Hotel Chicoutimi: Ultimate Guide 2026
Independent comparison (Booking, TripAdvisor, Google). Direct booking and local advice.
In summary: What is the best hotel in Chicoutimi in 2026?
The Château Cran Chaud (240 Rue Bossé) is the best hotel in Chicoutimi in 2026 in this guide: heritage hotel, 19 rooms, self-check-in and very quiet atmosphere. Indicated rating: 8.3/10 on Booking.com (138 reviews). Family alternative: Auberge Balcon Blanc (7.9/10, 456 reviews).
Château Cran Chaud
240 Rue Bossé • Quartier du Bassin • Heritage hotel in Chicoutimi
The Château Cran Chaud aims for a heritage accommodation experience in downtown Chicoutimi. The establishment promotes autonomy (check-in by code), comfort and a calm atmosphere.
Services offered
Rates: $141 – $212 CAD/night (depending on season and category)
Best for: couples, business trips, heritage stays, city center walking.
Auberge Balcon Blanc
285 Rue du Séminaire • Chicoutimi
Auberge Balcon Blanc is a friendly option in the center of Chicoutimi, convenient for self-contained stays. It features a “home” atmosphere and walking access to the central sectors.
Services offered
Rates: $100 – $150 CAD/night
Best for: Families, Extended Stays, Self-Sufficient Travelers.
Comparison of reviews by platform
Notes indicated in this article (to be validated periodically if you want “real time”).
| Hotel | Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Rooms | Price/night | Proximity to the centre | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Château Cran Chaud | 8.3/10 (138) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 19 | $141–212 | On foot | Wi-Fi, battery life |
| White Balcony | 7.9/10 (456) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 7 | $100–150 | On foot | Wi-Fi, battery life |
| OTL Governor | 9.2/10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 102 | $137–250 | Car | Rooms, spa |
| The Montagnais | 7.5/10 | ⭐⭐⭐ | 302 | $120–180 | Car | Congress |
| Hotel Chicoutimi (Hyvi) | 7.2/10 | ⭐⭐⭐ | 78 | $90–140 | Center | Wi-Fi |
| Delta Marriott | 8.0/10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 148 | $130–200 | Car | Rooms |
Where to book your hotel in Chicoutimi?
Regional reference: Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
Booking.com — most verified reviews
Advantages: large volume of reviews, quick comparisons, frequent cancellation conditions.
Disadvantages: commissions, prices sometimes higher than direct.
Expedia / Hotels.com — loyalty
Benefits: Rewards programs, flight+hotel bundles.
Disadvantages: variable support depending on the market.
TripAdvisor Reviews + Compare
Pros: detailed reviews, traveler photos, price comparison.
Official website — recommendation (direct)
Advantages: direct contact, more flexible conditions, control of the experience.
Château Cran Chaud: chateaucranchaud.com
White balcony: balconblanc.com
Analysis of all hotels (summary)
OTL Gouverneur Saguenay — luxury & spa
High-end option (spa, full services), more oriented towards “premium comfort”.
Le Montagnais — family complex
Very large property, popular for families and events/congresses.
Hotel Chicoutimi (Hyvi) — Racine Street
Very central. Can be noisier depending on the time of year and the location of the room.
Delta Hotels by Marriott — standard chain
“Predictable” option, useful for fidelity/channel standards.
Budget-friendly options — Comfort Inn, La Saguenéenne, motels
For tight budget or transit, with compromise on stamp/location.
Attractions and festivals near your hotel in Chicoutimi
Main attractions
The Chicoutimi Pulp Mill
Regional museum (heritage site): exhibitions, historic buildings, seasonal activities.
Address: 300 Dubuc Street, Chicoutimi
Little White House
Place of remembrance associated with the 1996 flood (visit/mediation depending on the season).
Address: 2230 Boulevard du Saguenay, Chicoutimi
Saguenay Fjord (National Park)
Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier
Architectural point of interest in the city centre (visits according to schedule).
Address: 514 Rue Racine E, Chicoutimi
Port Area (city centre)
Terraces, summer shows and events, waterfront access.
Address: 100 Rue Lafontaine, Chicoutimi
Festivals Events
Summer (June–August)
International Festival of World Rhythms
Major cultural event in the Port Area (programme/years to be validated before publication).
Saguenay Beer Festival
Festival dedicated to local and regional microbreweries.
Winter (December–March)
Saguenay Winters
Winter activities (dates and programming to be confirmed depending on the year).
Festival REGARD
Short film festival (dates to be validated).
More information: Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Tourism
Where to eat near your hotel in Chicoutimi
Temaki — Japanese Cuisine
Sushi and quality Japanese cuisine in a modern setting.
Specialties: Fresh sushi, tempura, ramen
Address: 1855 Boulevard du Royaume, Chicoutimi
HopEra — Microbrewery
Microbrewery and pub food with local craft beers.
Specialties: Homemade beers, burgers, chicken wings
Address: 1855 Boulevard du Royaume, Chicoutimi
The Kitchen — Contemporary Bistro
Contemporary bistro with seasonal menu and local products.
Specialties: Market cuisine, regional products
Address: 387 Rue Racine E, Chicoutimi
Best seasons to visit Chicoutimi
Summer (June–August) — high season
Outdoor activities, Port Area, Fjord exits. Advance reservation recommended.
Fall (September–October)
Autumn colours, hikes, often lower prices.
Winter (December–March)
Winter sports, seasonal events, snowmobiling (subject to conditions).
Spring (April–May)
Low season: good value for money, less traffic.
Practical information and transport
How to get to Chicoutimi
From Montreal: ~4:30 a.m. via A-40 then A-175
From Quebec City: ~2 hours 15 minutes via A-175
By plane: Bagotville Airport (YBG), ~15 km from city centre
Château Cran Chaud address: 240 Rue Bossé, Chicoutimi, QC
Local transport
Public Transportation: Société de transport du Saguenay (STS)
Taxi: Several companies available
Car rental: Available at the airport and city center
Useful contacts
Château Cran Chaud: 418 544-8234 • chateaucranchaud.com
White balcony: balconblanc.com
Saguenay Tourism: saguenaylacsaintjean.ca
Emergencies: 911
Info-Santé: 811
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best hotel in Chicoutimi in 2026?
In this guide: Château Cran Chaud (#1) and Auberge Balcon Blanc (#2). The “best” choices always depend on your priorities: budget, location, quietness, services.
Where to book: direct site or OTA?
For the majority of travellers: read reviews on OTA, then book directly if the price/conditions are better.
Do you need a car in Chicoutimi?
For the city center: not necessary. For the Fjord, Monts-Valin, and excursions: recommended.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (June-August) for outdoor activities and festivals. Autumn (September-October) for the colors and less crowds. Winter for winter sports.
Are there festivals in Chicoutimi?
Yes, including the International Festival of World Rhythms in summer, the REGARD Festival in winter, and several cultural events depending on the season.
Verdict
For a heritage and autonomous stay in the city centre: Château Cran Chaud. For a friendly and convenient option: Auberge Balcon Blanc.
