Road trip in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James : 6-Day Itinerary

The Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region is so vast that you could easily escape here for weeks! So, where should you start, where should you go, and what should you do? There are countless possibilities and no wrong answers! But to inspire you, we're sharing our complete 6-day journey between Chibougamau and Lebel-sur-Quévillon. It's the perfect getaway for a first visit to the region, combining immersion in nature, outdoor activities, unique accommodations, cultural workshops, and the discovery of local wildlife and flora. A wonderful introduction to everything that makes this territory so special! Here's the detailed itinerary of our summer road trip through Eeyou Istchee Baie-James.

Chibougamau

The adventure begins in Chibougamau, the gateway to the region along Route 167, right after crossing the stunning Ashuapmushuan Wildlife Reserve. Driving through this area already immerses you in the incredible wilderness that covers the vast territory of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James. In Chibougamau, even though you're in the heart of a lively town, the great outdoors are always close and accessible. That's the city's true charm: a little paradise for outdoor lovers!

Chibougamau Aventure is the perfect example of that! This local company offers unique stays in nature, right on the shores of Lac Caché, just a few minutes from downtown. It's the ideal base camp for a nature getaway with all the conveniences of the city nearby.

We had the chance to stay in one of their fully equipped domes. Each comes with its own terrace, outdoor hot tub, and access to a dock on the lake. Guests can also use watercraft to fully enjoy it. What a treat to stay somewhere that offers not only a comfortable place to sleep but also plenty of activities on-site and nearby! Among their wide range of experiences, we also got to try their brand-new electric mountain bikes. At Mont Chalco in Chibougamau, trails of varying difficulty levels make it a fun ride for everyone.

Several hiking trails are also accessible from the city, including Mont Chalco, which connects to Obalski Regional Park. Our favorite, however, was Mont Berrigan, a beautiful hike just minutes from downtown that feels worlds away! The quiet trail takes you deep into nature before rewarding you with a breathtaking panoramic view over Lac Berrigan. Since this trail is maintained by volunteers, some sections can be steeper than others, so make sure to bring good hiking shoes.

For those curious to learn more about the region's rich flora and fauna, you can join a guided hike through the boreal forest with the passionate team at FaunENord. It's an educational and super fun outing for both kids and adults!

Another great stop is the Chemin des Mines, a historic trail where industrial remains blend with a reborn forest. Interpretation panels along the way shed light on the history of Chibougamau.

When it's time to eat and drink, Microbrasserie Maître Renard and Pub Royal are two local favorites with a warm atmosphere.

Finally, if you happen to be in Chibougamau in early August, don't miss the Festival en août! It's a great chance to experience the city's lively vibe and celebrate with locals.

Nibiischii

Next stop: Nibiischii, or more precisely the Waconichi Lake area within the Albanel-Mistassini-Waconichi Wildlife Reserve. This place is a true paradise for lovers of wide-open spaces and without a doubt one of the highlights of our Eeyou Istchee Baie-James road trip.

We loved exploring part of the brand-new aerial trail, which should be completed and open to all by next summer. This walkway along a rocky cliffside is perfect for contemplation, offering stunning views of Cliff Bay in all its glory. It's such a unique and enjoyable way to take in the region's spectacular landscapes.

We also had the chance to spend the night in a floating cabin in the middle of Lac Waconichi, a fully equipped “coolbox.” Yes, it even comes with a complete bathroom, solar-powered electricity, a small kitchen, and watercraft for exploring the lake. It's hands down one of the most amazing places we've ever stayed, an experience that will definitely appeal to nature lovers in search of something immersive and rejuvenating.

Chapais

The next stop on our Eeyou Istchee Baie-James itinerary was the small town of Chapais, home to the workshop of artist Jocelyne Grondin. We visited her as part of the VäHumania project, which offers authentic experiences led by passionate Jamesians who share their world with visitors. Different activities are available across the 7 Jamesian communities, and it's a fantastic way to discover the region through inspiring encounters with its people. We had a wonderful time creating glass mosaic magnets, a unique keepsake from our trip, while Jocelyne shared her art and her love for the region.

In Chapais, La Cabane du Boulevard is the perfect spot to grab a bite before hitting the road toward Lebel-sur-Quévillon… because no Québec road trip would be complete without a delicious poutine!

Lebel-sur-Quévillon

The last destination on our Eeyou Istchee Baie-James road trip was the welcoming town of Lebel-sur-Quévillon. We found a close-knit community and landscapes that were just as spectacular as ever!

We pitched our tent at the municipal campground, right by Lac Quévillon and surrounded by nature. The site offers plenty of facilities and activities, making for anything but a boring stay!

The long sandy beach is perfect for relaxing, while the lake itself invites you to go for a swim on a warm summer day. You can also rent watercraft to explore the lake and admire the beautiful boreal forest that surrounds it. A picture-perfect landscape, so representative of the region! And the sunrises over the lake? Absolutely breathtaking!

During our time in Lebel-sur-Quévillon, we also joined another VäHumania creative workshop. This time, the talented Stacy-Ann Olivier welcomed us for an artistic and gourmet 5 à 7. We loved this activity, which begins with a short introduction to and harvesting of native plants. These plants are then used to create a clay bas-relief while enjoying tasty bites and drinks infused with northern flavors. A fantastic way to truly immerse yourself in the boreal forest!

In Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Quévillon Pizzeria is a local institution and the place to go for delicious comfort food!

That wraps up our 6-day road trip through Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, an unforgettable adventure! We hope these activity and lodging ideas inspire you to come discover the region for yourself and enjoy an escape filled with both nature and culture. This is a spectacular land that is absolutely worth exploring and experiencing to the fullest!

Article written by Marie et Sam