How to Register Your Kids for Saguenay's Winter Recreation Programs

Getting the kids signed up for winter activities in Saguenay doesn't have to be stressful. This guide covers exactly how to register for municipal recreation programs — from skating lessons at Centre Georges-Vézina to ski programs at Centre de ski Mont-Fortin — including registration dates, required documents, and insider tips to secure spots before they fill up.

When Does Registration Open for Saguenay's Winter Programs?

Registration typically opens in mid-November for programs running January through March. The city releases specific dates on the Ville de Saguenay website each fall, usually announced two weeks before opening day.

Here's the thing — popular programs fill up fast. Really fast. Swimming lessons at Piscine du Centre récréatif and beginner hockey at Aréna de Chicoutimi often reach capacity within hours of registration opening. Mark your calendar and set multiple reminders.

The city uses a tiered registration system based on residency status:

Worth noting: you'll need proof of address to qualify for resident rates — a hydro bill or driver's license showing a Saguenay postal code works fine.

What Recreation Programs Are Available for Kids in Saguenay?

The city offers over 40 winter programs across its three boroughs — Chicoutimi, Jonquière, and La Baie — ranging from traditional sports to creative arts and outdoor adventure.

Ice sports dominate the winter lineup (this is Saguenay, after all). Options include:

• Learn-to-skate programs at Centre Georges-Vézina and Aréna de Jonquière
• Introductory hockey for ages 4-8
• Figure skating fundamentals
• Ringette — a Quebec classic that's growing fast in our community
• Speed skating at the Olympic-sized rink

Ski and snow programs take advantage of our spectacular local terrain. Centre de ski Mont-Fortin runs weekend ski school for kids, teaching everything from snowplow turns to parallel carving. For cross-country enthusiasts, Club de ski de fond de Chicoutimi offers youth programs on groomed trails through the Parc de la Rivière-du-Moulin.

Not every kid wants to brave the cold — and that's perfectly fine. Indoor options include:

• Gymnastics at Centre récréatif de Jonquière
• Swimming lessons (all levels, from parent-and-tot to advanced strokes)
• Creative movement and dance
• Arts and crafts workshops
• Martial arts — karate and judo programs run year-round

The catch? Some programs require prerequisites. Advanced swimming lessons, for example, need completion certificates from previous levels. Don't skip the fine print when browsing.

How Do You Actually Register for Saguenay Recreation Programs?

The city offers three registration methods — online (fastest), by phone, and in-person at recreation centres.

Online registration happens through the Saguenay Loisir portal. You'll need to create a family account first — do this before registration day. The system crashes sometimes (everyone hits it at 8:00 AM), so have backup plans ready. Multiple browser tabs help. So does patience.

To set up your account:

1. Visit the Saguenay Loisir website
2. Click "Créer un compte" (Create Account)
3. Enter parent/guardian information
4. Add each child with their NAS (last three digits only) and birthdate
5. Upload proof of residency
6. Wait for verification — usually 24-48 hours

Phone registration works through the main recreation line: 418-697-3000. Expect long wait times on opening day — like, "pack a lunch" long. Have your program codes ready (every activity has a four-digit code), your children's information, and a credit card.

In-person registration happens at Centre récréatif de Chicoutimi (985, rue Jacques-Cartier), Centre récréatif de Jonquière (3750, boulevard Harvey), and Centre récréatif de La Baie (625, rue Mars). Bring identification, proof of address, and payment. Lines form early — seriously, people camp out with coffee thermoses.

What Does Registration Cost?

Prices vary by program length and equipment requirements. Here's what families in Saguenay typically pay:

Financial assistance is available through the Quebec government's Leisure Assistance Program. Saguenay families receiving social assistance or employment insurance may qualify for 50-75% fee reductions — applications open in October.

What Should You Bring on the First Day?

Each program has specific requirements, but some basics apply across the board.

For ice programs: Properly fitted skates (the city doesn't provide equipment), CSA-approved helmets (mandatory for under-12), warm gloves, and layered clothing. The rinks at Centre Georges-Vézina and Aréna de Chicoutimi are cold — dress kids in long underwear under snow pants.

For ski programs: Skis, boots, poles (instructors will size them properly), goggles or sunglasses, and waterproof mittens. Centre de ski Mont-Fortin offers equipment rental packages for program participants — book these separately and early.

For indoor programs: Comfortable athletic wear, indoor running shoes (no black-soled shoes on gym floors), water bottles, and any program-specific materials listed in your confirmation email.

What If Programs Are Full?

Don't panic — and don't give up. Saguenay's recreation department maintains waitlists for all programs. Spots open up more often than you'd think — kids get sick, families move, schedules change. You'll receive an email if a space becomes available.

Smart backup strategies:

• Register for a second-choice program immediately — you can always transfer if your first choice opens up
• Check nearby boroughs — Jonquière programs sometimes have availability when Chicoutimi is full
• Look at private options — clubs like Club de patinage artistique de Chicoutimi offer parallel programming
• Consider spring sessions — many winter programs repeat in March-April

That said, winter in Saguenay isn't optional — it's five months of snow and sub-zero temperatures. Getting kids into structured activities isn't just about keeping them busy. It's about building skills, making friends in our community, and actually enjoying what our city offers during its longest season.

The registration process takes some planning. The early mornings and website refreshes aren't fun. But watching your kid glide across the ice at Centre Georges-Vézina for the first time — or bombing down Mont-Fortin with a grin plastered across their face — that's worth the hassle.

"The best time to register was yesterday. The second best time is right now." — Every Saguenay parent who's watched their preferred program fill up