Chapais: Cycling Trail, Lakes and Festival

Chapais brings together a range of travel interests: an 11-kilometre cycling trail through boreal forest, hiking and snowshoeing opportunities at Mont Springer, waterside destinations, and the Festival du Doré Baie-James. For trip planning, the trail’s seasonal use, distances to waterside destinations and the annual event provide practical guidance.

Getting your bearings on Route 113

Chapais is located on Provincial Highway 113, which connects Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. This places the town on a road link between the two regions. The heated clubhouse of the Club motoneige de Chapais is also on Route 113: at kilometre 331, four kilometres from Chapais in the direction of Lebel-sur-Quévillon. The kilometre marker and direction provide a specific reference for this snowmobile-related stop.

Cycling trail and seasonal use

The Piste cyclable is an 11-kilometre cycling trail with a stone-dust surface that runs through boreal forest. It starts at the western edge of the municipality and connects Chapais with Lac Opémisca. Its length, surface and connection to the lake give the trail a clear profile. Lac Opémisca is a named landmark along the route.

In winter, the Piste cyclable is converted into a cross-country ski trail maintained by volunteers. When planning your travel dates, take this seasonal change into account: in winter, the trail is described as a ski trail maintained by volunteers. For a different activity, consider the Sentiers du Mont Springer, where hiking and snowshoeing are possible on trails rated from moderate to difficult. The two options offer different kinds of guidance: the cycling trail has a stated length, while the Sentiers have a difficulty range.

Waterside destinations around Chapais

Plage du lac Opémisca is a beach a few minutes from Chapais. The municipal beach on Lac Cavan is also a few minutes from town. Another destination on Lac Opémisca is the Débarcadère du lac Opémisca, ten minutes from Chapais. There, you can launch boats for fishing or sightseeing trips. The waterside destinations therefore differ in function: two are beaches, while the focus at the Débarcadère is launching boats.

Festival and local history

The Festival du Doré Baie-James has been held every year since 1999 on the shore of Lac Opémisca in Chapais. It welcomes more than 1,000 anglers each year. During the festival, anglers of all ages, families and friends get together for a range of activities and free shows open to everyone. The specific program may vary. If the festival is a reason for your trip, check the event dates and program in advance.

Another historical landmark is the former Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes convent. Built in 1958, it was the town of Chapais’s second school. Its construction date and former role as a school add a specific aspect of local history to the nature and event themes.

Discover more destinations: Matagami, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Kangiqsujuaq, Chibougamau, Baie-James.

Go to the main travel overview: Nord-Du-Québec.