Blueberries & Art de Vivre: Escape to the Heart of Saguenay
Every summer, the wild blueberry paints the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region in a captivating shade of deep blue. Here, this tiny fruit with its rich and delicate flavour is far more than a local delicacy, it’s a symbol of regional pride, a refined expression of terroir, and a central thread in a way of life deeply rooted in nature. From the elegant comfort of OTL Gouverneur Saguenay, set off on a journey through this iconic fruit’s cultural and culinary world, from gourmet tastings and peaceful wild harvests to wellness experiences inspired by the blueberry itself.
The Saguenay Wild Blueberry: A Natural Treasure with Countless Benefits
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is world-renowned for its vast expanses of natural wild blueberry fields. Naturally sweet and bursting with flavour, these blueberries thrive in the region’s sandy soils, a legacy of historic wildfires from the late 1800s, and its cool northern climate. Wild blueberries here grow freely and abundantly, nurtured by nature alone.
The region’s blueberry industry took root in the early 20th century, when pioneering farming communities began to harvest and preserve this small but flavourful fruit. Sweeter, more aromatic, and packed with nutrients, wild blueberries quickly became a local treasure and now drive a thriving agrotourism economy. So central are they to the culture that locals affectionately refer to themselves as “bleuets” (blueberry in French) a proud, playful nod to their deep-rooted identity.
Blueberries are celebrated today not only for their taste, but for their antioxidant power, high fibre content, and versatility. Enjoy them fresh, in jams, chocolates, baked goods, or even dried or steeped. Beyond the table, blueberries are also valued in skincare, where they provide nourishing, natural ingredients for revitalizing treatments, a beautiful way to reconnect with nature, inside and out.
Pick-Your-Own Blueberries: A Calming, Sensory Experience
Nothing connects you more deeply to the land and its fruit than picking blueberries by hand, in the heart of a sun-drenched field, surrounded by silence and birdsong. This soothing, accessible practice invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the present moment. From OTL Gouverneur Saguenay, several high-quality blueberry farms welcome you within about an hour’s drive, each set in pristine natural surroundings.
Ferme des Érables, in Saint-Nazaire (50 min from OTL), combines blueberry picking with other agricultural activities, creating a vibrant and enriching environment. It’s the ideal place for travellers seeking genuine connections and authentic farm products. Specializing in cattle, the farm also has around sixty beehives and generous blueberry fields. U-pick is available daily throughout the month of August.
About an hour away, the Complexe touristique du Bleuet in Labrecque (59 min from OTL) offers a full immersion into the world of blueberries. Learn about the fruit’s history, meet the producers, explore the fields on a guided tour, and taste a wide array of artisanal products in a welcoming atmosphere that honours local traditions. A place where learning, nature, and pleasure come together to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Bleuetière Saguenoise, nestled in Petit-Saguenay (1h15 from OTL), offers an authentic experience in a vast setting where wild blueberries thrive freely. Families, couples, and curious explorers come here to enjoy a peaceful moment, with blue-stained hands and light hearts.
Dolbeau-Mistassini: The Blueberry Capital of the World
For terroir enthusiasts, there is one destination you simply can’t miss: Dolbeau-Mistassini, aptly nicknamed the Blueberry Capital of the World. This small town, located about two hours from the hotel, is a must for anyone seeking full immersion in northern Quebec’s “blue culture.”
Every summer in early August, the town hosts the Festival du Bleuet, a lively celebration of the harvest featuring musical performances, tastings, meet-and-greets with producers, and the famous giant blueberry pie made with over 120 pounds of fruit. This joyful event is a moment of connection between locals, the land, and visitors.
Dolbeau-Mistassini is also a gourmet and inspiring destination. Stop by to pick blueberries at the Bleuetière touristique, enjoy a sublime blueberry tart at Jacinthe Ouellet bakery, or discover the Halle aux Bleuets | Crèmerie du Nord for a soft-serve ice cream dipped in blueberry chocolate. For fine food lovers, a stop at Bleuets Mistassini is a must: their dried and frozen wild blueberries, used in many professional kitchens, are a benchmark in quality. And to extend the experience into your wellness ritual, the brand Ta peau, ton fruit offers a refined and natural skincare line made with wild blueberries, a true sensory expression of the land.
OTL Gouverneur Saguenay: A Refined Haven for Blueberry Lovers
At OTL Gouverneur Saguenay, the wild blueberry is more than a fruit, it’s part of the region’s soul, and of ours.
In our exclusive boutique, you’ll find a hand-picked selection of gourmet blueberry products by Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean, from decadent jams and syrups to dried berries and chocolate-covered delights. These elegant creations are perfect for bringing a taste of the Saguenay back home, or gifting someone special a refined bite of local culture.
Our hotel is more than a place to stay, it’s a lifestyle. A sanctuary where local heritage and understated luxury meet. During blueberry season, every experience, from spa rituals and fine dining to curated excursions and boutique finds, is thoughtfully designed to connect you with the beauty and abundance of this extraordinary region.
This Summer, Savour the Blueberry Experience in Saguenay
Let yourself be guided by the colour and flavour of wild blueberries.
Create memories that are authentic, refined, and profoundly inspiring.
Here, luxury is gently harvested , right at your fingertips.
