Eeyou Istchee Baie-James is an experience beyond words: the endless silence of the tundra, taiga as far as the eye can see and fragrances of the boreal forest. Wherever you look, you sense the power and beauty of Nordic life. From the sunsets over James Bay to the frolicking northern lights, nature will entrance you with its brilliant show.
How to get there
Distance between main cities
Did you know?
To be discovered absolutely
A trip to the Far North will let you discover a unique Indigenous culture and unbelievable fishing spots, or unplug and dive into nature in an ecolodge.
Cree culture
The nine Indigenous communities in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, between the 49th and 55th parallels, bear witness to an impressive capacity to adapt to the environment. And it’s been happening for some time: the Cree have been hunting and fishing in the Baie-James region for 5,000 years, and fur trading there since the 17th century.
They live in harmony with the raw wilderness of the boreal forest and, farther north, the taiga. The Cree today have maintained a strong bond with their ancestral ways of life, culture and language. They pass on this knowledge with a deep respect for their traditions, and are eager to share it with anyone who visits them in this vast northern region. Expect to have an experience that is authentic and unforgettable.
In the Cree language, Eeyou Istchee means “The Peoples Land” and the word for “welcome” is whachiya.
Unforgettable fishing north of the 49th parallel
This is where the best fishing stories are born. It’s not for nothing that anglers are proud to show off their catch: the fish are huge—almost as big as the smiles on the faces of those who catch them. Our hydrographic network of thousands of lakes and rivers includes the majestic Lac Mistassini and Lac Albanel.
The most sought-after varieties among sport anglers are the walleye, northern pike, brook trout and lake trout. For a well-organized trip, consider staying at an outfitter—an establishment in the woods set up specifically for hunting and fishing activities. Or go to one of the wildlife reserves managed by the Nibiischii Corporation, where you’ll find prime camping and fishing spots. How to turn a fishing trip into the trip of a lifetime...
Lac Mistassini is Québec’s largest freshwater lake.
Lac Matagami ecolodges
Completely unplug from the city’s frenzy by booking a stay in an ecolodge at Écogîtes du lac Matagami. It’s the perfect spot for you to recharge, between the lake and the boreal forest. You’ll sleep soundly in one of the eco-responsible yurts or cabins. After settling in, you’ll be ready to reconnect with the nature that’s all around.
You’re sure to enjoy the workshop on wild mushroom gathering, where you get to prepare and taste the mushrooms everyone found. Or go on an outing to explore the area’s plants (edible, carnivorous, medicinal, etc.) and wildlife (bears, moose, beavers, lynx, caribou and many other species). For your evening pleasure, simply look up and admire the shimmering stars and frolicking northern lights.
The boreal forest is teeming with prized mushrooms: matsutakes, morels and chanterelles.
