Quebec - Canada

Tour of Lac Saint-Jean on the Véloroute des Bleuets in 6 Days

Set out on a full loop around Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, on one of Québec’s great cycling routes. Over 6 days, you circle this vast inland sea self-guided, with your accommodations booked and your luggage moved ahead from one stage to the next.

Known as Pekuakami among the Ilnu, this freshwater sea has shaped the region’s history. You follow open shorelines, ride through fertile farmland, then enter Pointe-Taillon National Park and its sandy beaches. Cultural stops in Mashteuiatsh and at the Val-Jalbert heritage site enrich the trip, along with food stops in the lakeside villages.

The route runs mostly on dedicated bike paths and quiet backroads. The terrain stays manageable, and distances vary depending on the option you choose.

Highlights

Short stages, including one day of 30 km

Crossing Pointe-Taillon National Park

Cultural stops including Mashteuiatsh and the blueberry economuseum

Tour of Lac Saint-Jean on the Véloroute des Bleuets in 6 Days

Activity level:

Accommodation:

Superior

Period: May to October

Length of stay: 6 days

Travel package: Self-guided tour

Starting from1495$

Upcoming departures

Itinerary

The markers on the map locate each stage approximately. They do not correspond to the exact address of your accommodation. The overnight stays indicated in the itinerary may change depending on availability. The exact address appears in your travel booklet.

Day 1 | Arrival in Alma

Arrive in Alma and check in at your hotel. The city sits where Lac Saint-Jean meets the Saguenay River, a natural gateway for the tour. Spend the afternoon finding the parking area and luggage drop-off, and take a short stroll along the water. The riding begins tomorrow morning.

Overnight: in Alma

Day 2 | Alma – Sainte-Monique or Péribonka

This morning you follow the Grande Décharge River before entering Pointe-Taillon National Park (admission fees apply), a protected peninsula lined with fine-sand beaches. If the weather cooperates, it’s a perfect spot for a swim along the way. The path then hugs the lake for a good stretch. To close the day, the boardwalk above the Péribonka River makes for a beautiful finish.

Short option : 37 km, elevation gain 203 m
Intermediate option : 49 km, elevation gain 258 m
Long option : 66 km, elevation gain 308 m

Overnight: in Sainte-Monique or Péribonka

Day 3 | Sainte-Monique or Péribonka – Dolbeau-Mistassini (47 km)

You leave the lake behind and head inland. The Péribonka River keeps you company for the first while, then blueberry fields take over, stretching to the horizon. There’s a possible stop at the old mill in Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc before you carry on toward Dolbeau-Mistassini. At the edge of town, the Chute des Pères on the Mistassini River is a good excuse to hop off the bike for a few minutes.

Elevation gain: 152 m
Overnight: in Dolbeau-Mistassini

Day 4 | Dolbeau-Mistassini – Saint-Félicien (61 km)

Farmland and boreal forest take turns on this varied stage. In Albanel, the blueberry economuseum tells the story of the fruit that shaped the region’s economy. Normandin is a good place to stop, visit the local cheese dairy and pick up something for the road. The day ends along the Ashuapmushuan River into Saint-Félicien.

Elevation gain: 217 m
Overnight: in Saint-Félicien

Day 5 | Saint-Félicien – Roberval, Val-Jalbert or Chambord (30 km, 40 km, or 44 km)

You return to the shores of Lac Saint-Jean. In Saint-Prime, the marina is an open invitation to swim if the weather’s right. You then pass through Mashteuiatsh and its Ilnu museum before an ice cream break at the Maison du vélo in Roberval. From there, you can end the day in Roberval or ride a few kilometers farther to the Val-Jalbert heritage village and its 74-meter Ouiatchouan Falls, higher than Niagara. You stay in Val-Jalbert or the neighboring village of Chambord, depending on availability, confirmed when you book.

Overnight: in Roberval, Val-Jalbert or Chambord

Day 6 | Return to Alma (56, 60 or 70 km)

A final stage along the southern shore of the lake, with wide-open views across the water. You pass through a few lakeside villages before a possible last swim at Rigolet Beach in Métabetchouan or Saint-Gédéon Beach. The ride back into Alma is gentle, following the lake to the mouth of the Saguenay River. Le Lion Bleu microbrewery is waiting to toast the finish. And that’s the end of the trip.

Option from Roberval : 70 km
Option from Val-Jalbert : 56 km
Option from Chambord : 60 km

Dates and Pricing

All prices are indicated per person and in CAD. They vary depending on the period and availability at the time of booking.

Possible departures : every day, from May to October

Contact our specialist

Double Occupancy Package :

Starting from $1,495 + taxes (GST and QST)

Single Occupancy Supplement :

On request

Bike Rental :

On request

The Price Includes

5 nights in a double room with private bathroom, breakfast included (comfort inns or 3-star hotels)
Daily luggage transfers
Accommodation taxes
GPX tracks to follow the itinerary by bike
A digital travel kit 30 days before departure, including the essential logistical details for your trip
An assistance service with an emergency number
Participation in the Fonds Plein Air 1% for the Planet program: Ekilib donates 1% of its revenue to support nature protection projects in Québec

The Price Does Not Include

Transporting your bike to the start and back from the finish, and any related costs.
Bike rental
Personal expenses, including drinks
Meals not listed above
Admission to sites and activities not listed above
Tips
GST and QST if applicable
Travel insurance
File processing fees of CA$50, plus taxes
Financial protection from the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents (free of charge as of January 1, 2024)

Practical information

Bike Type and Equipment Provided

The bikes provided are suited to the type of route and are regularly maintained by our local partners. Each one usually comes with a rear pannier (except carbon bikes) to carry your day’s belongings, a lock and a puncture repair kit. Riders handle simple puncture repairs along the way. Helmets aren’t always provided, so we recommend bringing your own for comfort and safety.

You can generally bring your own bike; contact us to check. This is usually possible for standard bikes. E-bikes aren’t accepted when the trip involves air travel, due to battery restrictions.

Guidance

On self-guided trips, you are autonomous in your progress, but never alone. A local partner remains available throughout the stay, and an emergency number is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if needed. This assistance makes it possible to respond quickly to any logistical question or unexpected situation.

Luggage Transfers

Throughout your trip, we arrange luggage transfers between accommodations. Each morning, you drop your main bag at reception, and it’s taken to your next stop. The usual limit is one bag per person, up to about 20 kg. You ride with only what you need for the day, usually in the pannier provided with the bike.

Formalities

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential to participate in an Ekilib trip. It must notably cover emergency medical expenses abroad, assistance, and repatriation. Coverage for trip cancellation and interruption is also strongly recommended. Traveling by bike involves physical activity and daily travel. Appropriate insurance allows you to deal with unexpected events with peace of mind. Before departure, check that your policy covers cycling as part of a trip. We also recommend checking the protections offered by your credit card or insurance company.

Flights

For this trip, international flights are not included in the price of the stay. We recommend waiting for official trip confirmation before booking your flights. You can make this booking yourself or ask our team to assist you with the process. In all cases, it is advisable to check arrival and departure times to facilitate the transfers planned in your program.

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Traveling by bike is already a step toward more sustainable travel. We go further by designing itineraries conceived for slow travel, away from overtourism areas, and by favoring local partners recognized for their knowledge of the terrain.