What to do as a family in Saguenay during the winter

Have you ever fished on a frozen lake?

Whether your answer is yes or no, you absolutely must take advantage of your visit to Saguenay to experience (or relive) this unique family activity. In winter, the surface of the Saguenay Fjord freezes completely near the shoreline, as is the case at Anse‑à‑Benjamin in the borough of La Baie.

The ice fishing season varies from year to year, but it generally runs from mid‑January to early March. This time of year is highly anticipated by fishing enthusiasts. During these few weeks, both seasoned anglers and curious newcomers have the opportunity to take part in this important regional tradition.

If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, head to Les Glaces du Fjord to discover the various outfitters. They offer a range of packages, guided tours, and the rental of heated cabins and tents.

Even if fishing isn’t your thing, we strongly recommend paying a visit to this area during the winter! You can simply go to admire the frozen fjord landscape, dotted with hundreds of small huts that appear for the season. Yes, during the winter, the Saguenay Fjord transforms into a true village on ice. A must‑see!

We promise, it’s impossible not to have fun racing down a slope in a tube. We dare you!

For an unforgettable snow tubing experience, Mont Édouard is the place to go.

Located in the picturesque village of L’Anse‑Saint‑Jean, this mountain offers a wide range of winter activities, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross‑country skiing, fat biking, backcountry skiing—and, of course, snow tubing.

After your activity, head inside the main lodge to warm up with a delicious hot chocolate. The perfect family activity to enjoy in Saguenay!

What would winter be without ice skating?

Lace up your skates and head to Rivière-du-Moulin park. Next to the main pavilion, you’ll find two outdoor rinks, one reserved for hockey and the other for free skating. If you don’t have your own equipment, the park also offers skate rentals. Simply stop by the main pavilion for all the details.

Another great place to go ice skating in Saguenay is  Rosaire-Gauthier park. Easily accessible and located right in the heart of the city, its ice loop makes it a perfect spot for skating. Glide between the trees while taking in the scenery, and warm up by the fire pit located at the center of the loop. In the evening, when the streetlights are lit, the atmosphere becomes even more magical.

When we picture a winter landscape, the idea of a dog sledding excursion is never far behind. This winter activity, though it may seem straight out of a movie, is very much a reality in Saguenay.

Several companies offer this experience, including Les Balades Solo and Entre Chien et Loup. These family‑run businesses have been operating for many years and invite you to experience the incredible sense of freedom that dog sledding provides—always with the utmost respect for the animals.

A family getaway that’s sure to inspire dreams!

In addition to the wide variety of outdoor activities available in Saguenay during the winter season, there are also several indoor activities that are just as enjoyable. If you tend to get cold easily, you’ll certainly appreciate these winter activity ideas.

If you enjoy challenges and intrigue, we recommend visiting l’Escaparium Saguenay. The concept is simple: you must work as a team (from three to eight people) to escape from a room.

Several themes are available, with new ones added over time, but one thing is certain—you’ll never experience the same concept twice! While you’re there, take advantage of another fun family activity on site: glow‑in‑the‑dark mini‑golf.

Looking for something to do with the family in the La Baie borough during winter? We invite you to visit the Musée du Fjord, which promises fascinating discoveries all year round. You’ll learn all about the region’s history and the formation of the Saguenay Fjord, and you’ll also get a close look at several species that inhabit it.

If you have a creative spirit and love art, head to Céramuze, a ceramic café. There, you can choose from a variety of ceramic pieces and paint your own according to your style. All materials are included—and as a bonus, you can enjoy a delicious coffee during the activity!