When arriving via Highway 170, which cuts through the entire city of Saguenay, the Delta Saguenay Hotel stands out with its impressive height and sprawling footprint, acting as a welcoming beacon. This sets the tone for what its management offers to visitors, whether for family vacations in the region, a brief work trip, or an event or business meeting at its conference center.
Located in the Jonquière sector of Saguenay, this 4-star Marriott hotel caters to both families and business travelers. It sits slightly outside the city center and away from the Saguenay River, 26 km from Bagotville Airport, which serves the region. With its Boston Pizza restaurant, newly added indoor pool, and fitness center, the Delta Saguenay is one of the premier hotel establishments in the area.
According to the hotel’s General Manager, Olivier Fortin-Tremblay, investments made by the owners since 2012 have transformed it into a unique location in the region. The refined rooms include amenities such as a desk, ergonomic chairs, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and mini-fridges. Some rooms feature bathtubs, while others have walk-in showers. Suites additionally include a fridge, microwave, dining area, fireplace, and sofa bed.
All rooms were renovated in 2012, drawing inspiration from the Canadian landscape with a refreshing and modern color palette and maximized use of natural light. Previously owned by an Ontario financial group, the Delta Saguenay became locally owned in 2017, led by businessman Laval Boulianne with support from the regional FTQ Solidarity Fund.
In 2018, the franchise managers invested in building a restaurant near the main lobby entrance, followed by a $1.2 million investment in a two-story annex housing an indoor pool with a spa and sauna, as well as an interactive playroom. These upgrades, operational since 2020, were necessary to attract more families, according to the General Manager. While maintaining its business focus with the conference center, the building now also offers a recreational purpose.
The Delta conference center boasts spacious rooms with all the necessary logistics for major events: 17 conference rooms and a ballroom spanning 11,660 square feet. The venue is highly regarded for the quality of its facilities and professional services provided to organizers of various events and meetings.
Of note, the Delta Saguenay also welcomes snowmobiling enthusiasts during winter, given its proximity to major regional and provincial trails. Additionally, the management practices an inclusive guest policy for all visitors.
In fall 2023, the hotel owners hinted at plans to improve the region's accommodation offerings, which are deemed insufficient by local tourism development stakeholders. Studies show that event attendees prefer to stay onsite. The Delta Saguenay currently offers 160 rooms, with plans to increase to 200 by adding a new tower on businessman Laval Boulianne’s property. This project could be realized by early 2024.
Hôtel Delta Saguenay
Website
2675, Boul. du Royaume
Jonquière, QC G7S 5B8
(418) 548-3124
When Mathieu Guimond was developing his vision for a unique and distinctive lodging site in Gaspésie during the pandemic, he was struck by a spark of motivation that drove him to search for the perfect location.
It was upon seeing this expansive plot of land overlooking Gaspé Bay, perched atop the cliffs somewhere between Percé and Gaspé, that he decided this would be the place to bring his vision to life. It took him four months to negotiate with the Ontario-based owner. He even acquired adjacent plots and another strip on the mountain for future projects.
In 2020, he began work to prepare the vacant site, draft occupancy plans, design various chalet styles, develop the construction and interior design concepts, and coordinate with contractors to start building.
He planned underground electrical installations for each chalet, a potable water supply, and septic systems, ensuring that no unsightly elements would detract from the setting. The result is almost like a small independent village.
Chalets Nautika were built to offer an unforgettable Gaspésie experience. Stay in style and comfort while maintaining a connection with the natural beauty of a region full of attractions. You can even visit to enjoy the joys of Gaspésie’s winter. In addition to cozy, inviting accommodations, you'll be near places to enjoy unique activities like fat biking on the beach and in the forest, skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, skating, Nordic spas, and more.
The chalets feature a modern, minimalist design while being warm and welcoming. They are equipped with everything necessary for modern life. Mathieu has gone above and beyond to ensure travelers feel entirely at ease. The mattresses are superior to anything else on the market, he emphasizes. "All you need to bring are your clothes, toiletries, and food—everything else is already there," he says.
Nautika offers a form of “glamping”—a blend of glamour and camping. This eco-friendly lodging immerses you in nature while providing the luxury and amenities of a hotel room. Here, it’s upscale “ready-to-camp.”
From the moment you step in, the light-filled space with its large windows invites nature inside. Throughout the seasons—under the sun, the stars, or with the sunrise on the point—Chalets Nautika provide a serene oasis. This scenic location offers panoramic views and top-tier comfort in Gaspésie.
Currently, the site features 20 chalets: 2 double units in the front, 5 double units in the rear, and 13 regular two-bed units scattered throughout. Plans are underway to add two more rear units and seven on a neighboring lot by 2023–2024. The site operates year-round. Chalet access is via a code for a key box mounted outside.
The site offers abundant entertainment options, including children’s games, hiking trails, cross-country ski tracks, birdwatching, volleyball, badminton, pétanque courts, campfire wood, and an on-site laundry facility. A semi-private beach is just 1 km away.
Chalets Nautika are just 15 minutes from Gaspé and 30 minutes from Forillon National Park and Percé, making it an ideal base to enjoy nearby tourist attractions.
Reservations can be made online through the Nautika website or other platforms like Airbnb.
One thing is certain: Mathieu Guimond (pictured) has plenty more ideas and projects in mind for this site and the surrounding area. Stay tuned to see what he has planned next.
Chalets Nautika Gaspésie
chaletsnautikagaspesie.ca
1961, Boul. Douglas
Gaspé, QC G4X 2W9
1 (866) 467-0801
Founded with the simple concept of bringing an Italian bistro-style restaurant to Campbellton, Pronto offers dishes such as delicious appetizers, salads, and pasta, not to mention a well-stocked drink menu. It also serves the famous fresh pasta from L'Atelier Gourmand.
The owner, Keegan Rose, opened his restaurant in July 2022, and it is already recognized among the city's top-rated by critics and customers. He has been working in the restaurant industry since reaching adulthood. Having had the opportunity to open his own restaurant, he jumped at the chance.
The owner, Keegan Rose
In fact, he occupies the premises that the restaurant where he previously worked had left vacant when it moved elsewhere. A well-located and very busy place in the heart of the city, surrounded by many local businesses and very close to the Interprovincial Bridge leading to Quebec.
His initial project: to offer only Italian food at affordable and reasonable prices. He certainly believes it is possible to find it elsewhere in the city. But he points out that at his place, it is authentic and different from others. "Campbellton was missing this kind of place," he asserts. He personally trains the cooks who prepare the dishes that are the basis of his inspiration. Apart from the Italian menu, there is an interesting wine list featuring local and renowned products, as well as beers.
Pronto can accommodate about 40 people inside. A terrace outside in good weather allows for an additional fifteen or so. About 10 people find employment there.
While still in his thirties, he never thought he could own his own restaurant before his fifties. Having returned to Campbellton a few years ago, after working for some time in Calgary, for a restaurant chain in Rothesay, and having obtained his "red seal" chef certificate in Moncton, Keegan now felt ready to take the plunge.
Pronto is open from Tuesday to Saturday, for lunch and dinner. It is noteworthy that the owner and staff can provide service in both French and English. Taking great care of customers is part of his concept. And it seems to be working. It is advisable to book in advance to secure a table on weekends.
Pronto – Italian Bistro
prontocampbellton.com
99, Roseberry St
Campbellton (NB) E3N 2G6
506.753.5000
