When to visit: November and February are different trips
Before choosing activities, think about when you are visiting. In November and early December, keep a plan that works without snow: a museum visit, time in town and an unhurried evening at the chalet. Later in winter, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing may become options, depending on conditions and announced openings. If one activity is the reason for your trip, check its dates with the operator first. For a holiday stay, also confirm special opening hours before heading out.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Bec-Scie
In La Baie, Centre plein air Bec-Scie has trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It is an option for getting outside in the forest before returning to your chalet. Choose a route that suits your experience and check trail conditions that day: a winter activity is not necessarily open on your dates. The centre also offers equipment rentals; check the arrangements directly with its staff. For winter walking, follow its guidance on traction cleats, particularly in the area beyond the canyon.
The Musée du Fjord: an indoor option for your itinerary
At the Musée du Fjord, exhibitions and the aquarium offer another way to discover the landscape outside your chalet. It is an option for families or for anyone who would like to spend part of the day indoors. In low season, the museum suggests allowing around an hour and a half for a visit. Its published 2026–2027 schedule has Monday closures and different weekday and weekend hours. Check its website before leaving, especially on holidays. Low-tide excursions are a high-season activity rather than a winter outing.
Discover ice fishing when the sites are open
The ice-fishing villages at Grande-Baie and Anse-à-Benjamin are part of winter in La Baie. If you would like to try the experience, check Contact Nature’s updates and ask operators about outings or hut rentals. Opening depends on ice conditions and authorization, rather than simply the start of winter on the calendar. Book the activity separately from your accommodation and confirm what is supplied. The chalet’s waterfront is not an access point to an ice-fishing village: use only officially opened areas and follow the instructions on site.
Leave an evening for Saguenay flavours
After an outing, an easy dinner can be all you need for a lovely evening. Pick up ingredients, try a regional cheese or plan a tourtière to share. A shopping stop, breakfast supplies and a simple dinner mean you do not need to head out again every time you are hungry. If this is your first visit to Québec, our guides to Québec foods and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean specialties offer a few starting points. Meals and purchases are arranged separately from your chalet rental.
Discover Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean specialties
A flexible plan for two nights
On your first evening, settle in and keep dinner simple. The next day, choose one main outing: Bec-Scie if the trails are open and conditions suit you, or the Musée du Fjord during its opening hours. Leave the rest of the day for a break, a little shopping or simply watching the fjord from the living room. On departure day, have breakfast and check road conditions before setting off. If ice fishing is your priority, make it your main outing once the operator has confirmed both the opening and your activity booking.
Winter chalet access: a 4×4 is required
A 4×4 vehicle is required to access our chalets from November through March. Plan for this before booking, especially if you will be renting a car for your trip. Write to us if you have questions about your vehicle or arrival: William and Maryse can clarify the access instructions. Check Québec 511 for road conditions and allow extra time for the drive. Pack suitable boots, warm layers, a winter hat and mittens; a spare pair is useful after an outing in the snow.
Choose your chalet and check availability
Domaine des Petites Marées suits smaller stays, with two bedrooms and sleeping space for four. Contre vents et marées has four bedrooms and two bathrooms for up to eight guests. Compare the two listings for your group, then choose your dates to see the price of your stay. In winter, think about indoor comfort and the time you would like to spend together. The access ramp to the water is available from April through October, so kayaking and paddleboarding are not part of a winter stay. Unsure about dates or access? Contact us before completing your request.