Discover Val-Jalbert, Quebec: A 1920s Town with a Stunning Waterfall Taller than Niagara Falls

The Historic Town of Val-Jalbert

About 100 years ago, Val-Jalbert, Canada was a distinctly modern town featuring running water and electricity—25 years ahead of the rest of Quebec. However, very little has changed since those days, making it a perfectly preserved relic of its glory days in the early 1920s.

During its peak, Val-Jalbert was a one-industry town thriving on its pulp mill, which brought prosperity to the region. Nevertheless, a series of troubles culminated in the mill’s sudden closure in 1927, and the town was almost entirely abandoned a few years later.

This remained the case until the 1960s when the town transformed into a tourist attraction. According to the village’s website, in 2009, Val-Jalbert was awarded over $19 million from the Québec Department of Culture and Communications, alongside the Economic Development Agency of Canada, aimed at enhancing the town’s infrastructure and boosting tourism endeavors.

Visitors can stroll through the town, exploring over 40 preserved buildings that allow you to immerse yourself in a time capsule that feels like stepping back into the 1920s. Attractions include a convent school, a general store, and the noteworthy pulp mill. Actors dressed in period attire enhance the authenticity of the experience with their engaging performances.

Scenic Beauty: Ouiatchouan Falls

The allure of Val-Jalbert is complemented by its stunning natural surroundings. One of the highlights is the Ouiatchouan Falls, which, although not as famed as Niagara Falls, boasts a height that surpasses it by 20 meters. Ouiatchouan, meaning “clear-water river” in Innu, features a breathtaking waterfall that plunges over 230 feet into a natural pool below. Adventurous visitors can explore various hiking trails nearby or take in the views from a newly constructed glass-enclosed overlook.

Stay in the Past

For those desiring a more extended experience, overnight accommodations in ’20s-inspired rooms are available starting at around $276 ($345 CAD) for two people, and this includes admission, supper, and breakfast.

The season for visiting Val-Jalbert runs from May 21 through October 10. Conveniently located just under a three-hour drive from Quebec City, it’s an accessible destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.