The history of Domaine Valga
The history of “Domaine Valga” began in 1894, with Eugène Halley as its first owner. Mr. Halley developed the land to make the lake suitable for fishing. The next owners were Adélard Leclerc in 1911, Joseph Ross in 1947 and Les Frères du Sacré-Coeur in 1961. The latter all played a part in preserving the site’s resort vocation, keeping this sector of Mont-Comi almost untouched.
Fun fact!!! Les Frères du Sacré-Coeur got the territory for $1! And yes! In the old days, as they say, people gave parcels of land to religious congregations to “buy” their heaven!!! Times have certainly changed!
In April 2002, Chantal Vallée and Éric Gagné acquired the estate through Lef Frères du Sacré-Coeur. Today, Domaine Valga comprises 165 hectares, surrounding a fish-filled lake, a 9-bedroom log inn and 3 log cabins. Two of their children, Catherine and Maxime Gagné, are now members of the family business. They’ve been working there since 2008, but have officially been part of the business since 2016. Their involvement has given the two founders the wind in their sails and the motivation to develop new products and services for customers. The family works as a team, sharing their knowledge and skills for the benefit of the company’s development.
Since its inception, the owners have always aimed to be a year-round tourism business! Their secret: diversify to offer a variety of services and activities all year round. Today, Domaine Valga welcomes a wide range of local, provincial and international guests.
The surrounding hills offer a splendid panoramic view of an essentially forested landscape, as well as the chance to see one of Quebec’s oldest ancestral maple groves.
Many species of wildlife inhabit the estate: moose, white-tailed deer, beaver, ruffed grouse, barred owl, brook trout, loon and various species of duck. All of which will satisfy the most critical of nature lovers.
Situated at an altitude of 300 metres on the western face of Mont-Comi, Domaine Valga is located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, in the small municipality of Saint-Gabriel-de-Rimouski.
