Looking for the best places to drink in Chicoutimi?
Whether you’re a fan of craft beers, creative cocktails or simply looking for a friendly atmosphere to spend a pleasant evening, Chicoutimi and the Saguenay are full of excellent addresses.
From intimate bars to lively microbreweries and outdoor seating establishments, discover our complete guide to the best places to socialize and enjoy great drinks in the area. Here are our recommendations to make the most of the nightlife in Chicoutimi and its surroundings.
Discover the best bars in Chicoutimi!
Chicoutimi’s must-see bars
The bar scene in Chicoutimi has grown considerably in recent years, offering a beautiful diversity of atmospheres and styles. Here are three must-see addresses that stand out for their unique atmosphere and quality offer.
The Coureur des Bois
Le Coureur des Bois has become a reference for craft beer lovers in Chicoutimi. With its rustic and warm atmosphere, this establishment highlights local beers in a setting that recalls the region’s forest heritage. It is the perfect place to start the evening with friends in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
The beer menu offers an excellent selection of local and Quebec products, allowing you to discover the distinctive flavors of the region’s microbreweries. The atmosphere is always lively without being noisy, creating the perfect setting for pleasant conversations over a good pint. The knowledgeable staff will be able to guide you in your choices according to your preferences.
The Flight
For a more intimate evening, L’Envol offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for quiet conversations and romantic dates. This bar stands out for its carefully prepared creative cocktails and a soft musical atmosphere that creates an elegant and relaxing atmosphere.
Mixology is taken seriously, with impeccably executed classic cocktails and original creations that pleasantly surprise. The soft lighting and thoughtful décor make it a great place for those looking for a more sophisticated experience. It is the ideal place for a first date or simply to enjoy a quality cocktail in a pleasant setting.
The Maltée Way
La Voie Maltée is an institution in Chicoutimi. This iconic brewery is known for its quality house beers and live stage that regularly hosts live music. The establishment successfully combines the atmosphere of a microbrewery and that of a bar with live music, creating a unique and dynamic atmosphere.
Whether you come to taste their beers brewed on site, for the generous pub menu, or to attend a show, La Voie Maltée offers a complete experience. It is a flagship place of Chicoutimi’s nightlife where you can easily spend a whole evening. The atmosphere is festive, especially on show nights, and the establishment attracts a diverse clientele who enjoy good beer and live music.
Microbreweries and craft beers
The Saguenay has established itself as an important region for craft beers in Quebec. Several quality microbreweries are worth a visit for hop and malt lovers.
L’Hopera Microbrewery
Microbrasserie L’Hopera is a must for craft beer lovers in the Chicoutimi region. This establishment brews quality beers on site that reflect the local know-how and offers a warm atmosphere where it is good to sit down with friends or family.
The brasserie menu perfectly complements the beer offer, with generous dishes that go well with the various house beers. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, perfect for discovering local brewing creations in a pleasant setting.
Other microbreweries in the region
Beyond Chicoutimi, the Saguenay region has several other microbreweries that are worth a visit. The Microbrasserie Chasse-Pinte offers a fine selection of craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere. The Pie Braque Microbrewery stands out for its original and daring creations.
In La Baie, the Microbrasserie Port-Alfred offers quality beers in a pleasant setting with a view of the fjord. The Saint-Fût completes the regional offer with its own brewing creations. Each microbrewery has its own distinct character and is worth a visit to discover the diversity of the Saguenay brewing scene.
For spirits lovers, don’t forget the Distillerie du Fjord, which produces fine spirits from regional ingredients and offers a tasting room to discover their creations.
Bars with terrace and view
During the summer months, enjoying a drink on the terrace becomes a must. Several establishments in the region offer pleasant outdoor spaces to enjoy a drink while enjoying the beautiful Quebec weather.
Summer Options
Although Chicoutimi’s bars offer warm indoor atmospheres, many also have terraces for sunny days. These outdoor spaces allow you to enjoy summer evenings while socializing in a relaxed atmosphere.
For an exceptional viewing experience, the Battures restaurant offers a terrace with a breathtaking view of the Saguenay Fjord. Although it is mainly a gourmet restaurant, the bar offers a drink in a spectacular setting, especially at sunset. It’s the perfect place for an aperitif before dinner or a digestif while admiring the landscape.
Atmospheres according to your desires
Each outing deserves a different atmosphere depending on the occasion and your mood. Here’s how to choose the right property for what you’re looking for.
For a convivial evening with friends
Le Coureur des Bois and La Voie Maltée are perfect for a lively evening with friends. Their laid-back vibe and selection of local beers create the perfect atmosphere to socialize and have a good time. Microbreweries in the area, such as L’Hopera, also offer friendly spaces where groups of friends feel comfortable.
These establishments usually have sharing options on the menu, perfect to accompany beers and extend the evening. The soundscape makes it easy to converse while enjoying a lively atmosphere.
For a romantic date
L’Envol stands out as the obvious choice for a date night or a date night. Its cozy atmosphere, its neat cocktails and its subdued lighting create the perfect setting for an intimate evening. The soft music in the background allows you to converse comfortably without having to raise your voice.
To combine gastronomy and a romantic atmosphere, the Battures restaurant also offers a bar where you can have a drink before or after a gourmet meal, with a spectacular view of the fjord that adds a magical touch to the evening.
To listen to live music
La Voie Maltée is the reference address for live music in Chicoutimi. Their regular programming of shows attracts quality local and regional artists. The atmosphere on show nights is electric, with an enthusiastic crowd coming to enjoy the music while tasting the house beers.
To make the most of the experience, check out their lineup in advance and arrive early on popular show nights to get a good seat. The acoustics of the venue and the energy of the audience create a memorable experience for live music lovers.
Where to eat and drink in Chicoutimi
Several establishments in the area successfully combine gastronomy and bar, allowing you to enjoy a complete experience in one place.
Restaurants with bars
For an experience that combines refined gastronomy and a bar atmosphere, the Battures restaurant offers a unique proposal. Located near Chicoutimi, the restaurant offers gourmet cuisine that highlights regional products, while offering a bar where you can enjoy quality cocktails, wines and spirits.
The establishment stands out for its spectacular view of the Saguenay Fjord, creating an exceptional atmosphere for both a gourmet dinner and a simple drink. It is the perfect place to impress on a special occasion or simply to spoil yourself with a high-level culinary and oenological experience.
To discover other gastronomic options in the region, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Chicoutimi and the best restaurants in Saguenay.
Plan your evening in Chicoutimi
Chicoutimi and Saguenay offer a diverse bar and microbrewery scene that will satisfy all tastes. Whether you’re looking for the rustic and friendly atmosphere of Coureur des Bois, the intimate and sophisticated atmosphere of L’Envol, or the festive energy of La Voie Maltée with its live shows, you’ll find the perfect place for your evening.
The region also stands out for its vibrant craft brewing scene, with several microbreweries producing quality beers that rival the best in Quebec. Don’t hesitate to explore the various microbreweries in the region to discover local flavours and encourage Saguenay’s artisan brewers.
For the full experience, combine your evening with an excellent meal at one of Chicoutimi’s restaurants, or extend the fun by spending the night at the Hotel des Battures, where you can enjoy quality accommodations overlooking the fjord after your evening.
If you’re planning a longer stay in the region, check out our complete guide to things to do in Saguenay to discover all that this beautiful region has to offer. For couples, our article on romantic activities to do as a couple in Saguenay offers ideas for a memorable getaway.
