A captivating dive into the pioneers' history
Built in 1889, this entirely wooden mill impresses by its dimensions: 15 metres by 15 metres.
Its period machinery occupies the main hall, while the timber store and the repair workshop sit in the annex, with exhibitions of everyday objects from the era.
A powerful symbol of the settlement of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, this hydraulic sawmill ran for more than 90 years and played a key role in local development. Though it no longer operates today for safety reasons, its history remains very much alive.
Guided by the people who lived it
With 360° video showing the machines at work, our two star avatars — faithful digital reproductions of the mill's owner, Télesphore Demers, and of Maurice Trottier of the Félix Trottier mechanical workshop — tell you about their daily lives, their craft and how the site changed over time.
With the free loan of a 10-inch tablet, let the avatars guide you through an immersive, interactive visit.
Guided visits, every afternoon
Guided visits of the Moulin des Pionniers run every afternoon at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Contact us to find out whether other guided visits are available.
Mission
The mission of the Corporation du Moulin des Pionniers de La Doré is the conservation and interpretation of the hydraulic sawmill — a living memory of the settlement and dynamic occupation of Québec's territory — the enhancement of its natural environment, and the provision of welcome services and recreational tourism activities.