A getaway with friends in Saguenay: what to do for a memorable escape?
Sometimes, all it takes is a few days away from everyday life to reconnect with the people we do not see often enough, laugh without watching the clock and create new memories together. Whether you dream of outdoor adventure, long evenings around a good table, cultural discoveries or moments of relaxation, a getaway with friends in the Saguenay brings all these desires together in one escape. In summer and winter alike, the region offers an immediate sense of being somewhere completely different, with enough activities to appeal to even the most varied personalities.
Here are some of the best ideas for discovering what to do in the Saguenay with friends and planning a trip you will be talking about for years to come.
Festivals: share the rhythm of the Saguenay
Dreaming of a summer evening when music fills the streets, terraces come alive and your only real concern is choosing the next performance? The Saguenay’s many festivals give the warmer months a distinctive rhythm and offer an excellent reason to plan a getaway with friends around a concert, festival or major public celebration.
In summer in Chicoutimi, the Festival International des Rythmes du Monde brings together artists and sounds from a wide range of backgrounds. Latin music, reggae, jazz, world traditions and lively performances create an atmosphere made for discovery and spontaneous evenings. Other musical events offer a different way to experience the region. Jazz Fest Saguenay presents a more intimate and eclectic atmosphere across a variety of venues, whilst Jonquière en Musique features a varied programme ranging from rock and pop to country and more alternative styles. In La Baie, Les Grandes Veillées and other cultural events celebrate music, traditions and the region’s welcoming community spirit.
In winter, the Saguenay does not slow down: it simply changes scenery. Imagine yourselves wrapped up warm in front of monumental sculptures, hot coffee in hand, surrounded by snow and light. Saguenay en Neige transforms parc Saint-Laurent in Jonquière into a true open-air gallery, where sculpted works and winter activities invite visitors to rediscover the joy of playing outdoors. Les Hivernades de Saguenay also offer a variety of activities in the Chicoutimi area, particularly around the port district. These winter festivals fit perfectly into a weekend with friends in Chicoutimi. A few hours in the fresh air are all it takes to reconnect with your inner child, before returning to the warmth of a spa, the comfort of a refined room or a generous table. It is precisely this contrast between spectacular winter scenery and indoor pleasures that makes a stay in the Saguenay so memorable.
Nature: escape together amid magnificent landscapes
In the Saguenay, nature is never merely a backdrop. It becomes an integral part of the trip. To experience one of the region’s most iconic landscapes, paddle across the waters of the Saguenay Fjord, beneath cliffs that seem to stretch endlessly. Sea kayaking offers an entirely different perspective from which to explore its coves, bays and rock faces.
For those who prefer to take in the fjord without paddling, a cruise or excursion aboard the Navettes maritimes du Fjord offers a more leisurely, yet equally impressive experience. Some crossings connect several areas or combine a boat journey with a cycling excursion. This option is particularly well suited to groups who want to admire the scenery, take photographs and catch up without strenuous physical effort
Hiking enthusiasts will also find plenty of trails to suit their preferences. In parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, routes wind through the forest before leading to breathtaking viewpoints over the fjord and baie Éternité. Depending on the group’s ability, you can choose an accessible walk or a more demanding hike. The more adventurous might even consider the via ferrata des Géants, a thrilling experience that takes you along the rock face high above the fjord. Parc national des Monts-Valin, meanwhile, offers a more mountainous setting. In autumn, imagine yourselves before a forest transformed by shades of red, gold and orange. In winter, deep snow creates almost unreal landscapes, with trees taking on ghost-like shapes. Snowshoeing then offers an accessible way to venture into the forest, whilst Nordic skiing and other activities provide an added challenge for more athletic groups.
The region is also ideal for fatbiking, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, ice fishing and a variety of Nordic experiences. The secret to a successful outing is to choose an activity that genuinely brings the group together, rather than focusing solely on performance.
Gastronomy: taste the boreal landscape
Discovering the Saguenay with friends also means tasting its landscape. Regional flavours are closely linked to products from the boreal forest, family traditions and producers’ expertise. Cheeses, beers, spirits, charcuterie, blueberries and wild ingredients come together in a gourmet escape where every stop becomes an opportunity to share.
Begin with a visit to the Chicoutimi public market, where the stalls change with the seasons. Take the time to chat with the stallholders, discover local products and choose a few finds for an impromptu aperitif. Regional cheeses, charcuterie, jams, chocolates or blueberry products can easily become the starting point for a tasting in your room or a picnic surrounded by nature.
Cheesemaking expertise plays an important part in the culinary identity of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. A visit to Fromagerie Boivin offers the chance to taste its famous fresh cheddar made that day, appreciated for its distinctive texture and flavour. Fromagerie Blackburn, in the Jonquière area, also offers a range of artisanal creations that reflect the richness of the region’s dairy tradition.
Craft beer enthusiasts can explore the Saguenay’s microbreweries, particularly in Chicoutimi, Jonquière and the communities around the fjord. A tasting flight allows you to compare several creations without rushing the experience. Choose one or two places rather than cramming in stop after stop, order a few dishes to share and let the conversation continue. After all, the true pleasure of a food and drink trail rarely lies in the number of places visited, but rather in the time devoted to each one.
In Saint-David-de-Falardeau, Distillerie du Fjord offers another way to discover boreal flavours. Its spirits draw inspiration from the forest and the region’s natural riches. A guided tour provides an opportunity to learn more about the ingredients, production methods and the company’s family story, before comparing aromas during a tasting. This activity fits easily before or after an excursion in the Monts-Valin.
The Zone Boréale initiative also helps identify producers, processors and restaurateurs who celebrate the ingredients and expertise of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Look for this designation when planning your stops: it will guide you towards authentic experiences rooted in the region.
Culture: discover what makes the Saguenay unique with friends
Culture reveals what the landscapes do not immediately tell you. Through its museums, industrial buildings, performances and historical accounts, the Saguenay reveals a region shaped by water, forest, industry and a community deeply connected to its roots.
In Chicoutimi, La Pulperie is an ideal starting point for gaining a better understanding of the region’s history. Housed on the site of a former mechanical pulp mill, the museum occupies impressive heritage buildings surrounded by trails and green spaces. Its exhibitions explore industrial development, the Chicoutimi trading post, the history of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and the work of painter Arthur Villeneuve. Set aside time to explore the outdoor site and admire the particularly photogenic stone buildings.
The visit can then continue at La Petite Maison Blanche. Having become a symbol of resilience after withstanding the 1996 flood, the house conveys both the power of the water and the strength of the community. In La Baie, Musée du Fjord explores the natural and scientific characteristics of this exceptional environment. Its interactive exhibitions and aquarium reveal the fjord’s biodiversity, its distinctive waters and the phenomena that have shaped the region.
During the summer, a performance of La Fabuleuse Histoire d’un Royaume may become one of the highlights of your stay. This large-scale production tells the region’s story through a vast cast, imposing sets and sweeping theatrical tableaux.
Downtown Chicoutimi is also best discovered without too rigid an itinerary. Stroll around rue Racine, browse the shops, take in the buildings, then stop for a coffee or a drink. These spontaneous moments create a pleasing balance between major planned activities and the simple pleasure of spending time with friends in Saguenay.
An incomparable experience with friends at OTL Gouverneur Saguenay
The hotel should not simply be the place you return to sleep between activities. It should be an integral part of the trip. At OTL Gouverneur Saguenay, every space allows friends to come together, slow down and naturally extend the best moments of the getaway.
The rooms and suites combine contemporary design with carefully considered comfort. Exclusive Moie Collection bedding, a rainfall shower, heated flooring, a Nespresso coffee machine, an electronic tablet and a television with Chromecast create an environment that is as practical as it is elegant. To stay close whilst preserving everyone’s privacy, certain room categories can be connected upon request and subject to availability. The included breakfast also makes group departures easier. Everyone can compose their meal to suit their tastes before setting out to explore the fjord or Chicoutimi’s attractions. On returning, the indoor pool, whirlpools and shared spaces invite you to slow down.
Directly connected to the hotel, PAŪS Spa Expérience turns a simple pause into a moment of relaxation shared with friends. Its thermal experience invites you to alternate between heat, cold and rest in an environment inspired by Scandinavian rituals.
Massages, facials, body rituals, manicures and pedicures make it possible to create an experience tailored to everyone’s preferences. Imagine a duo massage with your best friend, followed by time in the thermal experience. For a girls’ getaway in the Saguenay, it is also possible, for example, to book several manicures or pedicures at the same time, for a moment of beauty and conversation.
As evening falls, Boefish becomes the group’s natural meeting place. Located within OTL Gouverneur Saguenay, this Terre et Mer steakhouse offers a vibrant, contemporary and refined atmosphere. Sharing is central to the Boefish experience. Begin with a few oysters, add starters to the centre of the table, then let everyone discover each dish as the meal unfolds. Tartares, seafood, carpaccios, generous sides and signature cocktails create a progression in which the evening naturally gathers momentum. Each course becomes a new opportunity to taste, talk and celebrate.
To experience the Terre et Mer spirit in full, the chef’s choice Boefish Experience platter is a particularly convivial option. Comprising selections of meat and seafood, it is designed to be shared. Add a bottle chosen together, a final cocktail or a digestif, then let dinner linger. Your room is only a few steps away. Bringing together an upscale hotel, an expansive spa and an acclaimed steakhouse makes the OTL Gouverneur Saguenay experience truly incomparable for a successful getaway with friends in the Saguenay.
With the fjord’s magnificent landscapes, festivals, gourmet discoveries and cultural experiences, the Saguenay has everything you need for a getaway with friends that feels both transporting and unforgettable. Bring your favourite people together, imagine the stay that suits you and let the Saguenay do the rest.
FAQ about getaways with friends in the Saguenay
What are the best activities to enjoy with friends in the Saguenay?
Must-do activities include kayaking or cruising on the Saguenay Fjord, hiking in parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay and parc national des Monts-Valin, as well as snowshoeing and other winter activities. You can also visit La Pulperie de Chicoutimi, Musée du Fjord, a microbrewery, a cheesemaker or Distillerie du Fjord. In summer and winter alike, regional festivals add a festive atmosphere to the stay.
How many nights should you allow for visiting the Saguenay with friends?
A stay of at least two nights allows you to combine an outdoor activity, a cultural or gourmet discovery and time to relax. Three nights or more offer greater freedom to explore the fjord, the Monts-Valin and the different areas of Saguenay without overloading the itinerary.
What is the best season for a getaway with friends in the Saguenay?
Summer is ideal for kayaking, cruises, hiking and festivals. Autumn brings spectacular colours, particularly in the Monts-Valin and around the fjord. Winter suits enthusiasts of snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling and Nordic atmospheres. Spring, meanwhile, offers a quieter escape, perfect for combining culture, gastronomy and relaxation at the spa.
Can connecting rooms be booked at OTL Gouverneur Saguenay?
Certain room categories can be connected upon request and subject to availability. This option is particularly convenient for a group of friends who want to stay together whilst retaining separate bedrooms and bathrooms. It is advisable to mention this preference when booking.
Can group treatments be booked at PAŪS Spa Expérience?
PAŪS Spa Expérience offers massages, facial and body treatments, manicures, pedicures and a thermal experience. It is possible to book a duo massage or arrange several hand and foot treatments in simultaneous or closely spaced appointment times, subject to availability. Advance booking is recommended for all members of the group.
Which dishes can be shared at Boefish?
The Boefish menu features several dishes that are ideal for sharing, including oysters, tartares, seafood, sides and certain larger cuts of meat. The chef’s choice Boefish Experience platter lets you discover a selection of meats and seafood served in the centre of the table. It is a particularly suitable option for dinner with friends.
Why choose OTL Gouverneur Saguenay for a getaway with friends?
OTL Gouverneur Saguenay brings together refined rooms, some available in a connecting configuration, an included breakfast, an indoor pool, PAŪS Spa Expérience and Boefish steakhouse under one roof. This all-in-one experience makes it easy to combine exploration, relaxation and gastronomy without having to travel from place to place once you return to the hotel.
