Abitibi: land of explorers!

AM: Departure in the morning.

Dinner in Val d’Or ($).

PM: Cité de l’Or and the Corporation of the Mining Village of Bourlamaque (Part 1).

On the surface, you will understand how the ore is brought up and learn the different steps of the rock transformation by seeing a real fusion taking place before your eyes. You will also be able to walk in the Mining Village of Bourlamaque.  This village consists of 80 log cabins built in 1935 for the miners and their families.  One of them is open to the public and invites you to discover a past that is still alive.

Arrival at Hotel Quality Inn Val d’Or and check-in.

Dinner ($)

Evening Free

Wake up and breakfast at the hotel (included).

Luggage check out and departure from the hotel.

AM: City of Gold and the Corporation of the Mining Village of Bourlamaque (Part 2)

Become a miner for a day and live a unique experience by visiting 91 meters (300 feet) underground. In addition to the underground experience, you will also visit the surface infrastructures, including the analysis laboratory, where you will be introduced to the transformation of gold. Finally, the exhibition “Gold in the veins” will tell you the history of this mine.

“Warm clothing and closed shoes are recommended (underground temperature: 8°C).

Dinner ($).

Visit of the Postal Museum and Blacksmith Shop.

Travel back in time to 1920 with a visit to the Post Office Museum and Blacksmith Shop and discover the importance of the roles played by the postmaster and the blacksmith in the development of the parish. Familiarize yourself with traditional blacksmithing techniques or observe the collection of antique objects and tools.

Arrive at the Hotel Des Eskers in Amos and check in.

Dinner and free evening ($)

Wake up and breakfast at the hotel.

Luggage check out and departure from the hotel.

AM : Visit of the Refuge Pageau.

The story that the Pageau family embarked on more than 30 years ago will be told on a wooded trail, a story that reflects their incredible relationship with animals. The Refuge takes in orphaned, sick or injured wild animals. They are released back into the wild as soon as possible or kept for a longer period of time. You will be able to admire moose, bears, wolves, lynx, white-tailed deer, raccoons, birds of prey and many small orphans left to their own devices.

Visit the Cathedral of Santa Teresa of Avila.

In 1922, Monsignor Dudemaine, the first parish priest and the first priest serving all of Abitibi, and the Montreal architect Beaugrand-Champagne joined forces and erected the Sainte-Thérèse-d’Avila church. In 1939, it became a cathedral. Bishop Desmarais was the first bishop of the young diocese of Amos. Unique in North America, this Romano-Byzantine style structure is a true work of art with its mosaics, Italian marble and French windows.

Free dinner in Amos ($)

Visit of the school of Rank 2.

This school welcomed students from 1937 to 1958. It is possible to experience a typical school day in the 1940’s and have the opportunity to meet the inspector or the priest.

Arrival at the Noranda Hotel & Spa in Rouyn-Noranda and check-in.

Dinner and evening free.

Wake up and breakfast at the hotel.

AM: Visit of the Maison Dumulon.

This historic site is the first general store in the canton of Rouyn, founded by the Dumulon family in 1924. This authentic store and post office offers you a guided tour to discover the history of the pioneers of Rouyn-Noranda. In the summer, actors personifying the children of Jos and Agnès take you on a real journey through time. Souvenirs and regional products available on site.

Visit of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Treat yourself to a guided tour of this commemorative historic site built in 1955 and whose architecture stands out in the urban landscape. You will discover the heritage of another era and the rites of the Russian Orthodox religion. The Immigrant Interpretation Centre located in the basement shows how Rouyn-Noranda was enriched by the contribution of immigrants, mostly from Europe.

Dinner  ($).

PM: Free time

Suggestion: walk to the Botanical Park at Fleur d’eau

This botanical park is a jewel of greenery located in the heart of downtown. There are more than 25,000 plants, trees and shrubs adapted to our climatic conditions. Wheelchair-accessible trails, a boardwalk surrounding Lake Édouard and picnic areas are at your disposal. A geological garden is also set up to inform you about the geology and mining development of the region using large stones.

A unique interpretation concept!

Back to Le Noranda Hotel in Rouyn-Noranda

Dinner and evening free ($).

Wake up and breakfast at the hotel.

Luggage check out and departure from the hotel.

Visit of Fort Témiscamingue.

For nearly two centuries, Fort Témiscamingue was the scene of rivalries for the control of furs. This important trading post located on the shores of Lake Témiscamingue saw many trappers who came to sell their furs to European merchants and traders, who then shipped them to Europe. The English and French also fought over the hunting territories of the Natives, who had occupied the territory for 6,000 years.

Dinner ($).

PM: Departure for the return trip