Autumn delights in Abitibi-Temiscamingue

Here, we have winter, snow, flakes, frost, spring, life, buds, summer, flowers, birds, nice weather, and autumn, with its light sweaters and colors. It's true that many countries only experience the rainy season. This thought comes to me every time the seasons change. And right now, I want to make the most of it. Here’s how to savor every moment of autumn in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Seasons Follow One Another, But They Are All Different

It was somewhere in South America that I realized how lucky I am to live in a northern region. I met a young Brazilian couple who had just returned from a year in Quebec. I asked them about the memories they were bringing back home. Their answer left a mark on my mind: “You’re lucky to live in a country where the seasons follow one another but don’t resemble each other.”

“You’re lucky to live in a country where the seasons follow one another but don’t resemble each other.”

Hunting in Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Hunting in Abitibi-Témiscamingue is extraordinary. Personally, I’m not a hunter, but I still enjoy it thanks to those around me (haha). I love autumn for family or friends raclette or fondue gatherings, where everyone brings something, and hunters allow us to enjoy their game (duck, partridge, bear, moose, etc.). Good company, wild meat, fine cheeses, good wine, and the warmth indoors while the snowflakes melt at the windows… autumn bliss.

Autumn Hiking

Already, I’ve been hiking at Aiguebelle National Park, enjoying the mild weather, the colors, the leaves swirling in the wind, falling at our feet… I also plan to visit the Collines Kékéko, Alembert Hills, and if the weather permits, Récré-eau des Quinze, not to mention the must-see Montagne à Fred in Abitibi-Ouest. I might also be tempted by trails like the Sentiers de la lune at Rapide-Danseur or the Roche du Millénaire Trails at Preissac. Why not relive childhood by making a pile of leaves and jumping into it? We can also stop and take the time to watch the flocks of sandpipers passing by.

Hot Drinks Are Back

After a beautiful day outdoors, why not warm up my nose with a good hot chocolate?

Four decadent addresses:

Choco-Mango à Val-d’Or;

Le bar-librairie Livresse à Rouyn-Noranda;

À Ville-Marie, le Caféier Boustifo;

Le Café-Alto, à Rouyn-Noranda.

Rapid-fire autumn activity ideas

I plan to visit friends from out of town, not just to see them but also as an excuse to cross the La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve and admire the colors.
I want to read a good book at the cabin, near the first fire of the season in the fireplace, feeling the wood burn.
Since it was established, I’ve promised myself to visit the Festival de musique TRAD de Val d’Or.
For some reason, autumn also means gallery openings and art exhibitions for me. Luckily, there are plenty in Abitibi-Témiscamingue!

Autumn Cinema

At the end of October, the opening night of the Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue will take place. For several years, it’s been an excuse to dress up. Each year, we welcome some of Quebec’s and the world’s top film artists. During the rest of the week, I’ll enjoy the warm welcome, sit in the Théâtre du cuivre in Rouyn-Noranda, scan the audience for familiar faces, and watch premieres or award-winning films from around the globe.

Knitting

I also want to start knitting. Every autumn, it’s like that; it comes with the desire to be wrapped up. I do it while watching a bunch of movies. However, by December, I’ll be putting away my needles.

Yikes, I’d better get started right away if I want to savor all the moments of autumn in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Have a wonderful autumn!