Dear paddler, here’s our TOP 5 of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue paddle routes!
With its 22,000 lakes and rivers, Abitibi-Témiscamingue offers near infinite possibilities. It if is your first experience, it is important to plan your outings a little and to know the best places to sail. To do so, we have developed a favourite tool, the Access to Outdoors website and app.
Whether you will be on a canoe, a kayak, or a paddleboard, what you must remember is to seize the opportunity to go play on the water at least once this summer. By the way, there are many businesses that offer nautical gear rental in the region.
01
Opémican Archipelago Paddling Trail
Île aux fraise sector
Sector : Témiscamingue
Opémican National Park
Difficulty level: easy to moderate
Welcome to the backcountry of the Opémican National Park! Spreading over 300 km² and boasting 1,307 km of shoreline characterized by numerous rocky cliffs, the Kipawa sector is a body of water that spans five cantons. L’île aux fraises is one of the many islands where it is possible to stop and rest, or camp for the night.
The reservoir proves to be a real maze, that is why we recommend using a map and a GPS device. Go to the Access to Outdoors website to plan your outing!
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02
Parc national d’Aiguebelle Paddling Trails
Sault and La Haie Lakes
Sector : Rouyn-Noranda
Aiguebelle National Park
Difficulty level: easy
The La Haie and Sault fault lakes will make you discover the geological aspect of the park. On some lakes, you can rent a boat or bring your own. A wide variety of activities await you on site. It it worth planning an entire day, or more! For more info, contact the Aiguebelle National Park.
03
Lac Duparquet Paddling Trails
Sector : Abitibi-Ouest
Difficulty level: easy to demanding
Located at the southern limit of the Hudson Bay watershed, this trail is full of history. It long was a very busy trail, as the Algonquins used is as a passage between the Ottawa River and Lac Abitibi. It is notably the trail that the Chevalier de Troyes would have taken to go repel the British on the shores of Lac Abitibi in 1686. Expects magnificent sunsets!
04
Harricana Abitibi8innik,
Paddling Trail, northern section
Sector : Amos-Harricana
Difficulty level: easy
An interesting flow and limited elevation, in comparison to the other rivers of the James Bay, have made the Harricana River a very busy water route. The first users were the Algonquins. The route was then used by the Hudson Bay Company.
To go gradually, we suggest beginning with the easiest section, the way back from Lac Obalski to the covered bridge.
05
Decelle Labyrinth Paddling Trail
Sector : Vallée-de-l'Or
Difficulty level: moderate
Ready to go on your first 3-day adventure? Discover one of the most beautiful reservoirs of Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Well known by fishermen, the Decelles Reservoir has a surface of more than 200 km²; its length is 58 km and its width is 27 km. Remember to bring your fishing gear! ;)
Remember that even if the trails recommended in this article are fairly accessible, you still need to take a few minutes to plan your outings. Your safety depends on it!
So… are we going or not?!
