5 Must-Do Hikes in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James

Boreal forest, rocky summits, lakes as far as the eye can see: Eeyou Istchee Baie-James holds plenty of surprises for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are five standout trails to discover the region from a different angle.

Mont Hélios, Chibougamau

One of the region's favourite. Its 520 m summit offers a sweeping 360° panorama over Lac aux Dorés and Lac Chibougamau, dotted with dozens of islands and framed by mountains stretching into the distance. Mont Hélios is accessible via a 6 km round trip from downtown, or 3.8 km from Chemin Campbell. Late summer often brings an abundance of wild blueberries. Free access.

2. Mont Berrigan, Chibougamau

For those who like a challenge. Mont Berrigan is reached by zigzagging up a steep trail through an old balsam fir forest to a sheer rock face at 515 m. From the cliff, the boreal forest stretches endlessly below, and the chance of spotting bald eagles soaring at eye level makes the climb all the more memorable. Approximately 4 km round trip.

3. Lac Campbell and Mont Springer Trails, Chapais

A full immersion in the boreal wilderness. The Lac Campbell Trails (4.5 km loop, partly on boardwalk) winds through old-growth forest, peatlands and four lakes, with picnic tables and benches along the way to take a breather.
For those who want to go further, the Escarpement rocheux trail leads to the summit of Mont Springer (3.2 km), where an observation tower offers a breathtaking view of the mountains and the municipality of Chapais. Le Relais du mont Springer, a four-season shelter at the foot of the trail, is one of the best viewpoints over the region's mountains. In total, nearly 11 km of trails to explore.

4. Mont Laurier, Matagami

A short climb with a spectacular payoff. The 3.4 km loop (179 m elevation gain) is accessible to all levels, with only a few more demanding sections. At the summit of Mont Laurier, the landscape stretches 360° over a boreal forest gradually giving way to taiga, and carpets of lichen are a reminder that you're well and truly in the north. The trail is steep in places: stay alert, as nature reclaims its space quickly. Free access at km 10 of the Route Billy-Diamond.

5. Radisson Linear Park

For a truly northern experience, at the end of the James Bay Road in Radisson. This ecological trail of approximately 2.5 km, with minimal elevation change, winds through the taiga with interpretive panels along the way and ends at a lookout with a panoramic view over La Grande Rivière and the Robert-Bourassa generating facility. A second, more rustic trail descends directly to the river for those who want to extend the adventure. A little-known but breathtaking spot, best paired with the free guided tour of the Robert-Bourassa generating facility, the largest underground hydroelectric powerhouse in the world.