Larouche: Trails, Water and Local History

In Larouche, trails and lookout points meet the history of a community by the water. Lac de l’Aqueduc, which once served as a source of drinking water, was developed for recreational use. In winter, offerings at the recreational chalet include a hockey rink with boards, a small rink for public skating and snowshoe trails. The church and a mural also tell the story of the community’s development. These different points of interest can help you decide what to focus on during your stay before choosing a vacation rental in Larouche.

Trails to Lac de l’Aqueduc and the lookout

There are three access points to the Lac de l’Aqueduc area. Behind École Du Versant at 777, rue Gauthier, there is an access point with parking. From the parking lot, it is a 300-metre walk to the lake. Another access point is at the end of Rue Gagné and can be reached on foot. You can also reach the area behind the town hall at 610, rue Lévesque; there is a parking lot there as well.

The lookout and cross above the village are in the same sector. From there, you can see across the municipal area. The 400-metre-long Sentier du Belvédère leads to the Larouche lookout at 777, rue Gauthier. The trail length gives you a specific point of reference for planning your day. Another trail detail concerns the blue trail in the Lac de l’Aqueduc sector: it leads to the summit of the mountain. This lets you distinguish the named trail to the lookout from the trail whose destination is the summit, without conflating the two into a single route.

Winter activities and access to the recreation area

In winter, the recreational chalet at 912, route des Fondateurs offers three distinct options: a hockey rink with boards, a small rink for public skating and snowshoe trails. These activities appeal to different interests, from playing hockey and skating freely to going on a snowshoe outing. Parking is available at the recreation area, and the area can be accessed on foot. If you are planning a winter stay, these specific activities can help you decide whether to focus more on outdoor recreation or on other experiences in Larouche.

Church and mural

The history of Saint-Gérard-Magella Parish dates back to 1924. The parish was founded that year; at the same time, the parish registers and cemetery were established, and construction of the church began. The present-day church in Larouche was built in 1960, after the first church had been demolished. These dates mark distinct stages: the founding of the parish and the start of church construction, followed decades later by the building of the present-day church.

Another detail in the community’s history was added in 1984, when a large mural was created on the church walls. Claude Simard of Larouche was one of the three young artists who created it. The parish, church and mural therefore provide a concrete cultural point of interest for anyone who wants to explore not only nature and activities during their stay, but also the history of the community.

Water access and choosing what to focus on during your stay

In addition to Lac de l’Aqueduc, Larouche offers another way to reach a lake: the dock on Chemin Champigny, opposite number 590, provides access to Lac Kénogami in Baie Cascouia. When planning your trip, you can consider whether trails and viewpoints, the winter activities at the recreational chalet, local history or access to Lac Kénogami matter most to you. These interests can give your search for a vacation rental or holiday home in Larouche a clear direction, without requiring you to choose the same kind of stay as everyone else.

More places to explore: Rivière-Éternité, Bégin, La Baie, Saint-David-De-Falardeau, Saint-Ambroise, Saint-Fulgence, Chicoutimi and Saint-Félix-D'otis.

Go to the overall travel guide: Le Fjord-Du-Saguenay.