If you are looking for adventure in a region where snow is in abundance and quality and numerous services are offered to snowmobilers, choose to stay in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region.
The 1,100 kilometers of marked and maintained hiking trails have a lot to offer.
“We want snowmobilers to know that the region has very well-maintained and marked federal trails that allow them to travel long distances,” explains Joanik Linteau, marketing project manager for the region. The paths are very wide. We also have an extended season, from the end of December to April. We have beautiful snow conditions. »
This region inspires wonder. Its vast lakes, its wild rivers, its northern lights and its forests as far as the eye can see will remind you of the importance of the nature that surrounds you. The scenic snowmobile routes reveal the face of the vast, untouched areas of this unique region.
Eeyou Istchee Baie-James stretches from the 49th to the 55th parallel. It covers an area of 350,000 km2, or if you prefer, 600 km from east to west and 600 km from north to south. It is bordered by Ontario and James Bay to the west, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean to the south, the Otish Mountains to the east, and Nunavik to the north. This huge playing field represents almost the same area as Germany with 357,000 km2.
ACCESS AND CIRCUITS
Snowmobilers can access the region via two main routes.
“The developed snowmobile trails are in the south of the region,” Ms. Linteau continues. Chibougamau is a starting point for arriving from Lac Saint-Jean. For Westerners coming from Abitibi, Lebel-sur-Quévillon is the gateway. »
When you travel to this region, you have the opportunity to ride a trail in the taiga. Photo provided by Tourisme Eeyou Isychee Baie-Jame
A great way to enjoy an interesting stay is one of the two tours offered by the region’s snowmobile managers.
“Le Conquérant”, which begins on route 93 in Chibougamau. With a length of 1393 km, it allows you to ride in wide open areas. This varied trail provides a good dose of adrenaline with its long straight sections, tight curves and numerous elevation changes. It is advisable to allow at least six days for this. You also need to plan gas stations carefully.
The other circular route is called “Les Belles Découvertes” and leads along path 396 with Lebel-sur-Quévillon as the starting point. With a length of 1008 km, you can discover several cities as well as the vast expanses of this region where the giants live.
In both cases, they are circular routes that allow you to visit several towns in each of the regions bordering Eeyou Istchee Baie-James.
COMMUNITIES TO VISIT
In this vast area we find various Cree communities ready to welcome snowmobilers.
“We have two communities. There is one in Mistissini where there is a beautiful hotel on the edge of Lake Mistassini. All rooms have views of the lake, the largest in Quebec. We also have the municipality of Oujé-Bougoumou with the Capissisit Hotel. In both cases, snowmobilers can benefit from quality accommodation and an unparalleled catering service, without forgetting contact with the locals,” explains Joanik Linteau.
“For them, snowmobiling is more than a hobby, it’s a way of life. There is also a museum to visit in Oujé-Bougoumou, the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute, which allows snowmobilers to learn more about Cree culture. Snowmobile trails lead to these communities to either stay overnight or visit the museum. »
We must not forget that non-native centers such as Chibougamau, Chapais and Lebel-sur-Quévillon also offer great accommodation and food options. Many locations are suitable for snowmobile customers. Don’t forget the James Bay Polar Challenge.
If you want to experience great adventures, this is the right place for you. Considering that you can sometimes be more isolated on certain stretches, it is advisable to have a means of communication such as a satellite phone in case of need. It is possible to rent any type of equipment for your hike. The cell phone signal does not reach everywhere.
To learn more about the area, services, attractions and more, visit decrochezcommejamais.com or call (418) 748-8140.