The Village Historique Val Jalbert is a genuine company town, replicating the life of those who worked in the pulp mills in the 1920s. At the time this was a booming industry and Val Jalbert was a very progressive model – one of the first in the province to have electricity and full running water. There are around forty original period buildings, including houses, a convent-school, a general store and the pulp mill set amongst leafy forest and presided over by the impressive Ouiatchouan Falls. Here you can get a real feel for what life must have been like in the pulp mill heyday, with numerous exhibits, interactive displays and informative staff in period dress occasionally breaking in to theatrical performances. Guided tours on the trolleybus run regularly, or you can take yourself off and enjoy the various attractions and scenic surrounds at your own pace, with maps and audio-guides available. There are several nature trails that weave through the grounds and a cable car runs to the top of the falls for splendid views of Lac Saint-Jean. There is also a restaurant, café and gift shop here so you can really make a day of it.

For a wonderfully unique experience it is possible to overnight in one of the replica houses, in more modern and comfortable accommodation than perhaps the 1920s residents were accustomed to!