During the summer of 2019, the team toured the region’s farmers’ markets and dropped by several popular Holiday events to ask the locals about their must-see spots for tourists and newcomers. We spoke to almost three hundred people who were happy to tell us about their favourite places in the region to eat, spend time in nature, admire the view, and bring their family. Our consultation culminated in the Carte des (55) coups de cœur des gens de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue (Map of (55) top picks by Abitibi-Témiscamingue locals), produced in collaboration with Attractivité Abitibi-Témiscamingue (AAT).
So, without further ado, here are the 11 destinations in Amos-Harricana that made the Map.
1. Refuge Pageau
Refuge Pageau takes in orphaned or injured wildlife, caring for them until they can be released back into the wild. If this isn’t possible, it gives the animals a permanent home. During your visit, you’ll meet the residents, hear their stories, and learn more about the wildlife that call our forests home.
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2. Cathédrale Sainte-Thérèse-d’Avila
This church, built in 1922 in the Roman-Byzantine style, is a true work of art with its mosaics, Italian marble, and French stained-glass windows. Parc de la cathédrale, right next door, plays host to various gatherings such as the Amos farmers’ market.
3. Labyrinthe des insectes
In this forest maze, you’ll learn more about the insects that surround us, check out a large collection of butterflies and take part in a fun activity that will get you up close and personal with live species.
“An original and fun family activity. The owner, Tommy Saint-Laurent, is really interesting.” - Irene, Amos
4. Maison Hector-Authier
This house, with its rich history, belonged to the man known as “The Father of Abitibi.” Get a glimpse at early settler life in this house where Hector Authier’s family life and business dealings are brought to life. Paule from Amos recommends “having a cup of tea while soaking in the view.”
5. La passerelle Ulrick-Chérubin
Enjoy a stroll along this footbridge that pays tribute to a charismatic former mayor. It links the two banks of Rivière Harricana. Heading east, you’ll come to the Agora naturelle, which plays host to the H2O festival in July, as well as Parc Brunet and its splash pad.
“I love that it’s so easy to get to! I really enjoy taking walks there and admiring the scenery.” - Antoinette, Amos
6. Secteur du lac Beauchamp
Camp Dudemaine features several mountain bike trails for the more athletically inclined. Others might prefer the Véloroute, which circles the lake. Enjoy the beach and/or spend the night at Lac Beauchamp’s municipal campground.
7. Preissac
The town is known for its beautiful landscapes and gorgeous green spaces. The observation tower offers a stunning panoramic view. The footbridge over the rapids, with rest and picnic areas, is pure enchantment. Sentier de la roche du millénaire and the mountain bike trails are also very popular.
8. Miellerie de la Grande-Ourse
Listen as beekeeper David Ouellet tells you all about the fascinating world of bees. “He’s really passionate about what he does,” says Guillaume, from Rouyn-Noranda. Sample the organic honey, unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted, and visit the gift shop for a range of local products. Enjoy an artistic fountain, as well as playground and picnic areas.
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9. Boréalait
A lot of tender loving care goes into the products made by this family business, which sells milk, decadent yogurts, cheeses and ice cream during the summer season. If you’re lucky enough to visit on cheese-and-yogurt pie day, don’t pass up the chance to snap up one of these sweet treats.
10. Chien-Loup Aventures
Venture into the vast forest by dogsled or horse-drawn sleigh in winter or canoe-camping in summer. Various packages are available, from one hour to several days with overnight stays in a prospector’s tent or a cabin. Guide Éric Forget is “a passionate guy who takes the time to explain things to his guests,” says Mélanie, from Rouyn-Noranda.
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11. Le Dispensaire de la garde
Take a trip back in time to the era of colonial nursing. Like Blanche Pronovost in Les Filles de Caleb, Gertrude Duchemin spent 40 years of her life as a nurse, midwife, administrator and sometimes veterinarian. Learn more about the social role and the personal and professional lives of nurses, along with the evolution of Québec’s healthcare system.
