In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, we are very lucky to have two national parks on our territory. The newest, the Parc National d’Opémican (Opemican’s National Park) in the Temiscamingue sector, has been inaugurated in 2019. It encompasses both sectors of the Pointe Opémican (Point Opemican) and the Kipawa River. The other one, the Parc National d’Aiguebelle (Aiguebelle’s National Park), needs absolutely no introduction. Over the years, its reputation has even reached beyond the regional frontiers. Here, we propose different ways to discover our national parks, whether on foot, in canoe, in camping, or all of this at once.
Parc National d’Aiguebelle
The trails
The famous Sentier La Traverse (The Crossing Trail) is without a doubt the main attraction of Parc National d’Aiguebelle. Showcasing a suspension bridge at over twenty meters above the La Haie Lake, which allows visitors to admire a stupefying horizon of forest and billion years old rock walls, this hike will leave a mark in your mind, and even have those fearing heights experience strong sensations. Also note that a canoe and rabaska station along the path offers the opportunity to discover the lake from another perspective. An early booking allows you to paddle in unison while letting the amazing landscape envelop you completely.
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Among the other trails worthy of mention, Frédéric Bilodeau, park manager, names the Sentier des Paysages (The Landscapes Trail) and its helical staircase allows hikers to experience breathtaking views. He also reminds us that both the Sentier La Traverse and the Sentier des Paysages can be completed on the same hiking day. Suspension bridge in the morning, lunch under the sunny skies, staircase in the afternoon, pleasure all day; what more is there to ask for?
The Camping and the Rustic Camps
At the Parc National d’Aiguebelle, the cottages are already booked until the end of the season, but it is still possible to go camping or to enjoy a rustic camp. Frédéric Bilodeau, park manager, emphasizes the unique experience the latter has to offer: fully isolated at the heart of the forest, the rustic accommodations provide complete tranquility to its guests. Most visitors choose to include the boat rental option to their stay so they can enjoy the quasi-private lake and its peaceful waters. On top of all this, early birds have the best opportunities to see wild animals in the distance such as moose, bears, or even otters tending to their morning business.
Lac Loïs (Loïs Lake)
While the Taschereau sector is less known, it remains a select choice of destination especially for the many nautical activities amateurs. The vast Lac Loïs’ lower visitation rates makes it the ideal spot for bird sightings. One can see young birds of prey soaring, admire loons diving or even contemplate the many herons to name only these few. The park renders available many water crafts for rental: kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, you will find something to everyone’s liking. Also, the important size of the lake gives you the possibility to explore its territory for many days.
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Parc National d’Opémican
Discovery Activities
Every week, the Parc National d’Opémican offers a complete program of guided activities both for the discovery of location through different lenses, and for learning more about the territory, its wildlife and its history. Most activities are free and many are family friendly. SOS Chauve-Souris (SOS Bats) and Qui est Kana (Who is Kana) are two examples of activities destined for kids so they can access additional knowledge about bats and pekans. Histoire d’une Pointe pas comme les Autres (The History of Point like no other) or Langage de la Drave (Log Driving Language) are opportunities to discover the history of the locations and of the log drivers whose activities lead them to develop a close relationship to the land and water bodies. To spice up the regular program, punctual activities are added depending on the time of the year. Keep an eye on the park’s social media page so you don’t miss anything!
The Sentier de l'Estacade (The Boom Trail)
The Point Opémican site has been a log driving central point in Quebec in the past. Also, many archeological excavations lead to the discovery of five hearths and many artifacts testifying of the millennium long presence of the Anicinabek people on the territory rich in history. Many buildings can still be seen where essential maintenance and repair materials and tools were kept to support wood transportation activities. The former forge, for example, now houses a sounds and lights experience that gives us a glimpse of life on the Opemican site at the time of log driving and timber floating.
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Oldest still standing building of the history of the area, the Auberge Jodoin (Jodoin’s Inn), now 140 years old, has been restored in the past years so it could be preserved with authenticity. We can now visit the location and let the historical ambiance imprint onto us, while informing ourselves via the interpretive panels and the audiovisual animations. The Sentier de l’Estacade, an easy 3 km loop, will allow you to discover this heritage site entirely. It also showcases the Sweepers Rallye, which allows kids to explore in an amusing way the log drivers’ lifestyle, and it fits perfectly with the discovery tour destined for adults.
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Photo by Louis Jalbert
The Ready-to-Camp Accommodations
Good news! The Parc National d’Opémican has prolonged its season on the Point Opemican sector, so ready-to-camp accommodations are made available until Thanksgiving! The Étoile (Star) ready-to-camp offer is a hybrid experience between the tent and the cottage. Everything is already in place, whether you are looking for cooking essentials or actual real beds. With a six-people capacity, these camps can house most families easily. It’s the perfect compromise when we seek nature’s resourcing energy, but we do not possess the equipment, skills, energy or time required to set up the whole logistics for a stay in the forest. During daytime, we enjoy the trails and the water bodies, and at nighttime, we can light a fire up and rest for a moment at the end of the dock so we can admire the magnificent sunsets and the starry night sky. It’s similar to a hotel stay, but deep in the woods!
The Journée des Parcs (National Parks’ Day) - September 10th
On September 10th, for the Journée des Parcs, the access to the site is free for all national parks and guided excursions offer the chance to discover the water bodies on the territory. At Aiguebelle, guides will lead visitors on La Haie and Patrice Lakes. Concerning the latter, it will be the first time that such organized discovery outing takes place with the general public. A must-see première! The Parc National d’Opémican will also include discovery on-the-water activities in their program for the day, as well as a special public market to promote local producers.
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Lastly, let’s mention that both parks render available outdoor equipment for rental, whether you are looking for a watercraft, a bicycle, or a paddle board. The Parc d’Opémican outstands the competition with their “racing level” pedal boats, especially stable and comfortable, which allows the whole family to navigate on the waterways for a perfect moment of marveling at the surroundings and authentic laughter. Access rights can be purchased online or onsite. Opemican’s has two reception kiosks, in Laniel, and at Point Opémican. Go! Escape the everyday race and explore these gems of nature!
