The Traversée Internationale du lac St-Jean is a 32 km open water swimming race between Péribonka and Roberval. The event is always presented on the last Saturday of July. In 2022, this “cult” marathon will mark 68 consecutive years of presentation, making it one of the most long-lived sports events in North America and around the world. In 1994, a scientific study in American “Outside” magazine classified the Traversée Internationale du lac St-Jean among the six most challenging sports events in the world.

During the last week of July, Roberval comes alive and sways to the rhythm of activities surrounding the Traversée Internationale du lac St-Jean. Numerous sports, cultural and family-oriented events allow the local population and visitors a chance to celebrate the event while having fun. Supper in the Streets Loto-Quebec, outdoor shows, fireworks, a Children’s Day, sports competitions, an art gallery, a Happy Hour, etc.: a host of activities designed to appeal to people of all tastes and ages!

The Traversée Internationale du lac St-Jean Inc. is the organization entrusted with the annual staging of seven (7) open water swimming competitions, at the elite and amateur levels. Around the world, the Traversée Internationale du lac St-Jean Inc. is hailed as a model of organization and professionalism. Year after year, it receives accolades from its participants, most notably in regards to the quality of its organizational structure and the support offered to the athletes.