When accessed via Highway 170 that spans across the great city of Saguenay, the building of the Delta Saguenay Hotel impresses with its height and ground size, acting somewhat like a benevolent lighthouse. This aptly heralds what its managers offer to those who come to stay, whether it be for simple family vacations in the area, temporary work nearby, or for an event or business meeting in its convention center.

Located in the Jonquière sector of Saguenay City, this 4-star family and business Marriott hotel is a bit removed from the city center and the Saguenay River, and 26 km from Bagotville Airport that serves the region. With its Boston Pizza restaurant, indoor pool, and a recently added fitness center, Delta Saguenay is among the main hotel establishments in the region.

 
For General Manager Olivier Fortin-Tremblay, the investments made by the owners since 2012 have turned it into a unique place in the region. The refined rooms include the following equipment: desk, ergonomic chairs, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, coffee maker, and mini-fridge. Some rooms have a bathtub, others a walk-in shower. The suites also feature a fridge, microwave, dining area, fireplace, and sofa bed.

 
All rooms were renovated in 2012, inspired by the Canadian landscape, with a palette of refreshing and modern colors, and maximum use of natural light. Formerly owned by an Ontario financial group, Delta Saguenay came under local interests in 2017, led by businessman Laval Boulianne with support from the FTQ regional solidarity fund.

The hotel franchise managers then invested in building a restaurant near the main hall entrance in 2018, and about $1.2M for a new two-story annex that includes an indoor pool with spa and sauna, and an interactive game room. Operational since 2020, these transformations were necessary to attract a more family-oriented clientele, confirms the general manager. In addition to its business vocation with its convention center, the building has added a new recreational dimension.

The Delta's convention center features vast rooms equipped to provide various organizations with the necessary logistics for major events: 17 conference rooms and an 11,660 square-foot ballroom. The venue is favorably recognized for the quality of its facilities and the professional services available to event and meeting organizers.

Significantly, the Delta Saguenay also welcomes winter snowmobiling enthusiasts, as it is located near major regional and provincial trails. Moreover, the management practices an inclusive hospitality policy for all guests.

In the fall of 2023, the hotel owners hinted at contributing to improving the regional room offerings, which, according to regional tourism development stakeholders, is insufficient. Attendees of conventions or events prefer to stay on-site. The Delta Saguenay currently has 160 rooms. With the addition of a new tower on lands owned by businessman Laval Boulianne, the establishment could expand to 200 rooms by early 2024.

Delta Saguenay Hotel

Website

2675, Blvd. du Royaume
Jonquière, QC G7S 5B8
(418) 548-3124

Founded with the simple concept of bringing an Italian bistro-style restaurant to Campbellton, Pronto offers dishes such as delicious appetizers, salads, and pasta, not to mention a well-stocked drink menu. It also serves the famous fresh pasta from L'Atelier Gourmand.

  
The owner, Keegan Rose, opened his restaurant in July 2022, and it is already recognized among the city's top-rated by critics and customers. He has been working in the restaurant industry since reaching adulthood. Having had the opportunity to open his own restaurant, he jumped at the chance.

  The owner, Keegan Rose

In fact, he occupies the premises that the restaurant where he previously worked had left vacant when it moved elsewhere. A well-located and very busy place in the heart of the city, surrounded by many local businesses and very close to the Interprovincial Bridge leading to Quebec.

His initial project: to offer only Italian food at affordable and reasonable prices. He certainly believes it is possible to find it elsewhere in the city. But he points out that at his place, it is authentic and different from others. "Campbellton was missing this kind of place," he asserts. He personally trains the cooks who prepare the dishes that are the basis of his inspiration. Apart from the Italian menu, there is an interesting wine list featuring local and renowned products, as well as beers.

Pronto can accommodate about 40 people inside. A terrace outside in good weather allows for an additional fifteen or so. About 10 people find employment there.

While still in his thirties, he never thought he could own his own restaurant before his fifties. Having returned to Campbellton a few years ago, after working for some time in Calgary, for a restaurant chain in Rothesay, and having obtained his "red seal" chef certificate in Moncton, Keegan now felt ready to take the plunge.

 
Pronto is open from Tuesday to Saturday, for lunch and dinner. It is noteworthy that the owner and staff can provide service in both French and English. Taking great care of customers is part of his concept. And it seems to be working. It is advisable to book in advance to secure a table on weekends.

Pronto – Italian Bistro
prontocampbellton.com
99, Roseberry St
Campbellton (NB) E3N 2G6
506.753.5000