Just incase you've missed it all here's the Saguenay Lac Saint Jean region in winter summed up in my 90 second videofollowed by some places you might want to rest your head.
So where to stay ...
Out in the wild:
Valley of the Ghosts. Weird and wonderful.
One of the most authentic winter experiences has got to be spending the night in a rustic hut in the Valley of the Ghosts in Parc national des Monts-Valin. A wonderful base from which to snowshoe or ski. We called in on some back-country skiers in their hut and snooped around. They looked extremely comfortable in gently steaming clothes with the wood stove kicking out the heat and their hands clasped around mugs of hot chocolate. Their bedrooms had bunk beds and there's a large dining table next to the stove to refuel. Take a look at Sepaq.com and click on accommodation to see huts, shelters and cabins for rent. (you might want to click on English first at top right of page) The huts sleep up to eight people and each have a wood stove.
On the side of a fjord:
Fishing hut at Auberge de la Rivière Saguenay
We loved our stay at Auberge de la Rivière Saguenay in the Baie des Ha!Ha! Old world hospitality - drinks by the wood burning stove with owners Pauline and Leon will warm you after the coldest of days. We ate dinner here too and found the couple happy to answer any of your questions about the region and its people. Leon will tell you about his kite skiing and may even offer to give you a personal lesson. Below you is the frozen fjord with its ice fishing huts and smooth surface for cross-country skiing or just walking.
Fall asleep in the firelight:
Fishing huts near Auberge des Cevennes
One of my favourite stays was at the Auberge des Cevennes in L'Anse Saint Jean where you can light your log fire in your room and fall asleep watching the flames. Dinner is excellent downstairs in the cosy restaurant. The locals had told us it's one of the best around. There is plenty of wild meat on the menu and there is great attention to detail in the different courses. Service is friendly and your fellow diners are likely to say hello. There is a comfortable lounge upstairs with fascinating books to squirrel off to your room.
Room with a view
Early morning view from the Panoramic Motel
For a reasonably priced no-frills stay try the Panoramic Motel in Chicoutimi with it's warm rooms and great view of the frozen Saguenay from the promenade outside your window. Higher floors offer better views. Breakfast is self-service up the hill next to reception.
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