Chicoutimi, founded in 1676 as a trading post at the mouth of the Chicoutimi River, embodies the heritage of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. The name itself, derived from Montagnais words meaning “it’s deep,” reflects the site’s geographical importance to First Nations peoples. A borough of the City of Saguenay since the 2002 merger, which also includes the cities of Jonquière and La Baie, Chicoutimi remains the administrative and commercial heart of the region with an estimated population of 68,652. Its built heritage is recognized worldwide as a mecca of architectural modernity in Quebec, while the downtown Cultural Crescent is home to nearly 150 cultural attractions reflecting the enduring importance of arts and culture.

Chicoutimi’s economy has diversified well beyond its forestry and industrial heritage. Today, it is based on essential institutional and technological pillars: the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Integrated University Health and Social Services Center, the Cégep de Chicoutimi, and the Rio Tinto production plant. Chicoutimi offers a balanced quality of life: access to a rich and diverse cultural life, proximity to the Saguenay Fjord and its remarkable panoramas, as well as accessibility to regional educational and health services.

Chicoutimi’s real estate market remains dynamic and affordable compared to Quebec’s major metropolitan centers. The average time to sell is less than 50 days, particularly fast in central areas, indicating an active market where well-positioned properties find buyers quickly. This accessibility attracts families and investors seeking economic stability and an environment that offers all the advantages of the city, while being close to nature and the great outdoors.