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.
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.
Barbara and Phil Thibodeau built from scratch, without a pun intended, this imposing residence assembled piece by piece, serving as a Bed & Breakfast by the sea in Pointe-Verte, New Brunswick. They named it Gîte Toutes Saisons (All Seasons B&B) to express their desire to make it a welcoming place all year round.
Each of the four rooms bears an evocative name: Summer Sunset, Autumn Sunrise, Winter Refuge, Spring Serenade.
Hospitality in all seasons
Located between Bathurst and Campbelton, the B&B began welcoming travelers in 2000. A few years earlier, this site was just a large two-acre lot without any development. After acquiring it in 1999, they undertook to build a large house and develop the land to reflect their values and passion, with the added bonus of immediate proximity to the sea with its tides, sunrises, and aquatic birdlife.
Phil and Barbara hired local labor to build their B&B. This local cedar wood cottage, entirely designed by the owners, is a place of serenity in the Baie des Chaleurs.
Nature lovers, the hosts have a strong ecological conscience. They practice sound waste and food resource management, sourcing locally as much as possible, and highlighting local artisans. They opted for underfloor heating, which only heats occupied spaces during the day to reduce energy consumption.
With undeniable social commitment, Phil (originally from Bathurst) and Barbara (born in Ontario) are hosts who share their culture with authenticity and generosity. They sit down at the table with travelers and share life anecdotes and diverse knowledge. Phil has long participated in the multicultural committee aimed at fostering exchange between locals and immigrants, in addition to volunteering to accompany the sick. They are passionate about promoting change in their community. Barbara retired a few years ago from a teaching career in Chatham, Ontario.
Phil and Barbara, the welcoming hosts
The only house rules are: arrive when you want, go to bed when you are tired, get up when you are well-rested, and eat when you are hungry! The four rooms are spacious and cozy, inviting peaceful sleep. A fine cook, Phil will surprise you with a delicious local breakfast at the large table in their beautiful rustic dining room. "Phil loves preparing meals for people," explains Barbara. He is in his element in the kitchen. "You should see him go when we have family over during the holidays or when we welcome groups to the B&B," she adds.
They have many stories to tell, which they share authentically and simply with their guests. They raised a beautiful family of four children, one of whom still resides in Acadia while three are in Ontario. One of their granddaughters, a professional cook, has already shown interest in taking over from her grandparents when they decide to pass the torch. Phil is 83 and Barbara is 78. Even though they are in relatively good health, the day will come when they will have to think about resting and living peaceful days. Owning and managing a B&B for nearly 25 years is no easy feat.
Several services are included in the accommodation rate, including breakfast, Wi-Fi, direct access to the sea and beach, gardens, parking, etc.
Courtyard of the B&B
What is certain is that a stay with these open-minded and welcoming people guarantees good times and happy memories.
Gîte Toutes saisons B&B relaxseaside.com
10, rue des Oiseaux
Pointe-Verte (NB)
(506) 783-3122