-St-Jean, we recommend a stop at the Domaine d’Orée des Bois, located a few minutes from La Chocolaterie, where you can try spreads and jams made with small, local boreal fruits. Then, head to Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean in Albanel, where you’ll discover a family-run business that specializes in wild blueberry processing. Finally, drive to the municipalities of Normandin, St-Félicien and St-Prime to try an assortment of their local farm cheeses!

Some cheese shops along the way:

  • Fromagerie la Normandinoise, Normandin;
  • Bouchard Artisans BIO, St-Félicien;
  • Fromagerie aux Pays des Bleuets, St-Félicien;
  • Fromagerie Perron, St-Prime.

For a list of other agrotourism destinations, visit the Zone Boréale website.

Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean- Jam maker : wild blueberry ÉCONOMUSÉE

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The sweet taste of wild blueberries

The family business Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean, specializing in wild blueberries, is committed to offering products made with these wonderful small berries, emblematic of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. Jam makers Émilie and Marie-Soleil Gaudreault, along with their mother Lisette Paré, gently handle the fruit to make sure they preserve its wonderful flavour and excellent health properties. These artisans, who combine many years of experience, make a living from their passion, a passion that is embodied in their delicious creations. When you stop by the blueberry enterprise, located right in the heart of the municipality of Albanel, get some delightful products to bring home and put a touch of freshness on your plate!

Directions and contact :

Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean 

170-A, rue Principale, Albanel (QC)

418 515-0359

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Cristal du Lac - Prospector ÉCONOMUSÉE

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From the mine to the jewel

Cristal du Lac is a family-owned company located in Metabetchouan-Lac-à-laCroix, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, which operates in the crystal and quartz mining industry. Driven by the desire to share their passion and their know-how in mineralogy - specifically for quartz crystals-, the Chrétien-Belley family provides visitors of all ages with several prospecting activities.

In Metabetchouan, visitors will learn more about the various uses of crystal through mineralogical explorations, express prospecting activities, and an on-site shop. Also, a mine excursion activity is available to try out the trade of crystal artisan-prospector. 

Directions and contact :

Cristal du Lac

1840, route 169, Métabetchouan (QC)

418 213-0702

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Boulangerie Perron - Bread making ÉCONOMUSÉE

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Fresh and flavourful bread!

Enter Boulangerie Perron in Roberval and revel in the smell of fresh bread made the old-fashioned way. In addition to the unmistakeable aroma, follow the story of one of the oldest bakeries in Roberval. Learn the secrets of the trade and of bread, a staple food for mankind, but also a source of social unrest. Tour the premises to discover the steps in bread making. Observe Clément Perron at work, from his choice of raw ingredients to the final product. And don't miss out on the shop's delights! Take advantage of your visit to purchase a loaf of fresh bread. From unleavened bread to exquisite pastries, Boulangerie Perron offers a gourmet experience with an artisanal flavour. 

Directions and contact :

Boulangerie Perron de Roberval

637, boul. Saint-Joseph, Roberval (QC)

418 275-1234

Miel des Ruisseaux - Beekeeper ÉCONOMUSÉE

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A passion for bees

As a young man, Patrick Fortier used to accompany his grandfather Marcel as he made the rounds checking his beehives. Once Patrick became a farm producer, his interest for beekeeping led him to start Miel des Ruisseaux with the unconditional support of his spouse, Shirley Tremblay. The enterprise offers different varieties of liquid and creamy honey: clover, buckwheat and blueberry. Miel des Ruisseaux also specializes in mead, featuring the popular Le Rêve bleu made from blueberries. Candy, spreads and other sweets complement the product line. During a visit to Miel des Ruisseaux, you can even observe a fully active hive or live a virtual reality experience that will make you feel like you are part of the beehive!

Directions and contact :

Miel des Ruisseaux

2920, route du Lac Ouest, Alma (QC)

418 668-7734

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