Village Historique de Val-Jalbert

Just off highway 169 between Robervale and Chambord sits one of the nicest preserved and restored "ghost towns" in Canada. Built as a progressive "company town" at the onset of the 20th century, it was mostly boarded up and forgotten when the pulp and paper company halted operations in 1928. While some families endured way beyond that, most of the town did not. Carefully brought back to life, it is a great place to see 1920' living, hike the paths near the impressive water falls that once powered the mill and today power a hydroelectric power plant and enjoy a cable car ride to the top of the falls. What makes the experience even more special is that you can stay overnight in very well appointed rooms in period lodging homes in the town center and enjoy a superb dinner - four courses - in the restaurant situated in the very stone building where the mill once bustled. The site is accessible, at least at the level of the village, the restaurant and the great views of the bottom of the Falls and there are quite a few accessible rooms as well for overnight stays. The cable car and boardwalk trails require mobility for an abundance of stairs. Staff was super friendly and went out of their way to help and make the visit great.

Better than expected. We had two cottages, both in fab locations. Very clean and well equipped. Perfect location for everything. Loved the firepits and tickets to the village was a bonus. The village is perfect for a day trip, Lots to see and do. We loved the cable car up and walked down. Stunning views.

Great experience in unique environment. With sofa converted into bed, the room was a bit small.

I would just like to endorse the positive reviews that went before. We stopped in the historic village for two nights on a half board basis. Had excellent breakfast and really superb dinners. Well cooked food and a good choice, although the menu was unchanged for both nights. Our room was spotlessly clean and felt very welcoming. The staff were excellent and friendly, my limited French easily compensated for by their bilingual skills. The village is certainly worth seeing, coming from England it was a very different experience and all the better for it.

I found this unique place a year ago on a Facebook posting, and booked a visit for this summer. It is a long drive from Ontario, but well worth the escape. We stayed overnight within the Village, in the beautifully furnished, modern hotel units. Staying overnight is very worth it, as you get to wander the Village after the day tourists leave, and before they arrive in the morning. The dinner was included and was 5 star. We have toured many abandoned villages, and this was beautifully maintained and combined renovated and abandoned buildings. The waterfall is amazing! We find it hard to describe the feelings and memories that we have of this unexpected and amazing place.

We were fascinated by this historic village that transports you into the past, combining restored, semi-restored and fully deteriorated buildings that show the passage of time and history, the "story" reinforced by interactive shows and brought to life by waterfalls, woods and interpretative guides/info panels. The food was outstanding; the accommodations in the village wonderful. We will be returning.

Wonderful concept

super