AuQuéb and Family's Top Picks on Their Billy-Diamond Road Trip

We often dream of faraway lands, adventure, and total change of scenery, forgetting that all of that can be found without ever crossing the border of Québec.
We certainly felt that sense of wonder a few weeks ago while driving along the Billy-Diamond Highway, heading deep into boreal territory all the way to the northernmost towns reachable by road. We drove far—really far—but always well-prepared, and always amazed!
This road trip gave us the chance to witness immense landscapes, visit major hydroelectric facilities, and above all, meet Cree and Jamésien communities whose generosity is unforgettable.

Here are four highlights that defined our journey

1. Matagami, Gateway to the North

Our trip began at the Écogîtes du Lac Matagami, the perfect spot to pause, recharge, and get a first taste of the boreal escape. Three wooden cabins and two yurts sit nestled in the forest, along the peaceful shores of a vast lake. It was exactly what we needed to slow down: quiet, nature, and simple, cozy, charming lodging. We also joined a guided interpretive activity on local flora with Pierre, the friendly owner. We stocked up on herbs and plants to brew tea for the rest of our trip.

Another gem in Matagami: the Galerie d'Arts AU. This cultural treasure (the only art gallery in the region!) is run by painter Stéfanie Thompson. We admired her work and that of other local artists, and even took part in a creative workshop. Bonus: a tasty break at the gallery's café, with delicious homemade treats.

2. Billy-Diamond Highway: Scenic Stops Worth the Detour

The Billy-Diamond Highway is more than a 620 km ribbon of asphalt linking Matagami to Radisson. It's a land you travel through—an invitation to stop, breathe, and soak in the surroundings. For lovers of wide-open spaces, it's pure joy in a straight line.

The region's road map highlights some fantastic stops, and they're well worth it! Broadback River, for instance, is one of the most popular rest areas, offering spectacular views of the forest and winding waters. Rupert River is the perfect spot for a picnic and a short walk to stretch your legs. More discreet, the Passages rest area charms with its tranquility and draws those who want to try their luck fishing before hitting the road again.

Some of these rest stops, though remote, even offer free rustic camping—perfect for extending the experience and fully embracing the northern road trip spirit, far from everything.

3. Radisson, Small Town, Big Power

Perched at the northern end of the Billy-Diamond Highway, Radisson is a community of about 150 to 200 residents—remote, yet vibrant. Of course, you can't come here without visiting the massive Robert-Bourassa Generating Facility, just a few kilometers away. Producing half of Québec's electricity, it's truly a sight to behold! The installations are monumental. The free guided tour offered by Hydro-Québec takes you deep into the world of energy production, with bus stops, walks through the powerhouse, and awe-inspiring viewpoints.

But Radisson isn't just turbines and high-voltage lines! We were pleasantly surprised by the charm of this small community. Our personal favorite? The “Open Door to Radisson, Word by Word” writing workshop with local author Hélène Desgranges. Offered by VäHumania, this activity allowed us to dive into the boreal imagination while chatting over a warm cup of hand-picked herbal tea.

We also stopped by Arts & Trésors Inouïs, which is basically a cultural interpretation center disguised as a shop! Madeleine, the owner, is a walking encyclopedia and shares her knowledge about Indigenous communities around the world with great passion.

And finally, we visited Les Jardins du 53e Taïga, an impressive greenhouse project. Learning how vegetables are grown at this latitude was truly fascinating!

The Unforgettable Hospitality of the Cree

Visiting the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region is also a wonderful opportunity to meet the Indigenous communities who live here. The region is home to nine Cree communities, whose cultural presence is not only strong but also warmly welcoming.

We had the chance to explore two Cree communities accessible from the Billy-Diamond Highway:

In Chisasibi, we started with the Chisasibi Heritage & Cultural Centre, where we immersed ourselves in the rich history of the Cree Nation through artifacts, stories, and exhibits. Then, we headed to the shores of James Bay. After about 20 km on a gravel road, we reached an infinite horizon where water and sky merge.

In Waskaganish, it was the hospitality that left a lasting impression. We arrived during a community celebration and shared a meal of freshly caught fish, smoked and grilled on-site. We also joined a workshop on making goose decoys from tamarack branches and explored Smokey Hill, an annual gathering place.

Everywhere we went, we were welcomed as friends. These moments remain some of the most cherished memories of our trip.

Practical Info

• Tires: We recommend carrying a full spare tire mounted on a rim if you plan to drive on some secondary roads (Waskaganish, Lebel-sur-Quévillon-Matagami, etc.). If you have standard 4-ply tires, keep your speed around 50 km/h on gravel roads.
• Fuel: Fill up whenever you can, as gas stations are few and far between. On the Billy-Diamond Highway, plan for up to 375 km between fuel stops.
• Cell service: Expect long stretches with no signal. Download your maps in advance.

The Billy-Diamond Highway is far more than just a link between Matagami and Radisson—it's a thread weaving together breathtaking landscapes, nature-filled stops, and unforgettable encounters with generous communities. It's a route you should travel at least once in your lifetime, to discover a Québec as vast as it is welcoming!