Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Discovery and adventure
Located in Québec’s westernmost reaches, Abitibi-Témiscamingue is a region characterized by immense tracts of lands, largely untouched, where the forest and a profusion of lakes predominate. Historically the trading grounds between the European fur traders and the Algonquin, only in the early 20th century did this vast area so rich in mineral resources welcome its first pioneers and draw prospectors in search of gold. Proud of a history marked by pluck and determination, Abitibi-Témiscamingue offers visitors an experience full of surprises where contact with nature takes top priority.Land of mines and fur
Plunge into the Cité de l'Or (city of gold) in Val-d’Or to see what was once Québec’s richest gold deposit: the Lamaque mine, closed since 1985. An extraordinary tour that brings you 90 metres (300 feet) underground! The Musée minéralogique de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, in Malartic reveals many of the region’s mineral and geological secrets, while the Centre thématique fossilifère shows the Témiscamingue marine environment as it was millions of years ago. Fort-Temiscamingue, in turn, a national historic site near Ville-Marie, tells the story of the fur trade enom the 17th through the 19th centuries.Where nature and adventure coincide
Abitibi-Témiscamingue boasts two fabulous pristine natural areas. The Parc national d'Aiguebelle is noteworthy for its remarkable rock formations and rugged cliffs carved by lava and the retreating glaciers. The immense Réserve faunique La Vérendrye, 14,000 km² (5,400 sq. mi.) of wildlife reserve dotted with over 4,000 lakes and rivers, is sheer heaven for fishermen and canoeists. The young folk, in turn, will adore the Refuge Pageau near Amos: a refuge for abandoned, injured or lost wild animals, including moose, bears, wolves, roe deer, racoons, and birds of prey. In terms of entertainment, you won’t want to miss such summertime extravaganzas as the Truck Rodeo (Notre-Dame-du-Nord) or Le paradis du Nord, a blockbuster musical in La Sarre.
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