Other
By Annie BélangerCredit: Tourisme Rouyn-Noranda, Mathieu Dupuis
With so many gorgeous places to visit in Quebec, it’s not always easy to choose where you’ll be spending your summer vacation. But have you ever thought of venturing beyond the big cities and visiting one of Quebec’s stunning rural areas? We’ll give you five good reasons to choose Rouyn-Noranda, the regional capital of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, as your next travel destination:
We often hear from our friends in the big city that Abitibi-Témiscamingue “is such a long way away.” However, if we compare the distance between Montréal and other rural areas or neighbouring tourist cities, Rouyn-Noranda is not any farther than Toronto, Charlevoix, the Côte-Nord region or the Gaspé Peninsula. And honestly, the place is really worth the detour. Take the drive, you won’t regret it!
The road leading from Montréal to Rouyn-Noranda takes you through the spectacular La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve, which is dotted with no less than 4,000 lakes. Bordered by a majestic forest, the road offers an incredible view. You will have a number of opportunities to stop and contemplate the landscape while cooling your feet in the water. While on the road, why not listen to a playlist of Temiscabitian artists: Richard Desjardins, Philippe B, Zach Zoya, Samian, Boom Desjardins, Diane Tell, Raoul Duguay, Louis-Philip Gingras, Chantal Archambault… There really is something for everyone.
Since Rouyn-Noranda is located at the heart of the region, it is definitely the best place for a home base when you visit Abitibi-Témiscamingue. As a matter of fact, the other cities (Val-d’Or, Amos, La Sarre and Ville-Marie) are all more or less one hour away from Rouyn-Noranda. It is therefore the perfect starting point to discover the region’s various sites and attractions.
Credit: Tourisme Rouyn-Noranda, Mathieu Dupuis
Abbot Rénald Dufour used to say something along the lines of: “In Rouyn-Noranda, when you go out the front door, you find yourself in the midst of the city; and when you go out the back door, you step out into nature.” Indeed, Rouyn-Noranda is literally the best of both worlds: a perfect combination of the city life and the great outdoors. Renown for its flourishing cultural scene, Rouyn-Noranda boasts a host of activities, restaurants, bistros and bars (tapas, microbreweries, Thai, Mediterranean, etc.) that rival those in the larger centres. For those who need fresh air, numerous parks, trails and lakes are accessible nearby. We bet you’ll run out of time to see it all!
Credit: Tourisme Rouyn-Noranda, Mathieu Dupuis
Rouyn-Noranda is well-known for its numerous mines and precious metal deposits. However, this wealth does not compare to the generous nature of the people who live here. Visitors in Rouyn-Noranda are welcomed with open arms and are seduced by the warmth, togetherness and hospitality of the locals every single time.
Credit: Louis Jalbert
So, I guess we’ll see you this summer? 😊
Let us know about your adventures and experiences. Use #tourismerouynnoranda
