Are you looking for a unique road trip that is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts? Let me introduce you to Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec. This region is a jewel in Quebec and offers a fun road trip from Ontario as it’s located just across the border. In under 5 hours from Toronto, you can enjoy an epic Abitibi-Témiscamingue road trip.
The region is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered! It’s an ideal place to visit in Canada for outdoor lovers. You’ll find stunning landscapes like in Opémican National Park, where you can hike, paddle and camp among pristine forests. Beyond that, the region boasts 22,000 lakes and rivers waiting to be explored. Plus, there’s a wealth of history and vibrant arts scene to discover, like in Rouyn-Noranda. Foodies will rejoice too, with the abundant agriculture sector that serves up a tasty culinary scene, like at the annual food festival Foire Gourmande in Ville Marie.
After spending a week exploring the region, with the help of a local, I’ve put together an Abitibi-Témiscamingue road trip planner. In this guide I’m sharing all of my favourite places to visit in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, places to stay, and tips. You’ll learn about the region’s charming small towns, unique accommodations, epic hiking trails and so much more!
Whether you’re a history buff eager to learn about the region’s past, a nature enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in the wilderness, or simply in need of a weekend getaway, Abitibi-Témiscamingue promises an unforgettable road trip experience. So, pack your bags, fill up the tank, and get ready to discover all the incredible sights and experiences that await just beyond the Ontario border.
Best Stops on an Abitibi-Témiscamingue Road Trip
Temiscaming
After an approximately 4 hour drive from the Toronto area, the first place you’ll want to stop on your road trip is Temiscaming. The town is located right across the Ontario border at where the lower end of the Lake Témiscamingue and the Ottawa River meet.
Welcome to Québec sign
I’m a sucker for fun roadside stops, so I recommend stopping for a selfie with the Welcome to Québec sign just after the bridge. There’s even a handy pullover spot to park while you grab a photo.
Musée de la Gare
To learn about the history of Temiscaming, pay a visit to Musée de la Gare. As a huge architecture and train buff, I love that the museum is set in the old train station. Built in 1927, it served as a train station until 1970. In 1996 it opened as the museum after an extensive restoration.
The main exhibit takes you through the history of Temiscaming and its development as an industry town. For years the town focused on logging and the pulp and paper mill. One cool thing is that the exhibit also features QR codes that you can scan for more information and documents. And the exhibit is in both French and English, so if you are not familiar with French, you can still enjoy it.
During my visit there was also an art exbibit upstairs. This exhibit showcases some traditional and unique pieces of art by women in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
Fun Facts: The building is the only train station in the Georgian style in Canada. Plus, in the basement is a Cold War bunker!
Sentier des Pipelines
One of the coolest things to do in Temiscaming is walk the Sentier des Pipelines. Also known as the Témiscaming Old pipelines Circuit, it can be accessed by walking from the Museum. Walking from the museum I followed the green dotted pathway on the Welcome to Temiscaming pamphlet. It takes you by a few interesting sights, including a Venetian fountain and a metal wishing well.
The trail takes you through the massive old pipes that were used to pump water from the Lumsden dam to operate the Kipawa hydroelectric power station on the lake. Now the pipes feel like they are part of the natural landscape as they blend harsh metals surrounded by lush forest.
Keep in mind this is not an accessible trail, it’s made up of a series of stairs through the pipes. But if you can climb, it’s worth it!
French tip: Sentier means path or trail
Opémican National Park
One of the best places to visit in Abitibi-Témiscamingue is Opémican National Park. This sprawling park is made up of three different areas.
During my visit I stayed in one of the park’s ready to camp sites. It’s the perfect blend of camping and glamping. Inside are beds, a table and a kitchen. You’ll find nearly everything you need for your stay, including kitchen utensils, pots, water, a stove and a small fridge. In addition to the comforts of the protect to the elements and not sleeping on the ground, it’s solar powered. There’s lighting and a place to plug something in (like your cell phone).
I absolutely loved the view from the site! These ready to camp sites in Opémican National Park sit high on a cliff and overlook Lake Témiscamingue. Outside there’s a spot for a campfire, with a number of chairs too. And at site #3, the toilet was steps from my site.
The ready to camp sites are budget-friendly, starting around $150, and sleep 4 people comfortably. However, there are traditional camping sites available too.
There are a few things to note about staying in the park. To sign in for your stay, you have to go to the Laniel Registration Centre, which is in the village of Laniel. It can be hard to find. But take the ramp down to the small parking lot in town. From there, you’ll spot the blue building with the large canoe on the roof.
Also, I had little to no cell service during my time in the park. This made it an ideal spot to unplug and soak up the wonderful park. Another thing to keep in mind, is that the road to the Rivere-Kipawa ready to camp parking lot is roughly 15 minutes. It’s at the very end of the road.
Things to do in Opémican National Park
As mentioned, the park is full of a number of things to do during your stay. There’s a number of paddling opportunities, including visiting a waterfall that’s only accessible by water. And don’t worry if you don’t have a kayak, as there are rentals available.
The park is also home to a wealth of wildlife. I spotted an adorable skunk and a family of grouse during my stay. It’s a great park for birding. I saw a number of different species and heard others.
In the Rivere-Kipawa section of the park, there are a number of different hiking trails. One, the La Paroi-aux Faucons Trail (Falcon Cliff Trail) is easily accessible from the ready to camp sites. This 1.8 km loop takes approximately 45 minutes. The wide trail leads through the forest and up to a rocky clifftop with awesome views of the lake. The trail is named for the peregrine falcons that call the cliff home, so be sure to keep an eye to the sky.
Another great trail, which is easy, is the La Grand-Chute Trail. This trail is 1.2 km and takes roughly 40 minutes. As soon as you hit the trail from the parking lot, you’ll hear the mighty waterfall. What I loved about this trail is the multiple views of the falls. There’s a platform that takes you out over the thundering water for a really up-close view.
Travel Tip: I recommend downloading the PDF of your booking to your phone, due to the lack of service, so that you can show it to park wardens when asked.
Obadjiwan–Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site
A visit to Obadjiwan-Fort-Témiscamingue National Historic Site, is one of the best things to do in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. It’s a great stop on the way to Ville Marie, as it’s located just south of town.
The Historic Site has been shaped by people from the Algonquin (dating back 6000 years) to the French and English. It’s now run in partnership by both Parks Canada and the local Indigenous people.
In the museum, you’ll learn about the First Nations people who first called this land home as well as the development of the fort over 200 years ago. There are a number of exhibits that are interactive which are great for kids and adults alike. I tested my strength with their pack that weighs roughly 90 lbs., without much luck. This is the weight of one of the roughly 4 packs that the voyageurs would carry on their trips. It really adds a realness to the site.
Walking around the open-air museum (where the fort once stood) you’ll find 14 different interpretative areas that showcase what life was like at the fort between 1840 and 1880. From canoe building to the remnants of the trading post manager’s home, I highly recommend slowly making your way through the site to get a full grasp of it.
Or better yet, take a guided tour. There are some key pieces that could be overlooked but are important to note. Like the different entrances for First Nations people as well as what they were keen to trade the furs for. These could easily be missed, but the excellent guides fill you in on everything. One of my favourite stories was about the ‘Enchanted Forest.’. My guide excitedly told me the legend of why the trees in the forest are bent, they’re “frozen in dance!”
Ville-Marie
The charming small town of Ville Marie is a great getaway destination from Ontario! Set along the massive and stunning Lake Temiscaming, Ville Marie is one of the oldest towns in the region and a must stop on any Abitibi-Témiscamingue road trip.
You’ll find a mix of fun things to do in town that include everything from visiting historic sites to indulging in fantastic local food, as well as great outdoor activities. You can stroll the scenic waterfront or rent bike to cycle Ligne du Moccassin. Or eat your way through the tasty restaurants in town like Casse-Croute La Fringale. This fab food shack serves up a variety of budget friendly meals, including one of the best poutines! Be advised that it’s cash only.
And if you’re staying in town, I recommend at least 2 nights, then book your stay at Auberge Nouvelle-France. This stunning home is newly renovated and features luxurious rooms and views of the lake.
Foire Gourmande
Foodie lovers will love Foire Gourmande! This 3 day food festival takes place in Ville Marie on the third weekend in August every year and attending it is one of the top things to do in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
For over 20 years, this incredible festival showcases local food from Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Northeastern Ontario. It’s all about celebrating the agricultural industry in the region. And celebrate you will! Along with a variety of different food vendors, there’s a gourmet dinner and cooking demonstrations by local chefs. Beyond the food, there’s a family fun area set up with activities as well as live music every night.
The Foire Gourmande is the perfect excuse to plan a weekend getaway to Abitibi-Témiscamingue in the summer. I highly recommend getting tickets for the festival’s gourmet dinner. It highlights the region’s farms and local food makers throughout the meal.
On top of the live music and dinner, you’ll want to set aside a few hours to check out all the vendors. I spent at least 3 hours exploring them and still didn’t get to see and try everything. A few stand out places include Vers Forêt, Tem-Sucre, Les Pâtissières de Ruelle, L’Éden Rouge, and Dida’s.
Vers Forêt has the prettiest booth and uses items from the Boreal Forest in their food. I loved their mac and cheese bites. So did everyone else too, as they won Best Bite Award at the festival! Tem-Sucre is a farm known for its maple syrup. I tried their donut bites drizzled in maple and they were so tasty! You also have to try the different flavoured cheese curds from Le Fromage au Village. I tried the dill flavoured ones, and wish I bought a bag to bring home!
Maison du Frère-Moffet
A visit to Maison du Frère-Moffet is one of the top things to do in Ville Marie to learn about the town’s history! This historic building is located right downtown and is now a museum. Built in 1881, it’s the oldest house in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
Maison du Frère-Moffet was built by Brother Joseph Moffet, who is considered the founder of Ville Marie. Inside this adorable little home, the museum showcases the history of both Brother Moffet as well as the town, Ville Marie. It’s interesting to learn about the tenasity of this man and what early settlers to the area faced.
Fun Fact: The building has been moved 5 times since it was first built!
Rouyn-Noranda
Known as the city of contrasts, Rouyn-Noranda quickly became one of my favourite places to visit in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. The city is located along Lake Osisko with a picturesque boardwalk around it. It’s a stark contrast to its early days when the city developed around the gold mines.
I found a fabulous mix of restaurants and cafes. There’s something for everyone’s appeitite, from fantastic Itailian fare at Le Pizze to comfort food and beer at Le Trèfle Noir. As a coffee shop nut, I loved all the unique cafes like Bar-Librairie Livresse, which is a bookshop, coffee shop and bar in one!
And if you like street art as much as me, you’ll love all of the incredible murals found throughout the city. There’s even an app to download (Balado Découverte) that acts as a guide to where to find the murals and shares a little about them.
Fleur D’eau Botanical Park
One of the best things to do in Rouyn-Noranda is visit the Fleur D’eau Botanical Park. The botanical gardens and park are home to over 25,000 plants. I loved wandering the shaded pathways that are lined with brilliant-coloured flowers. There’s even a little waterfall!
Fleur D’eau Botanical Park is one of the top free places to visit in Abitibi-Témiscamingue for all that it has to offer! In addition to the beautiful flowers, there’s a geological garden that showcases the geology as well as the mining development of the area. Plus, don’t miss the lovely boardwalk around Lake Edward, at the park’s centre.
Magasin Général Dumulon
Located along the waterfront, Magasin Général Dumulon is a great place to learn about the city’s history. The museum is a historic site that was the first general store in Rouyn-Noranda. Built in 1924, yes, the city is a young one, it has been masterfully restored to showcase what it would have looked like back then.
Inside you’ll find exhibits that tell the story of the general store, including the Dumulon family that built it and how instrumental they were in the early days of the city. You’ll also learn about how the town built up around the gold mines and grew with an abundance of immigrants coming from Europe to work.
There are even a few videos that highlight some of the city’s instrumental people. After the guided tour, which takes about an hour, I highly recommend browsing the gift shop as its full of unique local items.
Musée d’art de Rouyn-Noranda (MA)
The love of art doesn’t stop on the streets, as the city is also home to the first and only art museum in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. Musée d’art de Rouyn-Noranda, or MA as it’s often called, is home to an incredible collection of art works by artists from Quebec, Canada and the rest of North America.
I thoroughly enjoyed their exhibit, Sous la Lumiere du Nord (Under the Northern Light). The exhibit features pieces in a range of forms by local artists. This is their current permanent exhibit and there is also a rotating exhibit as well as a room that showcases some of the piece from their archives.
If you’re looking for free places to visit in Abitibi Témiscamingue, add the art gallery to your itinerary!
Audacieuses Évasions
One of the most unique things to do in Abitibi-Témiscamingue is book a stay in a floating cottage! Audacieuses Évasions, which fittingly translates to Daring Escapes in English, offers unique waterfront accommodations.
Audacieuses Évasions is located on Lake Preissac, 40 minutes east of Rouyn-Noranda. The owners, Sonia and Raphel, have a collection of floating cottages that offer a one-of-a-kind experience! They’ll greet you when you arrive, pack your luggage into the back of their ATV to take it down to the lake, while you start your adventure with a walk down a forested trail.
At the dock I, along with my luggage, hopped on the small boat/barge to make our way to my little slice of paradise for the night. I stayed in the Microvasion floating cottage. This adorable tiny home on the water has everything you need! There’s a sink and grill outside as well as a separate toilet and shower. Inside is a comfortable bed, table to eat at, and a variety of cooking and dining ware.
Siting on the bed I had loved watching the bird life, like a friendly scooter that hung around most of the evening. These cottages are perfect for a couple or solo traveller looking for a little place to relax and soak in the wonders of nature in Abitibi-Témiscamingue!
Also available are floating scooters, which are like a motorized scooter for the water. They have kayaks too, which are perfect for exploring the scenic lake.
Plus, the sunsets are pretty magical!!
Musée École du Rang II d’Authier
An interesting road trip stop on the way to La Sarre is Musée École du Rang II d’Authier. This historic museum is a renovated one room rural schoolhouse and is roughly 25 minutes east of La Sarre.
The museum was a working schoolhouse from 1937 to 1958. Like many one room schools during that time, it taught students from grade one to seven. It’s set up as it was, with all of the teaching tools like maps and storyboards, desks and old stove to keep it warm.
I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the museum. The tour really helped bring the place to life for me and my guide was so detailed in sharing what life was like for the students as well as the teachers. With the tour, I learned about what the students were taught, subjects like religion and etiquette were among others like history and arithmetic.
The Musée École du Rang II d’Authier is a great place for families with kids to visit. I’m sure kids of today will be in awe of how tough rural school life was less than 100 years ago. In addition to kids, I think it’s valuable for adults to learn about how the young girls teaching were treated too. Teachers were often teens and they had to live in the school. With a couple of small rooms within the schoolhouse to live, there were strict rules for these young women. Oftentimes they could not have a life outside of teaching.
La Sarre
Next stop on your road trip should be La Sarre. The town of La Sarre is located approximately 1 hour north of Rouyn-Noranda or 1.15 hours west of Amos. This northwestern Quebec town is a great base for exploring the area
Forestry Interpretation Center
When it comes to free places to visit in Abitibi Témiscamingue, I recommend starting at the La Sarre Tourism office. Along with the helpful staff aiding you in what to do and where to eat in town, there’s a forestry museum in the large log building.
The small museum shares a bit about the history of logging in the area with a few cool exhibits. There’s everything from logging gear to a well-used cook book from a logging camp.
Fun fact: La Sarre was once named the forest capital of Canada!
Visit Local Cheese Factories
When in Quebec, you must indulge in some of the best cheese in Canada! La Sarre is home to the most northern cheese factory in Quebec, La Vache à Maillotte Cheese Factory. Their large shop is located just down the street from the tourist office. Inside you’ll find a variety of cow and sheep’s milk cheeses. They’ve been crafting cheese for over 25 years and are known for their uniquely sweet taste.
Another interesting cheese shop to visit is Fromagerie Fromabitibi. Located just south of town, they specialize in both cow and goat’s milk cheeses. At their shop you can see the goats and browse the boutique.
Go Hiking
There are a number of great places to hike in and around La Sarre. One of my favourites is La Montagne a Fred. The park is located 15 minutes south of town and has a small parking lot off a dirt road. The trail is approximately 5km and features rocky terrain. Its great for bird watching too, as I spotted a number of different species ranging from different woodpeckers to flocks of blue jays. The biggest highlight of the trail for me was the extensive wooden bridge and boardwalk section.
Le Post
One of my favourite places to visit in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and stay is Le Post. It blends everything the region has to offer, stunning natural beauty, history and incredible people!
Le Post is a large property, located 20 minutes north of La Sarre. It was once the site of the historic Fire Guard Station. Now the place is reimagined into a tourist destination that’s ideal for a nature retreat!
Set along the Turgeon River, Le Post features a variety of accommodations including cabins, yurts and a campground. You’ll find lots of things to do at Le Post. This four-season destination is home to over 10 kms of trails and a lookout tower. You can kayak or enjoy a paddle boat ride down the tranquil river. Or cozy up with friends, family or a book (like I did).
I enjoyed one of their cabins which have everything you need for a fabulous stay. There’s a kitchen, dining room, couch, bathroom, and loft for sleeping. It even came equipped with a few books, a puzzle and hearty lantern for reading in bed. Out front is a firepit too.
During my visit I did the long purple loop trail that takes you through the towering forests. Along the trail are story boards that share the history of the site and the town of Val-Saint-Gilles. While they were in French, I was able to use my phone to translate. Just off the trail is another short, but steep trail, that takes you up to a lookout tower. From the top, I was blown away by the view over the forest.
The best part about Le Post is the restaurant! The owner, Guylaine is a treat! Her and the staff know how to make you feel welcome. In addition to being the owner, she’s the chef and entertainment, as she hits the small stage with her guitar to sing. Oh, and the food is fantastic too! Best known for their pizza, I also loved their poutine and burger.
More Places to Visit in Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Dénommée Covered Bridge
You could plan a road trip in Abitibi-Témiscamingue around its covered bridges. The region has 13 covered bridges, which is half the amount from the early 1900s.
The first covered bridge I stopped at was Pont Dénommée. It’s located roughly 20 minutes north of Ville Marie, about a 10-minute detour off the main highway.
This rural single lane bridge was built in 1933 and named after pioneer Albert Dénommée. It features a lattice truss design and a pale green roof. There’s even a small place to pull over along the dirt road to grab a few photos.
The Observation Tower in Preissac
In the picturesque are of Preissac stands a 20 metre (over 65 feet) observation tower. This is a must stop on any Abitibi-Témiscamingue road trip! Upon climbing the tower to the top, you’ll be rewarding with sweeping views of Lake Preissac. The lake features a number of islands, one of which anchors the tranquil floating cottage of Audacieuses Évasions.
Keep and eye out for the many herons that call the lake home or the other incredible bird life. There are also panels that share information on the area’s mining and forestry. Plus, the tower is lit at night in a cool blue!
Travel tip: For those planning a road trip with an electric vehicle, you’ll find the parking lot of the observation tower has charging stations.
Halte d’Authier
If you’re planning a road trip and looking for fun places to visit in Abitibi-Témiscamingue for kids, you’ll find plenty of small roadside parks. I noticed a variety of these rest areas had playgrounds and other unusual sights.
One of these unusual sights was in Halte d’Authier. Along with a large playground, picnic area, as well as washrooms, it had a unique art installation of sorts. Within a large octagonal structure, lined with windows, were a variety of small buildings on display.
Molesworth Bridge
Another one of the cool covered bridges in Abitibi-Témiscamingue is Molesworth Bridge. This covered bridge is located in Macamic, 20 minutes east of La Sarre. Built in 1930, this stunning red bridge crossed the Loïs River.
Abitibi-Témiscamingue Road Trip Planner
Day 1: Visit Temiscaming, with stops at the Welcome to Québec sign, Musée de la Gare and Sentier des Pipelines. Stay overnight at Opémican National Park.
Day 2: Spend the morning hiking in Opémican National Park then visit Obadjiwan–Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site (plan for at least 2 hours here). Travel up to Ville Marie with stops at the waterfront and Maison du Frère-Moffet. If visiting during Foire Gourmande, spend at least a few hours tasting the food. Stay overnight at Auberge Nouvelle-France.
Day 3: Stop at the Dénommée covered bridge on the way to Rouyn-Noranda. Stroll the waterfront and visit Magasin Général Dumulon and the art gallery in Rouyn-Noranda. Stay overnight at Hotel Noranda.
Day 4: Spend the morning exploring the botanical park in Rouyn-Noranda and the afternoon checking out the murals.
Day 5: Leave for Audacieuses Évasions to enjoy a day and night in one of their floating cottages.
Day 6: Stop at the observation tower in Preissac and Musée École du Rang II d’Authier. In La Sarre, visit the cheese factories and forestry museum before heading to Le Post. Enjoy a hike, dinner and an overnight stay at Le Post.
Day 7: Stop for a hike at La Montagne a Fred on your way home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Where is Abitibi-Témiscamingue?
Abitibi-Témiscamingue is located in northern Quebec, with a large part of the region bordering Ontario. It’s approximately 4.5 hours north of Toronto and 5 hours from Ottawa.
What is Abitibi-Témiscamingue known for?
Abitibi-Témiscamingue is best known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. This massive region, spanning nearly 60,000 square kilometres, is home to 20,000 lakes and rivers.
Can you visit without speaking French?
Yes, as someone who knows limited French, I found travelling through this region of Quebec doable. Many people were friendly and knew English. While others knew limited English but willing to work with me to navigate a mix of both languages.
How is cell service?
I found that cell service throughout most of the region is very good. They only areas you’ll lack service is in the parks like Opémican National Park.
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In conclusion, an Abitibi-Témiscamingue road trip is a must for anyone looking to explore the stunning natural beauty of Quebec. It’s one of the best road trips in Quebec for outdoor entusiasts. With its wealth of unique accommodations, from cozy cabins to charming inns, you’ll find the perfect place to rest after days filled with fun outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking, canoeing, or simply taking in the breathtaking landscapes, the region offers endless opportunities. Beyond its natural wonders, Abitibi-Témiscamingue boasts a vibrant arts scene and delicious local cuisine that will delight your senses and enrich your journey. So, if you’re ready for an unforgettable road trip, make Abitibi-Témiscamingue your next destination.
Disclaimer: I was hosted by Abitibi-Témiscamingue Tourism, but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
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