When we hear the words Baie-James, we often think about large northern territories where Hydro-Québec has created powerful generating stations with many dams. We must remember that we cannot reach the Radisson area by the provincial trail circuit, but regional trails are available from Radisson located at 794 kilometers by road from Amos in the Abitibi region. The most northern city we can reach by provincial trails is Matagami. From there, the 614 remaining kilometers must be covered on the Baie-James road with snowmobiles loaded on trailers.
This said, we must mention that the region of Baie-James is a very large territory that connects the Lac-Saint-Jean region to the Abitibi region via TQ 93, which means from Saint-Félicien to Amos. A triangle or northern loop, is also available by reaching Matagami on trail # 396 from Lebel-sur-Quévillon and then, coming back via Amos.
So far from the huge reservoirs, why speak about the Baie-James?
Effectively, we are on the territory of the very large municipality of Baie-James that covers 340 508,30 km2. This municipality has been created on July 14, 1971 and was gathering, among others, the cities of Chibougamau, Chapais, Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Matagami together. It is the largest municipality in the world. Since 2013, the Cree community is managing the territory along with residents of the cities and villages of the Jamésie, which explains the joint name Eeyou Istchee that means the land of people, and for the tourist region, Eeyou Istchee Baie-James.
There is a lot to discover in this northern region of the Province of Québec, such as the landscape, the residents, their way of life deeply connected to forestry, mining and water resources.
To get there by snowmobile from Saint-Félicien, located west of Saint-Jean Lake, or else, from trail TQ 93 that also runs through Monts Valin north of Saguenay, we must plan this long ride very carefully. From La Doré to Chibougamau, the distance is 248 kilometers. The trail is completely in forest and goes through the Réserve faunique Ashuapmushuan.
The Réserve faunique Ashuapmushuan
There is only one gas station on this route to the mill 54. For the 2016-2017 season, the gas station will be open and some food vending machines will be available. So, those who ride older machines that use lots of fuel, are now aware. The next gas station and restauration relay are located at the intersection of Chapais and Chibougamau roads, right in front of the welcome center of the regional tourist association. So, it is easy when we are carefully prepared and when we store some food with proteins in our luggages.
Intersection of TQ 93 and local trail to Chibougamau
The Réserve faunique Ashuapmushuan offers wonderful scenery of the Canadian Shield where hills, outcrops, lakes and beauties of the boreal forest follow one another. The trail TQ 93 is in the same direction than road # 167, which it crosses a few times in fact. Snow is abundant, forest offers beautiful spots for observation and photos.
Chibougamau, “ northern latitude ”, is a city of almost 8 000 residents. It is very easy to find some lodging and all necessary amenities. The trail takes us everywhere in town, to all accomodations (200 rooms), restaurants, bars, banks, snowmobile dealers, etc. During our stay, we had a room at the 3-star Hotel Chibougamau (60 rooms), located downtown, close to all services. A secured enclosure is also available. The Hotel-Motel Nordic (52 rooms) is also very appreciated by snowmobilers.
The various services offered to snowmobilers in Chibougamau
Hôtel Chibougamau, downtown
We spent a few nights there on our way north, which allowed us on the day after to reach the famous Mistissini Lake and to visit this Cree village and the inn that offers a view on the largest natural lake of the Province of Québec with 2 335 km2.
Sector of Mistissini
Mistissini is located at the watershed. Crees were already there when French explorers and fur traders arrived in the XVIIth century. The Hudson’s Bay Company opened many trading posts before finally settling down on the site of the actual village of 4 000 residents. There are also 2 gas stations and 4 restaurants. We can discover the lake via marked trails used for local traffic.
The 4-star Auberge Mistissini Lodge offers 20 very modern rooms and it is operated by Crees. However, since it is the only establishment in this village, it is better to book early and to check the trail conditions over the 88 km to get there from Chibougamau. There is no loop, we must go back and forth. Also, when we were there, the trail was being prepared for the famous annual snowmobile competition held during the Festival Folifrets Baie-James. The lodge, which peak season is related to catching trophy fish, is getting ready to offer new winter activities. So, it is better to ask for informations before departure.
Auberge Mistissini Lodge
The dining room of the Auberge Mistissini Lodge with view on the lake
A trophy from the Mistassini Lake, a lake trout of 16,3 kg / 36 lb
Festival Folifrets Baie-James
What is exactly this activity focused on snowmobile that lasts since 50 years?
During the period of extreme cold temperatures in February, Chibougamau is transformed to become the warmest and most welcoming city of the Province of Québec. There is a lot of action and people from everywhere come to attend the Festival Folifrets Baie-James.
Snowmobilers from everywhere in America and even from Europe compete in the Pro endurance race and mostly, measure up with the skilled Cree participants in the main race of 345 kilometers through northern forest. Two other snowmobile classes of shorter endurance circuits are the Sport class of 185 km and the Vintage class of 95 km.
The other very popular event of the festival is the President Ride, held on the second weekend of the Folifrets. The main street of Chibougamau is then closed and over 1 000 antique snowmobiles take the start for a 60 km ride in forest. Departure is made in a huge blue cloud produced by these old machines that are restored, modified, colored, in short anything one can imagine to distinguish his machine from the crowd. Even participants are costumed. Quite a show for antique snowmobile fans, so many hours of preparation, a few breakdowns, some spare parts and lots of imagination from mechanics to try to pass each relay and to get back before sunset. This is probably where the name comes from, “ foolish things under extreme cold temperatures ”, Festival Folifrets Baie-James. In 2017, the 51st edition will be held from February 23 to March 4. For details about all the activities offered over 2 weekends, please click on www.festivalfolifrets.com .
Finish line of the endurance competitions
If you wish to attend and to take part to these activities, it is better to book your rooms early at the lodge or a gite because the city of Chibougamau receives lots of visitors during that time. The snowmobile trail map, the lodging accomodations, the restaurants and comfortable friendly gites are presented on the following web site : www.decrochezcommejamais.com .
In another article to be published, we will continue our snowmobile ride to discover other well-kept secrets of the Jamésie, the sector of Chapais-Oujé-Bougoumou.
