Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Canoeing in Opemician National Park

Abiti-Témiscamingue Quebec, One Day Itinerary

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Located in the Western area of Quebec Abitibi-Témiscamingue-Témiscamingue borders Ontario and is home to over 22,000 lakes and rivers, lush foliage, and one of the newest national parks Opémican National Park. Read on to find out the best one day itinerary in this soon to be attraction.

Where to Stay

Ready to Camp Étoile

Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Opémician National Park , Ready To Camp
Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Opémican National Park , Ready To Camp

Located inside Opémican National Park the brand new ready-to-camp étoile provides all the comforts you need amongst a beautiful forest surroundings. It comes fully equipped with: sleeping arrangements for 8 (2 sets of double bunk beds), kitchenette area (with coffee maker, kettle, cutlery, dishes, mini fridge, pots, pans), electricity, and deck with campfire stove top for cooking.

Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Opémician National Park , Ready To Camp Kitchen Area
Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Opémican National Park , Ready To Camp Kitchen Area
Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Opémician National Park , Ready To Camp Beds
Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Opémican National Park
Ready To Camp Beds + Dining table
Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Opémician National Park , Ready To Camp Deck
Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Opémican National Park , Ready To Camp Deck

The best part though in my opinion, the CAMPFIRE. Each ready-to-camp has it’s own fire pit. The ladies and I had the best time listening to music and chatting around the cracking fire.

Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Campfire just outside the Ready-to-Camp Etoile
Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Campfire just outside the Ready-to-Camp étoile
(Photo by: Braedin Toth)

What to Do

Opémican National Park

It was such a rare opportunity for to visit a national park that had just opened this year. Regardless of this park’s “newness” though it will easily become a favorite amongst anyone looking to connect with the outdoors. The lakes for canoeing did not disappoint and we even saw a bald eagle who looked like he wanted in on all the activities.

Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Canoeing in Opemician National Park
Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Canoeing in Opémican National Park
(Photo by: Braedin Toth)

Refuge Pageau

Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Refuge Pageau
Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Refuge Pageau, “Chewbaka” the Porcupine

Refuge Pageau is a shelter for animals who have been injured or kidnapped. Their primary goal is to rehabilitate these animals with the end result of them being returned back to their natural habitats in the wild. In some scenarios that may not be possible, like if the animals were born in the refuge (or came there as babies, usually because the parents have passed), in which case they will remain at the refuge where they can safely live and be cared for.

All types of animals can be found here. Wolves, foxes, birds, raccoons, coyotes, pigs, moose, and the sweetest porcupine named “Chewbaka” call this place home, whether it is temporary or permanently. It truly is a must visit to see an organization that devotes it’s time to the betterment of wild life. I promise your heart will just melt when you see the all the amazing work that is done here.

Chez Eugène

Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Chez Eugène, Interior
Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Chez Eugène, Interior

If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat in town before heading out to the park I highly recommend Chez Eugène. Everything here is sourced locally and homemade. Their paninis and soups were not only delicious but perfect for some energy for more outdoor activities.