OFF THE BEATEN TRACKS!

Transcription

1 OFF THE BEATEN TRACKS! SNOWMOBILING The #1 destination in North America WINTER ACTIVITIES Snow as far as one can see ACCOMMODATION & RESTAURANTS Regional flavors in the limelight THE NEED TO ESCAPE Off the beaten tracks! SUMMER ACTIVITIES Enjoy the experience FESTIVITIES & FESTIVALS Let the music begin

2 Abitibi-Témiscamingue «As-tu d besoin d un cinq étoiles quand t en a cinq milliards dans l ciel» - Richard Desjardins «En Abitibi, toutes les aurores sont boréales et tous les crépuscules rabaissent le caquet des dieux. Ce n est pas un pays, c est une leçon d humilité.» Serge Bouchard, L homme descend de l ourse : Éloge à l Abitibi, Boréal, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, contrary to popular belief, lies in the western part of Quebec, skirting the natural frontier of Ontario. From north to south, its 65,000 km 2 of lavish forests, fish-rich waters, dynamic cities and picturesque villages stretch from the 47 th to the 49 th parallel. Nearly 145,000 persons have chosen to live in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Our closeness to our roots, which are still quite young, has nurtured our determination to make this land our home and to build a healthy life of exceptional quality. Abitibi-Témiscamingue s history is closely linked to natural resources development. The region came into being in the late 18 th century with the discovery of its agricultural and mining riches. However there is evidence of Algonquin occupation in the region for more than 8,000 years. Their contribution to the region s growth is very significant and their heritage can still be felt and seen in seven communities. The 22,000 lakes and rivers found in Abitibi-Témiscamingue have had a catalytic effect on regional growth. The only passageway for more than two hundred years, water provided explorers the means to travel the region. Lakes and rivers are still key assets to the people of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and the development of this vital resource constitutes a major issue. If the northern part of the region is well known for the abundance of its mining potential and its boreal forest, the southern part has earned recognition for its fertile soil and mixed stands. From north to south, the diversity of wildlife, flora and relief make the region unique. When you visit Abitibi-Témiscamingue, you visit two regions in one that are connected by the watershed divide, not by a hyphen. On one side, water travels north to James Bay and on the other, it flows south and drains into the St. Lawrence River. Eager to show you our area, we have developed a wide range of deserving sites, fascinating attractions and festive events that truly reflect our authenticity. One visit to Abitibi-Témiscamingue is enough to discover a collectivity bubbling with ideas, contrasting landscapes and lakes traveling far and wide. It is with immense pleasure that the people of Abitibi-Témiscamingue welcome you with open arms! Nature, omnipresent, is dear to us. It has played a significant role in our history and concurs to our friendly and hospitable nature. The seasons of the year are sources of inspiration for creating activities that shape our lifestyle. Come and discover them!

3 «THE #1 SNOWMOBILING DESTINATION IN NORTH AMERICA» Supertrax International "The night sky crackles with the energy of northern lights; iridescent pink and green lights tower and surge and shimmer overhead." Abitibi-Témiscamingue is definitely a land where nature is omnipresent, playing a key role in our history, adding color and substance to our friendly and hospitable temperament. As soon as winter settles in, snowmobiling occupies a predominant place in our lives, with more than 3,700 kilometers of trails bringing joy to snowmobilers. Our wide, well-groomed trails are known around the globe. In the last issue of Supertrax International, journalist John Arkwrigth wrote: "This region is one of the world s premier riding destinations simply because of its great trails". But it is not until you share your experience during a stay at any of our trailside hotels, nestled in a fairytale setting, that you get the true feeling of our warm and hospitable nature. Abitibi-Témiscamingue is readily accessible via the Trans-Québec network of snowmobile trails, from the regions that border it : Outaouais Region, the Laurentians, Mauricie, Lanaudière and Saguenay-Lake-Saint-Jean. To take full advantage of the finest snowmobiling network in Québec, we invite you to get the Snowmobile Trails map at Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

4 SNOW, MORE SNOW, EVEN MORE SNOW! WITH OUR SNOWY WINTERS, magnificent landscapes, deep blue skies, exciting attractions and enriching sites, a stay in Abitibi-Témiscamingue can only be enjoyable. We promise to dazzle you with all the treasures our winter has to offer: Parc national d Aiguebelle, Refuge Pageau, Aventures Obikoba and La Bannik. Go for a snowmobile ride, enjoy escapades into the countryside, or experience the challenge and excitement of ice fishing on well-stocked lakes. Fall under the spell of our sunny, snowy and dry winters, and discover the warm and hospitable nature of our people. GREAT COMFORT AMIDST PRISTINE NATURE Nestled in the most private corners of a grandiose setting, the 8 rustic cabins of Parc national d Aiguebelle are a haven of calmness and tranquility. Take a hike on snowshoes or skis up and down 38 kilometers of marked trails, and at nightfall stay inside and enjoy a true country style evening, all snuggled up nice and warm. Several long hiking circuits available: sepaq.com

5 ACCOMMODATION & RESTAURANTS ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS. Depending on their needs and preferences, travelers can make good choices among our many lakeside outfitters, comfortable hotels or cozy inns. Here, extending a warm welcome is of prime importance. Regional food products feature prominently on the menu of our restaurants. Sitting around the table at any of our many restaurants, enjoy the pleasures of eating among family and friends. Tasty local cuisine, gourmet food, quick-serve and family restaurants The choice is yours! In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, restaurant operators set the table to satisfy your appetite in a warm and hospitable atmosphere. AWARD-RECIPIENTS OF GRANDS PRIX DU TOURISME DE L ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE (ACCOMMODATION): Camping : Camping Sagittaire Val-d Or BED AND BREAKFAST : Au Repos du Bouleau Notre-Dame-du-Nord aureposdubouleau.com HOTEL : Quality Inn & suites Val-d Or Val-d Or Deville centre hôtelier Rouyn-Noranda devillemotel.com OUTFITTERS : Pavillon du Lac Guéguen Val-d Or lacgueguen.com Pourvoirie du Rapide-Sept Val-d Or rapide-sept.com Pourvoirie du Lac Matchi-Manitou Senneterre pourvoiriedulacmatchi-manitou.com

6 THE NEED TO ESCAPE KNOWN FOR ITS MANY CANOE ROUTES, Abitibi-Témiscamingue offers nature and outdoors enthusiasts the opportunity to get off the beaten tracks. In summer and winter, the soft and exciting activities offered by our adventure tourism operators will thrill you. If you enjoy paddling, camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking or simply relaxing away from the city noise, head out to Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Consult tourisme-abitibi-temiscamingue.org to know more about our trails, routes and circuits in organized and unorganized areas, with the support of maps, GPS routes, accommodation and equipment rental services, emergency plans, and safety advices. ABITIBIWINNI: ADVENTURE AND CULTURE Bercé par l Harricana packages available. Algonguin guides available for excursions on Harricana River (Abitibi). 200-km route. Possibility to taste typical food and spend the night in a traditional tent or tee-pee (on request). Meals and equipment included. Qualified remote area first-aid guides (SIRIUS). abitibiwinni.com

7 magasin général dumulon cité de l or cité de l or refuge pageau lieu historique national du fort-témiscamingue SUMMER ACTIVITIES SUMMER IS THE IDEAL TIME to learn about the historical and cultural heritage of Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Start off your tour in Val-d Or, and make an underground descent to a depth of 300 feet into the drifts of the former Lamaque Mine, in Cité de l Or. Then drive to Amos, and stop at Refuge Pageau to live a unique experience as you closely observe specimens of the region s wildlife housed by the dedicated team of legendary Michel Pageau, the man who talks with the wolves. When you reach Rouyn-Noranda, let yourself be carried away by the energy and rhythm of its many cultural events, and complete your tour with one the region s magnificent natural jewel: Parc national d Aiguebelle. tour de l abitibi FORT-TÉMISCAMINGUE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Don t leave the region without discovering the magnificent landscapes of Témiscamingue and experience a journey back in time at Fort-Témiscamingue, a historical meeting place of two nations commemorating the role played by this fur trading post for nearly two centuries parc national d aiguebelle parc-aventure joannès

8 FESTIVITIES & FESTIVALS "The Festival de musique émergente received the Félix award for «Event of the Year» at the 2010 ADISQ industry gala." You won t believe the number of festivities and festivals we organize just to make life more enjoyable! Festival des guitares du monde, Festival de musique émergente, Osisko en lumière, Foire gourmande, Rodéo du camion, Festival forestier, Festival du cinéma international, and much more. One is sure to have fun! Consult our calendar of events at tourismeabitibi-temiscamingue.org, and choose the happening that will enchant you most and give you the opportunity to experience amazing moments in our company! festival de musique émergente festival des guitares du monde festival du cinéma international foire gourmande festival forestier h 2 o le festival osisko en lumières rodéo du camion

9 FOR INFORMATION OR THE ORGANIZATION OF A PRESS TOUR Anne-Marie Belzile Communication and web agent Détroit (km) Toronto Saguenay 1003 Québec New York Montréal Gatineau / Ottawa Détroit Amos La Sarre Notre-Dame-du-Nord Rouyn-Noranda Senneterre Témiscaming Val-d Or anne-marie@atrat.org Phone : post Photos : Cyclopes, Hugo Lacroix, Mathieu Dupuis & France Lemire