Looking for the perfect hiking trail in Abitibi-Témiscamingue? This vast and breathtaking region is home to countless scenic trails, offering everything from peaceful forest walks to rugged adventures with stunning viewpoints. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, you’ll find a trail that suits your pace and passion.
With over 22,000 lakes and rivers and an abundance of trails winding through untouched wilderness, Abitibi-Témiscamingue is a true paradise for nature lovers. But with so many options, where should you start? To help you plan your next outdoor getaway, we’ve put together a carefully curated list of 12 must-visit hiking trails that showcase the region’s diverse landscapes. Lace up your boots and get ready to explore!
1. Aiguebelle national park (Rouyn-Noranda)
Hiking trails ranging in difficulty from easy to demanding. We recommend the Aventurier, Mont-Dominant, Élan, Escalade, Salamandre (soon to be renamed la Loutre) and Petit Nomade trails!
If your aim is to marvel at the autumn colours, the Mont-Dominant, Élan and Escalade trails are ideal. They have high scenic viewpoints. The Aventurier trail is simply beautiful all year round.
What's more, La Castorière is a trail suitable for people with reduced mobility. There are a number of discovery activities available in Aiguebelle national park for the whole family all-year-round, and some of them are free.
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2. Transkékéko hiking trail (Rouyn-Noranda)
Here's an adventure for the more experienced and motivated! The 12.64 km Transkékéko hiking trail is a very demanding hike. It can be reached from the Arntfiled car park via the La Faille and Petit chemin Kékéko trails.
The route is flat, interspersed with valleys of varying depths. The Donez and Grance lakes will cross your path along the way. Note that there are some steep slopes and that this is a long hike with no emergency exit point.
Alternatively, you can take shorter hikes on the Collines Kékéko. In fact, this is one of the places we recommend for a romantic date!
3. Opasatica hiking trails (Rouyn-Noranda)
These trails criss-cross a geological formation that is 1.1 billion years old and rare in the region. It juts out into Lac Opasatica. The three trails run parallel to each other, and one runs along a ridge. As well as offering around fifteen panoramic views, they pass through an exceptional forest ecosystem made up of very large pines, spruce, cedar and yellow birch. Of course, there are a few good slopes. Sometimes the terrain is uneven and there are rocky outcrops, as well as a few cliffs. Access is via route 101 south, chemin de la Baie verte (28 km from Rouyn-Noranda). The first parking lot is 1.6 km away, and the second, at the end of Rue des Amis, keeping to the left, is 2.7 km further on.
4. Du Grand Héron lookout post (Macamic)
Set in the heart of a mixed forest, the Grand-Héron hiking trails feature thirteen (13) interpretation panels on the flora and fauna. A 10-metre-high observation tower and a belvedere at the top of the hill offer a superb view of the surrounding region and of the islands of Lac Macamic, one of which is home to a heronry. If you're a birdwatcher or an ornithologist, bring your binoculars! Accessible via Route 111 Ouest between Macamic and La Sarre. Take Route de Chazel, then turn right onto Rang 6-7 and follow the signs.
5. Collines d’Hébécourt (Rapide-Danseur)
The 8,045-hectare Forêt d'enseignement et de recherche du lac Duparquet invites walkers to discover the des Collines D'Hébécourt hiking trails.
The highest hills in the area offer magnificent scenery and impressive views. The trails, which can be looped or linear, range in difficulty from demanding to easy.
6. Arboretum's trail (Amos)
This 1.3 km interpretation trail is located at the former Pépinière forestière de Trécesson.
Between 1928 and 1971, the Pépinière planted various hybrid tree species to test their resistance to the Abitibi climate. A number of those species survived these experiments and are now mature and majestic trees!
7. Forêt Ornithologique Askikwaj (La Corne)
These trails criss-cross the Forêt ornithologique Askikwaj, a conservation area with lakes and a hill. Common loons, ruby-throated hummingbirds and warblers, to name but a few, frequent the area. The Belvedere trail, accessible via the Chemin de la Montagne, leads to a number of viewpoints over the region. The des Oiseaux trail features a number of nesting boxes. The paths are narrow but well-marked, and the layout is rustic. The forest is accessible from La Corne (between Amos and Val-d'Or), via Rang 3 and 4 Ouest (west of Route 111).
8. La roche du millénaire hiking trail (Preissac)
This trail winds through a boreal forest dotted with wild blueberries. The highlight of the journey is the famous millennium rock. This is a 250-tonne erratic boulder, an ancient segment of the mountain, torn off and placed there
by a melting glacier.
Along the way, you can build an inukshuk to accompany those already there. There is also a birdwatching trail where you can learn more about the area's birds, including partridges and peregrine falcons.
9. Opémican national park
The Opémican national park experience is a must! This is the youngest park in Québec, and it offers many hiking trails in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Its rugged, low-lying terrain and numerous rock faces line part of the shores of Lac Témiscamingue.
The Rivière Kipawa adventure sector is sure to please nature lovers, while the Grande Chute adventure course for children is another highlight.
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10. Récré-eau des Quinze (Notre-Dame-du-Nord)
This grouping of three communities offers visitors the opportunity to walk through a watershed. The route was once used by Aboriginal peoples. Today, the power stations join the walking trails.
Each trail has a water feature and numerous lookouts from which to admire the scenery. The trails are accessible from Angliers via Route 391 Sud, Chemin du pouvoir (4 km), or from Notre-Dame-du-Nord via Route 101, Chemin de l'Hydro-Québec (4 km).
11. Mont Bell (Senneterre)
Located 4 km from Senneterre and accessible by road and cycle path, Mont Bell is the perfect destination for outdoor activities. Take advantage of the new lookouts and admire the many vantage points from which to admire the horizon.
There are several kilometres of newly-developed trails for both hikers and mountain bikers. In winter, snowmobile, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails let you enjoy the mountain.
12. École Buissonnière (Dubuisson)
In Dubuisson, the École Buissonnière interpretation trail offers 3 km of trails for hiking enthusiasts in the enchanting setting of the Piché-Lemoyne forest.
The nearby Parc forestier des Explorateurs is the perfect place to stop for a picnic and take in the panoramic views of the Rivière Piché.
Ready to explore a hiking trail in Abitibi-Témiscamingue? Grab your gear and set out on an unforgettable adventure.
There's something for every type of hiker. For more ideas on outdoor activities (hiking, canoeing, kayaking, cycling and zip-lining), visit the Access to Outdoors website.
