Val-d'Or Travel Guide
Plan your next trip to Val-d'Or in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec, and explore its culturally significant museums, natural attractions, local food, and more.
- Introduction to Val-d’Or
- List of Places to Visit in Val-d’Or
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Val-d’Or
- Best Things to Do in Val-d’Or: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Val-d’Or
- Food and Drink Scene of Val-d’Or
- Where to Stay in Val-d’Or: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Val-d’Or: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Val-d’Or
- Best Time to Visit Val-d’Or
- Do’s and Don’ts of Val-d’Or
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Val-d’Or: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Val-d’Or
- Where to Go Next from Val-d’Or: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Val-d’Or
Located in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec, Val-d’Or is a beautiful city that is rich in natural beauty, culture, and history. The name “Val-d’Or” means “Valley of Gold” in French, referencing the area’s rich mineral resources. Val-d’Or is a gateway to the Abitibi region’s vast wilderness where it is easy to find yourself lost in miles of untouched forests and lakes. This ultimate Val-d’Or travel guide will help you plan your trip to this beautiful destination.
List of Places to Visit in Val-d’Or
Val-d’Or has a lot to offer, from museums to scenic parks, and outdoor adventures. Here’s a list of top-rated things to do and places to visit in Val-d’Or.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
1. Lucien Borne Museum
The Lucien Borne Museum is a cultural and scientific museum located in the heart of Val-d’Or. It boasts impressive collections showcasing the natural sciences - geology, forests, minerals, water, and air - of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
2. La Cité de l’Or
La Cité de l’Or or “City of Gold” is a reconstructed 1930s gold mine that was the richest gold deposit in Canada. It features underground mine tours, exhibitions exploring the history and creation of the mine, and displays of mining equipment and geology. It is a great place to learn about the area’s gold mining heritage.
3. Béarn-Wabassee and Bosséa Parks
Béarn-Wabassee and Bosséa Parks are two parks that exhibit the natural beauty of Val-d’Or. Historical exhibits and information are to be found throughout the parks and serve to educate visitors on the history and culture of the region and its Algonquin forebears.
Natural Attractions of Val-d’Or: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
1. Sentier Des Braves
Sentier Des Braves is a 3-mile hiking trail that leads visitors up the Abitibi Canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding nature and wildlife. It is a great trail for all ages and skill levels.
2. Parc Belvédère
Parc Belvédère is a beautiful scenic park located just outside of Val-d’Or and offers a captivating vista overlooking the town. At the top of the park is a lookout that offers a clear view of the entire city. A must-visit spot for photographers and enthusiasts alike.
3. Lac-des-Rouges-Truites
Lac-des-Rouges-Truites is a favorite destination of fishermen, making it a fun spot for fishing aficionados. The surrounding lakes and wilderness areas offer a wide range of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Val-d’Or
1. Parc Léon-Provancher
Parc Léon-Provancher offers various hiking and biking trails that wander through the forest, and even over a few small streams. It is a scenic and quiet area, perfect for a relaxing day in nature away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
2. Les Sentiers Pédestres Paradis
Les Sentiers Pédestres Paradis, located near Malartic and Amos, offers more than 15 km of hiking and biking trails that cross mountains, forests and rivers. Horseback riding is also an option and opportunities to observe wildlife like deer are plentiful.
Best Things to Do in Val-d’Or: Activities and Tours
1. Adventure Packages with Bel Air Tremblant
Bel Air Tremblant offers packages for activities such as fishing, biking, hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling in Val-d’Or. The resort has cabins equipped with all the amenities necessary for your adventures and is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Aurizon Museum
The Aurizon Museum provides a great educational component where visitors can witness the workings of the mining and forestry industries. It has an indoor exhibit area that documents the history of mining, with many interactive exhibits to help visitors get a sense of what mining was like in the Abitibi region.
Week-Long Itinerary for Val-d’Or
If you have an entire week to spend in Val-d’Or, here’s a great itinerary to follow:
- Day 1: Visit La Cité de l’Or, the reconstructed 1930s gold mine
- Day 2: Visit the Lucien Borne Museum and the surrounding Béarn-Wabassee and Bosséa Parks. These represent Val-d’Or’s cultural and scientific museums, where visitors can learn about the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
- Day 3: Take a challenging bike ride on Les Sentiers Pédestres Paradis
- Day 4: Enjoy fishing along the popular Lac-des-Rouges-Truites
- Day 5: Take in the beautiful scenery at the Parc Léon-Provancher
- Day 6: Hike the Sentier Des Braves and marvel at its scenic views.
- Day 7: Finish your stay with the Adventure Packages offered by Bel Air Tremblant.
Food and Drink Scene of Val-d’Or
Must-Try Dishes
One of the classic dishes of Val-d’Or is the typical Quebec dish called “Poutine”. Poutine is a combination of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, all mixed together. It’s a hearty dish that is perfect for colder weather.
Local Beverages
The Canadian beer ‘Labatt’s’ is a popular drink found in Val-d’Or, and it is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. There are also various ciders and fruit-based wines available, produced locally in Quebec.
Where to Stay in Val-d’Or: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Val-d’Or offers a variety of accommodation options at all price points. Here are some of the top-rated options:
- Bed and Breakfast Maison Etheridge
- Hotel Continental
- Quality Inn & Suites
- Super 8 by Wyndham
What to Buy in Val-d’Or: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Canadian maple syrup
- Flavoured honey
- Gloves, hats and scarves made of Canadian wool
- Native art and handicrafts
- Books written by Quebec authors
Local Culture and Customs of Val-d’Or
The French Canadian language and culture are an intrinsic part of Val-d’Or’s history. Visitors can experience and enjoy traditional music, visual arts and dance. Mardi gras and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day are local festivals that celebrate francophone culture.
Best Time to Visit Val-d’Or
The best time to visit Val-d’Or is during the summer months from June to August. This period provides the optimal opportunity for hiking, fishing, biking, and other outdoor activities that showcase Val-d’Or’s natural beauty.
Do’s and Don’ts of Val-d’Or
Do:
- Try the local cuisine such as Poutine, a Quebec classic dish.
- Learn about the region’s mining history and culture.
- Explore the natural beauty of Val-d’Or.
- Respect the local customs and traditions.
Don’t:
- Litter in public areas.
- Ignore the local wildlife and ecosystem.
- Cut down trees without permission.
- Hike outside of designated areas.
Safety and Health
When in Val-d’Or, it is advisable to follow these safety and health tips:
Safety in Val-d’Or
- Always lock your car and house doors.
- Avoid dark and unknown areas in the city.
- Keep an eye on your belongings when in public spaces.
Health in Val-d’Or
- Drink only bottled water.
- Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
- Bring bug spray to ward off any insects that may be found.
Getting to Val-d’Or: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Val-d’Or
- Rouyn-Noranda Airport
- Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Bus Stations Near Val-d’Or
- Autobus Maheux Inc.
- Ontario Northland Transportation Commission
Other Options
- Car Rentals via Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Budget Rent a Car.
How to Get Around in Val-d’Or
Val-d’Or has a variety of transportation options:
- Taxis
- Rental cars
- Public buses
- Bike-Rental
Where to Go Next from Val-d’Or: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Canadian Driftwood Art Gallery
- Opemican National Park
- Outfitters and local rental facilities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Val-d’Or is a beautiful city in Quebec with a rich culture and history. Visitors to this getaway destination can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while also indulging in Quebec’s cuisine, culture, and hospitality. The various museums, parks, outdoor adventures, and scenic views that Val-d’Or offers make it a must-visit tourist destination.
