Things To Do
in Alma
Alma lies along the southern shore of Lac Saint-Jean, blending small-city charm with wide-open natural beauty. As the regional hub for Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, it serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Strolling the lakefront and wandering the compact downtown reveals welcoming cafes, shops, and scenic views.
Year-round, Alma offers a mix of outdoor activities, festivals, and family-friendly attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Alma and settle into your riverside accommodation. Drop off luggage, gather local maps, and admire the view of the Saguenay River from your window. Stop by a nearby café for a freshly brewed cup of coffee before heading out to explore the village.
Wander the colorful main street to discover artisanal boutiques, galleries, and creperies filled with local delicacies. Pop into the Municipal Heritage Centre to learn about Alma's industrial and shipping history. Enjoy a light lunch of poutine râpée and local cheese at a cozy bistro overlooking the water.
Return to your lodging to refresh before dinner at a warmly lit restaurant serving farm-to-table Quebecois cuisine. Savor dishes like smoked trout and wild berry tart while listening to live acoustic music. End the night with a leisurely stroll along the riverbank under the stars.
Start your day with a hearty Quebecois breakfast at a bustling local bakery, sampling fresh pastries and maple syrup treats. Chat with friendly shopkeepers as you pick up artisanal bread and cheese for a mid-morning picnic. Use this time to plan your afternoon adventure along the Alma River.
Grab a rented kayak and paddle down the gentle current of the Saguenay, absorbing the majestic cliffs that line the fjord. Pause on an isolated riverside beach for a snack and photo op with the towering granite walls in the background. Continue downstream to a hidden cove before returning to the rental base.
Freshen up at your accommodation before heading to a local microbrewery offering craft beers brewed with local ingredients. Pair your beverage with a charcuterie board featuring regional meats and cheeses. End the evening at the riverside promenade, enjoying the sunset hues reflected off the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $40-70 |
| 🛏️Hotel room per night | $90-180 |
| 🚆Local transit or taxi ride | $2-8 per ride |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning lakeside scenery and easy access to nature
- Friendly locals and a relaxed, safe atmosphere
- Affordability of food and lodging compared to larger cities
- Compact town center that is walkable and easy to explore
- Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Fewer direct international flights and longer travel times
- Seasonal crowds around popular outdoor spots
Places to Visit in Alma
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide lake views with a scenic promenade and golden-hour reflections over the water.
Historic streets and riverfront viewpoints ideal for street photography and sunset shots.
A vantage point for sweeping panoramic photos of Lac Saint-Jean and the surrounding hills.
Forest trails and seasonal foliage provide intimate nature photography opportunities.
Food in Alma
Alma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Québécois meat pie often found in local bakeries and bistros.
Must-Try!
A savory meat filling encased in pastry, a regional favorite at markets and cafés.
Smoked trout or whitefish enjoyed with crusty bread at waterfront eateries.
Blueberry pie or tarts made with local berries when in season.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A waterfront market featuring local produce, baked goods, and snacks with lake views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
French is the primary language; greet in French (Bonjour) and be polite when asking for help.
A courteous hello, please, and thank you go a long way; shake hands in formal settings.
Litter less, follow trails, and respect wildlife near Lac Saint-Jean.
Safety
Tipping in Alma
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard in Quebec is 15-20% at restaurants; it is appreciated for service, taxi rides, and bars.
Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; ATMs are available downtown.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with plenty of outdoor festivals, warm temperatures, and lush scenery; mosquitoes can be present near water, so bring repellent.
Vibrant fall colors along the lake and in the forests; cooler temperatures, ideal for photography and scenic hikes.
Snow-covered landscapes; enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and cozy cafés; dress in layers and be prepared for cold winds.
Mild days with melting snow and blooming trees; a good time for birdwatching and early-season hikes.
Alma at Night
Hiking in Alma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic trails with water views and forest sections suitable for all levels.
Elevated viewpoints offering sweeping panoramas of the lake and surrounding hills.
Dune-covered landscapes and easy trails along the lakeshore suitable for hiking and photography.
Airports
How to reach Alma by plane.
Serves the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area with domestic flights; a short drive from Alma.
Major international hub about a few hours away by car, with connections across Canada and beyond.
Large international gateway located farther afield, offering numerous direct flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly French-speaking residents with strong regional identity.
A stable mix of families, students, and older residents; welcoming community vibe.
Growing diversity through newcomers, contributing to local culture and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region embraces hockey culture with local leagues and community rinks.
Winter trails become a favorite activity during snowy months.
Lac Saint-Jean and surrounding waters attract anglers in season.
Winter routes and cold-weather exploration are popular across the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Alma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for salads, veggie bowls, and customizable plates. Many places can adapt to vegetarian requests with notice.