In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, there are 22 000 lakes and rivers. In the area of Amos-Harricana, you can find eskers and the Harricana River. Lake Temiskaming is located in the eponymous area of Témiscamingue, where the potent Rivière des Quinze (Des Quinze River) can also be found. The largest lake of our whole area reigns in Abitibi-Ouest (Abitibi-West): Lac Abitibi (Abitibi Lake) with its 932 sq. km. To name only a few, of course. Naturally, many tourist sites and attractions in Abitibi-Témiscamingue choose to dedicate their activities to the water resources. To study water from every angle, here is a list of suggestions about where the Or Bleu is at the heart of the activities, showcasing the abundance of water in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
The Première-Chute in Notre-Dame-du-Nord
The Première-Chute power plant is one of the rare plant of this type to be open to the general public in Quebec. As a small sized power plant, it’s the ideal location to initiate curious people to the transformation of hydropower into electricity. Interesting particularity of this power plant, it played a key role in the history of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, but also in its development. One can go there to learn the history of our area’s electrification process. This power plant has a generation capacity of 130 MW more or less, enough to supply Rouyn-Noranda (43 000 citizens) on its own, showcasing the importance of water in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. The tour is free of charge, reservations are mandatory and can be done online.
Tourism video - la Centrale de la Première-Chute (The Première-Chute Power Plant)
French content
The T.E. Draper in Angliers
Still in Témiscamingue, under the historic theme this time, we present you the T. E. Draper in Angliers. It consists of a boat-museum open to the public. The towboat stayed in action on the Lac des Quinze (Des Quinze Lake) from 1929 to 1972. During the tour, we can visit every apartment on the boat, from the beds to the kitchen, passing by through the captain's navigation cabin. The former Canadian International Paper (C. I. P.) warehouse has been converted into a museum right near the boat-museum. We can learn more about the hard work of log drivers back in the days, and the associated forest industry in Témiscamingue. For a truly immersive experience involving water in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, this historical site is a must-visit.
There, you have a great example of activity in Abitibi-Témiscamingue involving water at the heart of its themes!
Anisipi and the municipal well in Amos
Since Summer 2022, the discovery tour Anisipi in Amos has remained very popular. Many stops constitute the circuit: the tipi in Pikogan, the Refuge Pageau and the municipal well. The visit of the well, a Moment Factory conception, begins at the Marina d’Amos (Marina of Amos). Following an online booking, a guide leads us around in a special navette. Several enigmas on the path towards the municipal well make this tour interactive. Also, you can visit a scientific lab where you will receive tips to preserve our water resources! There, one can learn about and better understand what is an esker, a glacial meltwater-formed deposit formation. Especially interesting for kids, this tour will make them learn about the importance of water conservation in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
H2O the festival
Every year in July, the City of Amos hosts the H2O festival. The event is well diversified with its races, its family activities and its musical evening music shows. The H2O organizing team innovate every year. Indeed, a gourmand component has been added to the program this year! Newcomers of different origins will offer food from their culture for free. MIUM! The festival takes place from July 10th to the 12th, 2025, bringing people together to celebrate near the water in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
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La Bell en kayak (The Bell River in Kayak)
In Senneterre, you can go on a kayak excursion right from downtown. A kayak crossing actually goes across the street (in portage, obviously) near a way down onto the Bell River.
The Tourist Information Office offers a watercraft for rental and it is located nearby. Also, the staff are very pleased to instruct visitors about kayaking. This nautical activity can satisfy sportsmen of any level and offers a unique experience on the water in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
Tourism video - La Bell en kayak
French content
In conclusion, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue is an area abundant in water resources. The activity offers to discover the power and richness of water in Abitibi-Témiscamingue are numerous. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, there is something for you.
