Must-See Spots in Val-d’Or: Explore the City Like a Local

With its natural beauty, rich history, and great dining spots, Val-d’Or has everything you need for a memorable stay.

You can go from the forest to a microbrewery terrace, from a cozy café to an underground tour of an old mine—all in just a few minutes.

To help you make the most of your visit, here’s the perfect itinerary for exploring Val-d’Or’s must-see attractions, combining outdoor activities, cultural discoveries, and gourmet stops.

  1. Just a short drive from the airport

    Recreational forest

    The Recreational Forest is the Valdorians’ favorite playground.

    First thing in the morning, it’s the perfect place to get some fresh air and stretch your legs before starting the day.

    On site, you’ll find:

    • a paved trail accessible to people with limited mobility

    • over 50 km of mountain bike trails

    • an obstacle course

    • picnic tables

    • wild blueberries in season

    Whether you come to walk, run, or bike, the area is suitable for all skill levels.

    No gear? No problem. Renting on-site is easy and affordable.

    In short, it’s the perfect first stop to start your day surrounded by nature, without leaving the city.

    Découvre les activités
  2. A 2-minute drive or bike ride
  3. Alpha Tango Spirits

    After all that hard work, it’s time to relax.

    The Alpha Tango craft distillery is one of the region’s most original projects.

    Founded by Daniel Corriveau and his son Alex Gaudreault, the company quickly made a name for itself by winning several awards for its creations.

    Their first product, Bravo Charlie gin, is actually the world’s first gin flavored with quenouille.

    In the shop, you can:

    • meet the owners

    • taste some exclusive products

    • explore their entire range of spirits

    Bonus: they also offer non-alcoholic ready-to-drink options.

    Visite la boutique
  4. A 7-minute drive or an 18-minute bike ride

  5. Habaneros: Mexican Grill

    Head downtown for a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal.

    Founded in Val-d’Or, Habaneros offers Mexican-inspired cuisine where you build your own meal to suit your taste: burritos, bowls, tacos—everything is customizable.

    You choose the ingredients, sauces, and toppings, then walk away with a hearty and delicious meal.

    Commande en ligne
  6. A 1-minute drive or bike ride

  7. Chocolate-Mango

    It’s hard to resist the call of dessert.

    At Choco-Mango, we celebrate chocolate in all its forms:

    • artisanal chocolates

    • ice cream

    • cupcakes

    • pastries

    And of course, their specialty: the famous Choco-Mango, an ice cream that combines mango and white chocolate.

    A sweet treat that’s sure to put a smile on your face.

  8. A 7-minute drive or bike ride

  9. City of Gold

    You can’t visit Val-d’Or without learning about its mining history.

    At the Cité de l’Or, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of the miners from the old Lamaque mine.

    The tour begins with a stroll through the mining village of Bourlamaque, with its period homes and streets steeped in history.

    Next, you’ll explore:

    • the buildings of the old mine

    • the permanent exhibition “Gold in the Veins”

    But the most memorable part is the descent underground.

    Equipped like a miner, you’ll descend 91 meters below the surface to explore the mine’s tunnels and gain insight into the workers’ daily lives.

    An immersive experience that lets you see the region in a whole new light.

    Réserve ta visite
  10. A 5-minute drive or bike ride

  11. Le Prospecteur Microbrewery

    After all these discoveries, head to Le Prospecteur microbrewery.

    Known for its original and bold beers, the brewery also features a renowned restaurant.

    On the menu:

    • delicious cuisine

    • quality ingredients

    • a friendly atmosphere

    If the weather permits, grab a seat on the rooftop terrace to soak up the sun.

    With a nice cold Tête de pioche, the day ends perfectly.

  12. A 4-minute drive or bike ride

  13. Balthazar Café

    The next morning, start your day off slowly at Balthazar Café.

    As soon as you walk in, the warm atmosphere makes you want to slow down a bit.

    On the menu:

    • croissants

    • pastries

    • muffins

    • sandwiches

    • great coffee

    It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, read a few pages, or plan your day.

  14. A 5-minute drive or bike ride

  15. To take home

    Sweet and Savory Bites

    Before leaving town, make one last stop at this delicatessen and bakery.

    You’ll find:

    • regional products

    • homemade pastries

    • a variety of local delicacies

    If you’re visiting on a Friday, don’t miss their famous mille-feuilles, renowned throughout the city.

    The perfect place to take a little taste of the region home with you.

Want to explore even more of Val-d’Or?

This tour of Val-d'Or's must-see attractions gives you a great overview of what the city has to offer, but that's just the beginning.

From outdoor activities to fine dining, culture, and history, the city still has a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered.

So the real question is simple:

When will we see you in Val-d’Or?