Featured Places
Unlock this board to access the campsites and location information for the unique backcountry destinations featured in this episode!
Lodging
Prior to starting the recording week, I spent one night at a hotel in Chibougamau to freshen up!
Hôtel Chibougamau
@venture4wd
This hotel might not have the nicest curb appeal, but the inside is tasteful and contemporary, and seems like it was recently renovated before my visit in 2022.
It was very clean, comfortable, and the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. The hotel itself is small, and my room was small, but well laid out. The shower felt absolutely amazing. There are other amenities such as a spa and exercise room that I didn't take advantage of.
This hotel is attached to the microbrasserie Maitre Renard. I had a great experience, and would definitely recommend it if you're passing through Chibougamau.
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Food & Beer
If you travel to Quebec, I highly recommend stopping at as many brew-pubs as you can (but not all in one day). Quebec has a phenomenal food and craft beer scene, and with microbrasseries scattered throughout the province, it's easy to find a unique and delicious dining experience.
Many microbrasseries have non-alcoholic options and sometimes offer kombucha as an alternative to beer. So don't let being alcohol free stop you from visiting these wonderful establishments!
Maître Renard - Microbrasserie & Bar à Vin
@venture4wd
Maitre Renard is an inviting, and tastefully decorated microbrewery attached to Hotel Chibougamau. Their craft beer was delicious and unique, and was spiced with incredients from the region's boreal forests. What a great way to offer a literal taste of central Quebec. This place is a treasure, and highly recommended!
I enjoyed a Des Bois IPA, and a very tasty Caesar salad.
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Vehicle Service
Finding a shop to take a look at the Jeep was a little bit frustrating. One shop couldn't get me in for a few days, and then I went to a body shop by accident, because I couldn’t read the sign. Finally, Garage AS got me in right away...
Garage A.S. Mécanique
@venture4wd
This was a very friendly, family-run garage offering general automotive service. They seem to be very busy all of the time, yet they were quite happy to take me in and try to solve a problem with the Jeep as soon as I arrived.
They put a couple of hours into troubleshooting, and while they were unable to figure it out without digging deeper, I wouldn't hesitate to go back. It seems like the best and most popular option for vehicle service around Chibougamau, and McDonalds is right across the street, which is a good place to wait.
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Groceries
I stopped at the Maxi a few times during the week to resupply on groceries.
Maxi
@venture4wd
This is a fairly typical grocery store, and I'm including it here, because I feel like it's the best place to resupply if you're traveling through Chibougamau. I bought all of my groceries here during my stay.
I was very confused by the shopping cart deployment system at first. The carts are tethered together, and can be released by inserting a Canadian dollar coin into the handle, and then your $1 is released when the cart is returned to its tether. It's a way to mitigate cart loss or theft.
This is super-frustrating if you're just seeing it for the first time, and you can't read the French instructions. I looked absolutely ridiculous scratching my head and fumbling with the tether - as if it was my first time on this Earth.
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The North Road
Chibougamau is the southern terminus of the Route du Nord, or the North Road; a remote gravel highway, 400km long, that runs up to northern Quebec.Burritos
Burritos
I rolled into Val d'Or at immediately did a Google Maps search for restaurants, and this was at the top of the list...
Habaneros Grill Mexicain
@venture4wd
I happened to be craving Mexican food, so without a second glance, I went straight there. Unbeknownst to me prior to my arrival, this is a burrito chain, much like a Chipotle, so it wasn't quite the Mexican experience I was looking for, but the burrito was still very fresh, filling, and delicious... and now I know, Habaneros = burrito chain in Quebec.
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