HISTORIC VILLAGE OF VAL-JALBERT

Built in 1901, the Val-Jalbert pulp mill produced 50 tonnes of mechanical pulp a day for papermaking, which was then exported to the United States and Europe. The pulp mill supported a population of 950. The village was considered highly advanced in terms of modernity, and compared to Boston in the USA in the 1920s, as it was equipped with town planning, fire hydrants, running water, sanitary facilities, electricity and forced-air heating. With growing demand for paper rather than pulp, and unable to modernize economically, the mill was forced to close in 1927. Dependent on the mill, the population gradually moved away. For almost 60 years, the houses that had once housed the workers' families lay abandoned, like a ghost village. Today, they're still authentic, but restored and alive with inhabitants in period costume. You can visit the disused mill, the convent-school and the general store. We recommend climbing to the top of the mountain via a 764-step staircase or by cable car (included in the entrance fee), to enjoy the view of the impressive 70-metre-high Ouiatchouan Falls and majestic Lac Saint-Jean. This nostalgic trip back in time is a real change of scenery. What's more, the site is truly superb. On-site catering services are available, as well as accommodation (camping, mini-chalets, renovated rooms in period houses and 14 new top-of-the-range homes overlooking Lac Saint-Jean). Although the history of Val-Jalbert ended in 1927 with the closure of the pulp mill, the former company village has become a must-see tourist destination in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region! In fact, it's an ideal destination for families. There's something for everyone: a lookout with glass floor at the heart of the waterfall, historical animation, cable car, hiking trails, La Dompe themed trail, immersive multi-sensory show, restaurant at the mill (local cuisine, vegetarian and gluten-free options available), café-terrace at the general store, convenience store at the campground, gift store, special events and more, not to mention winter programming. A must-see!