What to Do in Abitibi-Ouest: Itinerary and Must-See Spots
May 15, 2026
Want to take a road trip through Abitibi-Témiscamingue that’s a little out of the ordinary? I recommend heading to Abitibi-Ouest, where villages become unexpected stops and every detour is worth slowing down for. Here, the journey isn’t measured in kilometers—it’s counted in the little moments that steal your heart.
Local flavors, a vibrant culture, history still being told, accessible outdoor activities, and meaningful encounters: it’s all laid out along the road. Get ready to stop often, unwind in the middle of the fields, and create an itinerary in Abitibi-Ouest that’s just right for you.
Taste Abitibi-Ouest | Local Flavors and Gourmet Stops
La Vache à Maillotte Cheese Shop | La Sarre
You can’t drive through La Sarre without stopping here. This artisanal cheese shop is a classic and a real favorite. Fresh cheese curds made daily, cheese sticks, whole wheels sold by the piece, and fine cheeses like Jocoeur, Allegretto, or Bâtisseur. Bonus: you can season your cheese right there!
Add to that an on-site bakery and a selection of local products. You’ll inevitably leave with a bag that squelches with every step for the road.
A Moment of Calm at Juliette's | La Sarre
An artisanal café-bakery-pastry shop just the way we like it. The menu changes depending on the chef’s inspiration and the fresh ingredients available: gourmet cookies, brioche, croissants, breads, cakes, and sandwiches, to name just a few.
Grab a drink to quench your thirst, but above all, take the time to eat there. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your break in a beautiful, cozy setting.
Boston Pizza | La Sarre
A simple, welcoming spot—perfect when everyone has different ideas about what to do. A varied menu, a laid-back atmosphere, and a sports bar. Why not catch a quick sports game before hitting the road again?
Lacroix Bakery | Normétal
Since 1951, the Lacroix family has been baking bread, pastries, pie crusts, and pizza dough. The guided tour immerses you in the company’s history, a tradition passed down from generation to generation. The smell of fresh bread literally wafts through the village. Yes, you’ll definitely leave with something under your arm.
Culture and Art in Abitibi-Ouest
Cultural Center | La Sarre
A true cultural hub of Abitibi-Ouest, the Maison de la culture de La Sarre brings together under one roof the Richelieu Municipal Library, the Art Center, the Lilianne-Perrault Theater, and a shop selling artisanal products.
It’s the kind of place where you walk in without any specific expectations and walk out pleasantly surprised, your head full of ideas. Exhibitions, literature, and the performing arts coexist there in a creative, accessible, and truly inspiring atmosphere.
Sang-Neuf-Art Gallery | Palmarolle
A well-hidden gem tucked away behind a house in Palmarolle, this gallery has been celebrating art in all its forms for over 40 years. Artists from the region and Montreal come together here in an intimate, warm, and unpretentious space. Visitors take the time to look, talk, and feel. It’s the perfect stop for anyone who loves art that connects with people.
History and Heritage in Abitibi-Ouest
Rang 2 Museum-School | Authier
You step into a typical school day from the 1930s and 1940s. Complete with wooden school desks, a wood-burning stove, the teacher’s stories, and a visit from the parish priest. It’s a fully immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on people of all ages: children are fascinated, adults leave impressed, and grandparents sometimes find their memories vividly brought back to life.
You’ll leave feeling moved, a little nostalgic, and above all, aware of how far we’ve come.
Turgeon House | Chazel
At Maison Turgeon, you’ll meet Marcel Bouchard, a true living history of Abitibi-Ouest. Delightful anecdotes, vintage artifacts, memorable stories, and homemade jams are all part of the experience. You’ll leave with your head full of images and stories to share.
A small village with big stories. You’ll discover the giant spinning wheel listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, the Hall of Fame for Snapping Shoulder Straps, and the Skinoramik outdoor center.
Joseph Bérubé Archaeological Collection | Gallichan
This remarkable collection features artifacts collected in the 1960s from several Indigenous settlement sites, including a former French trading post near Lake Abitibi. Arrowheads, pipes, scrapers, necklaces, axes: each object bears witness to the Indigenous and European presence during the fur trade era. Visits can be self-guided or guided.
And while you’re in Gallichan, take the opportunity to stop by the marina: boat rentals, a playground, and a waterside picnic area perfectly round out the visit.
D. Montreuil General Store | Taschereau
Built in 1911, this heritage building in the boomtown style is one of the oldest in the Abitibi region. Restored and relocated to the heart of Taschereau, it offers a glimpse into the commerce and daily life of the early days of settlement.
Our Lady of Trust Shrine | Palmarolle
Three chapels, three distinct atmospheres, yet the same sense of calm. Founded in part by Flora Bégin Lapointe, this place invites visitors to reflect, slow down, and look inward. People often arrive without really knowing why, and leave feeling more at peace, as if time had slowed down.
Outdoor Activities in Abitibi-Ouest | Hiking, Nature, and Scenery
Marais Antoine | Roquemaure
The well-maintained trails take you through a vast wetland, perfect for a leisurely walk and birdwatching. The lookout offers an unobstructed view of Lake Abitibi, and the interpretive signs help you learn more about the area. It’s ideal if you’re looking for peace and quiet, fresh air, or if you’re a birdwatching enthusiast.
The Mountain at Fred's | Colombourg
Start by reading the legend of Montagne à Fred, as told by Guillaume Beaulieu. Then, go experience it for yourself. This easy hike (suitable even for children) takes you through forests, rocky headlands, and traces left by glaciers more than 8,500 years ago. It’s not a mountain that impresses with its height, but with the story it tells.
Rotary Beach | Palmarolle
The well-maintained trails take you through a vast wetland, perfect for a leisurely walk and birdwatching. The lookout offers an unobstructed view of Lake Abitibi, and the interpretive signs help you learn more about the area. It’s ideal if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, fresh air, or if you’re a birdwatching enthusiast.
Where to Stay in Abitibi-Ouest | Lodging and Bed-and-Breakfasts
Le Poste Campground | Val-Saint-Gilles
Cabin, yurt, or traditional camping: you choose your level of comfort. The site offers access to multi-use trails, the Turgeon River, and a renovated former fire lookout station. This place brings to life the history of the pioneers who protected the wildlife, flora, and communities until the 1950s. A peaceful, well-maintained spot where nature and the region’s history come together.
Le Bed’Art Lodging | Macamic
Located in the heart of Macamic, Le Bed’Art offers a unique experience where hospitality meets creativity. With artwork scattered throughout, an inspiring atmosphere, and spaces designed for relaxation, the rooms—decorated with recycled materials and one-of-a-kind pieces—exude a warm and authentic vibe.
Art supplies are available for those who want to create, explore, or simply let themselves be carried away by the atmosphere.
Golf in Abitibi-Ouest | Courses and Clubs
Beattie Club | Saarland
If you enjoy golfing on spacious courses with scenic views, the Beattie Golf Club is a must-visit in Abitibi-Ouest. This 18-hole, par-71 course stretches 6,115 yards and offers views of the town of La Sarre. The course is renowned for its quality and maintenance, appreciated by casual golfers and serious players alike.
There’s an on-site restaurant to round out your round.
Duparquet Golf Club | Duparquet
At Duparquet, golf is all about relaxation. This 9-hole course winds through natural surroundings, offering views of Lake Duparquet. It’s the perfect place to take your time, breathe deeply, and enjoy the scenery while playing your favorite sport. There’s a restaurant on site, ideal for extending your outing after your round.
Abitibi-Ouest, at your own pace
Abitibi-Ouest is best explored at a leisurely pace, through chance encounters and unexpected detours. It’s a corner of Abitibi-Témiscamingue where every village has its own character, every stop holds a little surprise, and every visit feels like you’ve stumbled upon something authentic.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Abitibi-Ouest, road trip ideas, outdoor activities, culture, or local flavors, the region unfolds at the pace you choose. It’s up to you to chart your course. We’re warning you: you might just want to come back.