Val-Brillant on Lac Matapédia

On the south shore of Lac Matapédia, Val-Brillant brings together water, green paths and a distinctive townscape. The lake shapes the surroundings, with opportunities for outings on the water, walks and winter activities. Église Saint-Pierre-du-Lac also makes the town interesting for travelers who want to combine experiences in nature with architecture.

Lac Matapédia and life by the water

Lac Matapédia touches the shores of Val-Brillant along its south shore. Its size gives the landscape a sense of scale: the lake covers 36.8 km², is more than 18 km long and up to 3 km wide. In summer, it is suitable for outings by motorboat, sailboat and kayak. Val-Brillant also has a marina with numerous services.

An unusual feature lies off the marina: since 2004, the fishing boat Shemogue has been there as an artificial reef. It lies 200 feet from shore and at a depth of 40 feet. When choosing a vacation rental in Val-Brillant, these varied interests may be a deciding factor: are you most drawn to the lakeside scenery, time outdoors or the town’s history?

Waterfront paths and outdoor activities

Parc des Bois et des Berges is a 1.2 km stretch of waterfront along Lac Matapédia. It offers public access to natural shorelines, an undeveloped beach, and walking and cycling paths. Travelers who like to stay active outdoors will find different ways to get around on foot or by bike. The waterfront also offers a connection with nature that differs from the facilities in the urban park.

The municipal park in Val-Brillant has play equipment and a zip line. It also has an outdoor ice rink and skateboard ramps. Facilities for softball, tennis, volleyball and badminton are available free of charge. The park therefore brings together various recreational options in one place; families can choose between play, sports and a walk by the lake according to their interests, without this implying that it is suitable for every age.

Winter trails and snowmobile routes

There are also different ways to stay active outdoors in winter. Parc Bois et Berges de Val-Brillant has numerous ungroomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing away from groomed tracks. Travelers looking for an off-trail route can take this into account when planning their trip.

Val-Brillant and the Matapédia Valley have access to 254 km of specially developed, maintained, signposted and marked snowmobile trails operated by Club de Motoneiges Vallée Matapédia Ltée. The total length refers to this trail network, not a single route. Val-Brillant also hosted the World Championships in Snowkiting and Ice Sailing (WISSA) in 1999 and 2008. More than 75 participants from around the world took part in each event.

Church architecture and local history

Église Saint-Pierre-du-Lac bears witness to more than a century of religious life and is one of the oldest places of worship in La Matapédia. It was built between 1914 and 1916 in the Gothic style. Its two gray-stone towers are 45 m high. Numerous features of flamboyant Gothic architecture give the church architectural and historical significance. Visitors interested in religious buildings will find an independent cultural attraction here alongside experiences by the lake.

The complex also includes the Saint-Pierre-du-Lac rectory in Val-Brillant, built in 1916. The cubic building has a square floor plan, a hipped roof and two fully finished stories. Its historic and functional heritage value is connected to the importance of the parish priest to the community. Together, the church and rectory offer tangible starting points for discovering the town’s religious and architectural heritage.

Discover more places

More town pages: Sayabec, Amqui, Causapscal and Routhierville.

See the broader travel overview: La Matapédia.