Discover the Attractions of Témiscamingue Through Its ATV Trails

Le Témiscamingue, or “deep waters” in Anishinaabemowin (Algonquin), is much more than just a territory. As the Tourisme Témiscamingue website so aptly states, it is a place “of inexhaustible nature and human warmth.” In other words, outdoor enthusiasts will certainly find what they are looking for here, with more than 7,500 lakes and rivers, not to mention forests stretching as far as the eye can see. What’s more, travelers will be warmly welcomed by the people of Témiscamingue.

It certainly makes you want to take the ATV out of the garage, load it onto the trailer, and head off on an adventure, doesn’t it? However, be sure to take the time to contact the Club VTT du Témiscamingue to properly plan your excursion and, above all, to purchase your access rights.

In the Témiscamingue area, there are two parking areas where you can safely leave your vehicle during your journey: parking lot 319 at the Auberge canadienne de Temiscaming and parking lot 320 at the Resto-dépanneur in Ville-Marie.

What to see?

If you take the local trail of the Club VTT Témiscamingue from Letang, which connects further up to the Trans-Québec trail, one of the first highlights is the Laniel Dam, located near the municipality of the same name, situated on the shores of a striking bay on Lake Kipawa. Visitors often stop there to admire the scenery or the murals under the Laniel Bridge.

A little further north of the dam, you can catch a glimpse of the Grande Chute on the Kipawa River, near the Topping site, a place once favored for Hollywood film shoots. The site later became the property of Dan and Bob Topping, majority shareholders of Yankee Stadium.

Please note, however, that the Grande Chute is accessible only via Route 101 and not from the Trans-Québec trail.

Continue your journey to Gaboury, where shelter #15 is located. You may choose to stay there or take the local trail west to stop in the municipality of Ville-Marie, a town of heritage, art, and entertainment. Take the opportunity to visit the Maison du Frère-Moffet, the oldest residence in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and then treat yourself to something sweet at Chocolats Martine!

These are, of course, only brief suggestions, but keep in mind that Témiscamingue is a vast territory. The best sources of information are undoubtedly the tourism associations and the representatives of the Club VTT Témiscamingue, who know the area like the back of their hand.

With that, enjoy your trip to Témiscamingue!