Chicoutimi: Cultural Heritage, Industrial History and Riverfront

Chicoutimi brings together traces of the fur trade, industrial history, museums and waterside experiences. This makes it an interesting destination for families who want to explore different themes on vacation: historic sites, exhibitions, walks and summer events. When choosing a vacation rental, you can consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay.

A Trading Post with a Long History

The Site patrimonial du Poste-de-Traite-de-Chicoutimi was a fur trading post from the 17th to the 19th century. Indigenous peoples were already present at this site in prehistoric times. The protected area covers more than 60,000 square metres; it is uneven and now overgrown with shrubs. The remains include buried stone and wooden structures, as well as traces of a trading post. The connection between early human presence and the later fur trade gives this site several layers of history.

The Poste-de-Traite-de-Chicoutimi was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1972 and classified as a historic site in 1984. Its landscape also contrasts with the densely built-up surroundings in the Chicoutimi borough: at the mouth of the Chicoutimi River, the site forms a wooded island. The natural setting, urban surroundings and archaeological remains come together in a place whose significance is not limited to a single period.

Industrial History and Exhibitions

La Pulperie de Chicoutimi / Musée régional is located in the former facilities of the Compagnie de pulpe de Chicoutimi. The industrial buildings from the last century house more than 26,000 historical objects and works of art. The offerings include travelling exhibitions from museums around the world, including exhibitions designed and created by the museum’s own team. The extensive park has hiking trails and an interpretive trail. At La Pulperie, collections, changing exhibition themes and a connection to the landscape come together.

The Petite Maison Blanche offers a different perspective. Three exhibition levels show the extent of the damage. Children’s games and robotic figures complement the exhibition. This combination gives families a concrete point of reference when considering what kind of museum visit might interest them during their stay.

Walks and Summer by the Water

The Pont de Sainte-Anne is now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists and closed to motor vehicles. It connects Rue Sainte-Anne with Chicoutimi-Nord and is a place for walks. On the banks of the Saguenay lies the Zone Portuaire de Chicoutimi, with a one-kilometre wooden boardwalk offering views of the landscape.

The Zone Portuaire also has paved paths for cyclists and inline skaters. Water features give children a chance to cool off on hot summer days. Events, festivals and outdoor performances take place there during the summer season; dates vary. So if you want to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for your planned travel period.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

The Marché public de Chicoutimi is another local discovery: around ten vegetable growers and artisanal food processors come together there. Alongside the museums, historic site and experiences along the riverbanks, it offers a range of different vacation themes to explore.

Discover More Destinations

Rivière-Éternité, Petit-Saguenay, Bégin, Larouche, Saguenay, Sainte-Rose-Du-Nord, La Baie, Saint-Ambroise

For the main travel overview: Le Fjord-Du-Saguenay.