Abitibi

Abitibi is a vast region in western Québec whose history is intimately linked to the exploitation of its abundant natural resources. It is not your typical Quebec travel. In fact, you will probably visit Abitibi on your second or third visit, but you will wonder why you did! Here, you will find lush forests and fish-filled lakes and rivers, as well as mining landscapes, picturesque villages and vibrant cities such as Rouyn-Noranda and Val-d'Or. Its proud, friendly people are sure to charm you. While you're in the area, try some of the region's excellent craft beers!

VAL-D'OR

The City of Val-d'Or, in the heart of Abitibi, is the gateway to the region. Founded in the early 1920s following the discovery of significant gold deposits in the area, its name ("Valley of Gold") reflects its origins as a bustling gold-rush town. The settlement quickly attracted prospectors dreaming of wealth and eager to try their luck. Come summer, the city comes alive to the light of the neon signs of its many saloons, bars and restaurants.

BELVEDERE PARK AND ROTARY TOWER

The Rotary Tower is in Val-d'Or's Belvedere Park. Rising 18 metres over the forest, the tower offers an all-encompassing view of the Vallée-de-l'Or. In addition, you will notice ten pit head frames, the structures used for the extraction of ore. You will also see several large lakes that feed the Harricana River, the 2nd-longest navigable river in Canada. On a clear day, you can even make out the chimneys of Horne Smelter in Rouyn-Noranda! Admission is free.

MINING VILLAGE OF BOURLAMAQUE - CITÉ DE L'OR

La Cité de l’Or ('City of Gold') is a historic site that will plunge you into the heart of the exploitation of a gold mine. The Mining Village of Bourlamaque was formerly administered by Lamaque Mine, one of the main employers in the region. The mine shaft, hospital, residence of the mine executives and the log cabins that housed the miners are still intact. In addition to a tour of the mining village (with or without a guide), the site offers several other activities: descent into an authentic mining tunnel 300 feet underground, a tour of four Old Lamaque Mine buildings, permanent exhibits and a geocaching rally. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-June to late August (reduced hours in low season).
 

NEAR VAL D'OR

MALARTIC MINERALOGICAL MUSEUM

Located in the town of Malartic, this museum showcases the geological and mining heritage of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. It houses exhibitions, collections (don't miss the impressive display of rocks, minerals and fossils), interactive games and several other interesting features such as an earthquake simulator, fairy stones, an actual lunar rock, splendid gold nuggets and more. OpenTuesday-Friday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

BELVÉDÈRE DE MALARTIC

This scenic viewpoint right next to the museum offers an impressive view of the Canadian Malartic Mine. On one side you will see the town of Malartic and on the other, the largest open-pit gold mine in North America. The contrast is striking. If you are travelling with children, you can also pay a visit to the adjacent park to enjoy the water games, playground and picnic areas. Open everyday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

ROUYN-NORANDA

Located on the most mineral-rich portion of the Cadillac Fault, Rouyn-Noranda is the regional capital of Abitibi. Also known as the National Copper Capital, it has attracted prospectors from its very beginnings. Today the city is also home to a thriving artistic community. Despite the visual impact of the mining industry, you will find beautiful parks and flowery gardens.

MUSÉE D'ART DE ROUYN-NORANDA (MA)

The MA art museum acts as a veritable cultural centre, presenting major exhibitions and playing an active role in developing the visual arts in Abitibi. Sensitive to the reality of the First Nations who live on the territory, it maintains special links with their artists whose stand out for their striking originality. The museum features a cafe and a gift shop with local handicrafts. Admission is free. Open from early June to late August, Friday-Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reduced hours in low season.

HORNE SMELTER

The Horne smelter opened in 1927 at the site of the Horne mine, a few years after the discovery of a copper deposit in 1923. By the time the mine closed in 1976, miners had extracted close to 54 million metric tons of copper, gold and silver ore. A visit to this custom copper smelter will teach you all the secrets of copper transformation. Guided tours from late June to mid-August, every day at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Children under 12 are not admitted. Pants and closed shoes are required. Admission is free.

CYCLING AT LAKE OSISKO

In Rouyn-Noranda, you can borrow a bicycle free for 2 hours ($5 per additional hour) and cycle the 8.4-km bike path around Lake Osisko. This easy, enjoyable ride will let you discover the residential areas, nature and industrial side of the city. The booth is open every day during the summer starting in late May, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
 

NEAR ROUYN-NORANDA

PARC AVENTURE JOANNÈS

Located on the shores of Lac Joannès, this adventure park promises a day of fun for the whole family. Will you dare to try the Arbre en Arbre aerial park (ages 7 and over)? In addition to the treetop adventure course, other activities available at the site include a huge maze, a giant baby-foot game, mini-golf in the forest, hiking and mountain bike trails. A real life-sized nature playground! Open from late June to the end of August, Wednesday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends in low season from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservation recommended.

PARC NATIONAL D'AIGUEBELLE 

About 50 km north-east of Rouyn-Noranda you will find the magnificent Aiguebelle Park, loyal custodian of a rich natural and cultural heritage. This exceptional protected area offers tranquility and beautiful scenery. Several hiking trails lead to a suspended bridge across a gigantic fault, a huge spiral staircase erected alongside an impressive escarpment, to the top of the Abijévis hills or to a fire watchtower. You can see traces of glaciers and ancient lava flows, watch birds and wildlife, or do some canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Equipment rental is available on-site. The park is open year-round, and the visitors' centre is open from the end of June through to early September from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (schedule may vary with the season).