What to do in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James

All over the world, the summer tourist season has been turned upside down by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eeyou Istchee Baie-James is no exception, but the good news is that, here, nature reigns supreme and remains unchanged! The forest continues to be full of treasures ready to be discovered. Take advantage of the mild temperatures until the end of September and enjoy a variety of activities offered this summer and this fall in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James to discover nature at its best.

Les Écogîtes du lac Matagami

Here you will find the perfect combination of outdoor, resourcing, relaxation and discovery. This ecotourism site offers you lodging in a cottage or a yurt on the shores of Lac Matagami. You can relax in a Nordic spa or a cedar sauna and lay under the stars on the sandy beach.

Feel like moving?

Walk on the trails that crisscross the surrounding forest and pay attention to where you set foot. All kinds of plants, mushrooms and flowers cover the ground.

Pierre, owner of Les Écogîtes, will generously share with you his love and passion for the boreal forest and its many treasures. In Matagami , rent a kayak to paddle on the immense lake, dotted with islands and beautiful beaches.

FaunENord

Let FaunENord's experts guide you through the boreal forest and learn how to recognize a variety of non-timber forest products: mushrooms, edible and native plants, trees, flowers, and many more!

During this outdoor activity, you will discover what the forest has to offer during this season. Chicory, blueberries, Labrador tea, wild tea, petit thé, morels, matsutake and crab mushrooms are some of the most popular edible products of the boreal forest.

Mirage Adventure

For fishers with a thirst for adventure, Mirage Adventure Outfitter is perfect for you!

Here, at kilometre 358 of the route Transtaïga, good fishing is guaranteed! Walleye, northern pike, speckled trout and lake trout could bite your hook.

In addition to having access to quality facilities, satellite camps allow you to get away from the main site. There, you will certainly feel disconnected from the rest of the world. 

Back at the main site, relax in the spa and enjoy a sumptuous meal. What more could you ask for?

Parc Obalski

The vast parc Obalski includes a network of hiking and mountain biking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts, this is your playground in Chibougamau!

On foot, you will have the chance to climb a few peaks that will offer you panoramic views. By bike, you can hurtle down the trails of Mont Chalco.

Whether you are walking or cycling, these activities will allow you to appreciate the lush nature. Between lakes and forest, you'll sometimes feel disconnected from the world, while you are just minutes away from the city.

Chapais Hiking Trails

Here again, in Chapais, you will have fun walking in the boreal forest while enjoying the hiking trails!

You will be rewarded with magnificent views of the region, especially if you take the Mont Springer trail and the Escarpement Rocheux trail.

Whether you are  a big sportsman or a small family with young children, you will find a trail adapted to your needs!

Lacs Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi Wildlife Reserve

All the reasons are good to book a stay in Lacs Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi Wildlife Reserve!

Whether it is for camping or simply to enjoy enchanting sites for your vacation, the various sectors of the reserve all have something unique to offer. 

The Waconichi sector is reserved for fishing and you will be very comfortable thanks to the beautiful log cabins. Discover this magnificent lake by kayak or paddle board and explore the new rustic hiking trails.

At the Lac Albanel campground, you will have the opportunity to fish on a great and splendid lake and relax in one of the CoolBoxes, modern looking tiny houses, in a prospector's camp or at one of the campsites.

At Baie Pénicouane, you can enjoy a peaceful camping experience, sleep in a prospector's camp, rent a boat, such as a paddleboard or kayak, to explore this bay with its breathtaking scenery.

On rainy days or cooler evenings, enjoy the cedar saunas. Relaxation guaranteed!

Mont Laurier and the Lac Matagami Recreational Area

Climbing Mont Laurier is a must for hiking enthusiasts! Although relatively short, the climb will take you from the boreal forest to the tundra.

The summit offers a 360-degree view of the area. The forest stretches as far as the eye can see and it will impress you for sure!

Other trails will allow you to continue your hike in this area and reach a small refuge. Photo enthusiasts: this small refuge nestled among the spruce trees is very photogenic!

Rental Equipment

It is no secret that our immense region is dotted with lakes and rivers of all sizes! Rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or pedal boat at a rental centre and discover our magnificent bodies of water.

Lac Goéland Outfitter

Would you like one (or more!) fishing trip during your stay?

The Lac Goéland Outfitter offers you the opportunity to go fishing for walleye and northern pike, two emblematic fish of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fisherman , you will  find something that suits you. Several packages are available.

You will be able to enjoy a day fishing trip or a longer outing without worries.

Animal Paquin

Do you like photography and wildlife? 

Take an expedition "deep in the woods", guided by Sylvain Paquin. This nature lover has been living at km 581 of the route de la Baie-James for over 20 years. 

Follow him on the trail of wolves, bears and other boreal forest wildlife to discover why “Animal Paquin” decided to live among the pack!

Wherever you go, look up to our immense and magnificent skies. Look for shooting stars and the northern lights that are sure to dazzle you!

IMPORTANT - Veuillez noter que les communautés cries sont actuellement inaccessibles aux visiteurs. Pour voyager en toute sécurité dans le contexte de la COVID-19, il est fortement recommandé de vérifier si les attraits et entreprises touristiques que vous souhaitez visiter sont accessibles en communiquant directement avec eux. Pour tous les détails, cliquez ici.