Village historique de Val-Jalbert

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The Historical village of Val-Jalbert offers activities for everybody! Various circuits are available in our new visitor centre. Whether you decide to explore the site by foot, accompanied by a guide on board our trolleybus Balade or equipped with a GPS device, you can tailor your visit to your own interests and schedule.

Here are four different options to give you an idea.

New viewpoint

Take on the Falls!

From this stunning perch, you’ll feel as if you’re falling amongst the currents.

Animation

Theatrical shows

Follow the story of the village of Val-Jalbert depicting community life in the village between 1921 and 1927. Political debates, the omnipresence of the Church and the dynamism of youth unfurled in a fascinating day full of hope.

In 2011, the villagers reveal to you through a myriad of pictures and animation characters, the story of Val-Jalbert.

The dock
Need help, Joseph-Ernest?

The convent-school
Call and lessons with the sisters… Reflecting the Val-Jalbert ways of 1921

The summit house
What's new Madame Thibeault?

The mill
the pulp mill, the laborers work hard, but the pay is good. Thank you Mr. Lapointe!

The general store
VVillagers assemble at 11 :30am and 4 :30pm
Happy shopping Mrs Thibeault!

The post office
Ms Linteau is up on all the latest goings-on.

Animated gatherings

The interpreters gather at the general store at 11:30 am and 4:30 pm from June 18 to August 21 for special activities. Children are welcome to participate!

Old fashioned photography studio

Various costumes and backdrops are available at the butcher shop for visitors who wish to have their period portrait taken. An original keepsake or gift.

Viewpoints

Take on the Falls!

Five viewpoints and many stairs and trails surrounding the Ouiatchouan Falls (meaning “clear-water river” in the Innu language) allow visitors to admire the roaring Falls. No one cannot be impressed by these powerful streams that seem to gush out from the forest before plummeting 72 meters (236 ft), next to the old pulp mill. Perched on top of our new viewpoint with glass platform in the heart of the Falls, you’ll feel like you’re diving in.

1. At the foot of the fall
With a height of 72 meters (236ft), the Ouiatchouan Falls are higher than Niagara Falls by 20 meters.

2. At the heart of the fallFrom this new stunning glass perch, you’ll feel as if you’re falling amongst the currents.

3. At the head of the fall

4. View on the beautiful Lac-St-Jean

5. View on the Maligne Falls
49 meters (160ft) high, also called Second Falls

Guided tours

Guided tours on board the Balade (trolleybus)

There’s no time to get bored on this old trolleybus, where you’ll hear an array of true stories and revealing anecdotes about the activities of the workers, the region’s history and daily life in the village. The tour includes presentations featuring typical characters: Val-Jalbert’s mayor, Superintendant Lapointe, Mr. and Mrs. Thibeault from the plateau, the school-convent nuns, the village priest, the workers and many more. The highlight of the tour remains the impressive Ouiatchouan Falls located near the pulp mill. A practiced eye might even see the Province of Québec!

Walking tour of the village

Visitors can explore the village at their own pace on the picturesque trails. Whether the trails follow the river, climb up to the plateau or cross the village, they will lead you naturally toward the different landmarks of the site, where costumed characters will help you discover the heritage buildings and teach you about the village’s history and the daily life of its inhabitants.

Take your time and admire the wonders of nature along the canyon trail: the undergrowth, the mini-canyon dug by the river, the silver birch surrounding the church’s foundations… Less than a kilometre long, this trail can be accessed at the exit of the visitor centre and is perfect for any hiker, regardless of their level of ability.

Self-guided tour of the mill

Almost a hundred years ago, Val-Jalbert was a technological flagship. Twenty-five years before the rest of Québec, the village’s residents enjoyed electricity and running water. Dozens of workers bustled about in the barking hall and boiler room and around the mill’s gigantic presses. Wood pulp was produced and sent to the USA to be transformed into paper. In 2011, the mill will become an interpretive centre on the technology of that time period.

Expositions

Various exhibitions

Several exhibits of antiques and works of art are featured this summer:

Léon Bouchard exhibit
Sculptor and forest memoirist, at the convent-school

Model room
At the mill

Georally

NEW FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Geo-rally, discovery with GPS

This interactive treasure hunt, ideal for families, small groups and enthusiasts of new technology, takes place with a GPS and questionnaire. Hunt for 15 hidden caches at different locations throughout the site, with the help of hints and geographic coordinates along the way. In addition to this traditional geo-rally, take on the challenge of the NEW "multi-caches" COURSE.

Nature hikes

Hikers

For the more adventurous visitor, a hike along the Ouiatchouan trail is just the thing! Rated “intermediate,” this 30-km trail takes about 10 hours to complete. Starting at the Val-Jalbert campground, it runs along the turbulent waters of the Ouiatchouan River up to Saint-François-de-Sales and Lac-Bouchette. For more information, contact Mr. Valère Simard, president, at 418 275-2029.

Biking on cycle track (Véloroute des Bleuets)

Val-Jalbert is also connected to the Vélouroute des Bleuets cycling trail that criss-crosses theLac-Saint-Jean region. Cyclists can safely leave their bicycles at the visitor centre for a quick stop (vending machines and restrooms are available), a short visit or a longer stay.

Cable car

Behind the mill is the starting point of an amazing cable car ride that will carry you to the top of Ouiatchouan Falls, then to the top of the hill, where you can enjoy a splendid view of Lac Saint-Jean. More adventurous visitors can climb the trails and stairs up to Maligne Falls (often called the “second falls”), and the Ouiatchouan River.