Girardville: Trails, Local History and Winter Experiences

Girardville can be explored in many different ways: along an almost 240-kilometre quad and snowmobile trail, on a historical walking tour through the town, or by enjoying activities ranging from kayaking to snowshoeing. There is also a 45-kilometre cycling route and local products connected to the forest and boreal spices. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering routes, seasonal activities and local history as separate highlights.

Trails, Cycling Route and Outdoor Activities

The “Passerelle du 49e” is an almost 240-kilometre, federated trail for quads and snowmobiles. In Girardville, it crosses the Mistassini River above the waterfall and dam at the 11e chute. The route therefore passes a distinctive spot on the river. “Au fil des rivières” offers a different perspective: this 45-kilometre cycling route forms a loop connecting Albanel and Girardville. It runs through forest and blueberry fields alongside the Mistassini and Ouasiemsca rivers. Before setting out, check the cycling route’s surface and access conditions.

In Girardville, Aventuraid offers canoe camping, kayaking on calm or whitewater sections, and guided hikes. The different water sections provide a distinct contrast; guided hikes round out the activities on land. Aventuraid’s seasonal winter activities include dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Schedules and availability for these activities may also change. Check the details before making firm plans.

Nearby is the Parc récréotouristique de la 11e chute, Sektor l’énergie. There, you can hike along the Mistassini near a hydroelectric power station; access is via the municipality of Girardville. The park is a separate addition to the activities in town. If you plan to include it in your trip, check its access conditions in advance.

Local History and Seasonal Discoveries

The “Racontez-moi Girardville” walking tour takes you through Girardville and includes 15 information panels about important events in the municipality. It also introduces Pierre Doucet, Girardville’s founder and first mayor. The walking tour gives local history a concrete place in your trip planning, setting it apart from the longer routes and outdoor activities.

The Christmas-themed Maison du Père Noël in Girardville gives visitors the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. Activities include tubing and a ride on the “L’Express du Père Noël” train. This is a seasonal offering; the program and dates may change. Check the specific dates before planning a visit.

Local Products from the Forest and Region

As you browse locally, you’ll also come across products connected to the landscape. Boutique Nature offers herbal teas made from forest plants and fresh eggs from Ferme forestière Ouasiemsca. The products are available at the reception of the chalets and lofts at Ferme forestière Ouasiemsca, 2020 rang du rapide in Girardville.

ChezNousEnHaut offers dried boreal spices in bags, including dune pepper, sweet gale and woodbine from pine forests. You can get the products from ChezNousEnHaut, online, as well as at Marché de Girardville and the dépanneur in Girardville. Labrador production sells organic Labrador tea and masks with black spruce essential oil; in summer, these products are available at Maison du tourisme Girardville.

Mikuan créations makes handcrafted knitwear, dreamcatchers, jewellery and keychains from horsehair, fur and feathers. In summer, the products are available at the Girardville tourist centre and its dépanneur. As product availability may change and some points of sale are seasonal, check in advance whether the products you want are available.

Girardville as a Place to Search for a Vacation Rental

The walking tour and the activities offered there by Aventuraid provide different elements for a trip than the cycling route or the nearby Parc récréotouristique de la 11e chute. This makes it possible to plan around the mix of history, activities and seasonal offerings you want, while keeping in mind the different access and timing requirements for each excursion.

Discover more destinations: Dolbeau-Mistassini, Péribonka, Normandin, Saint-Edmond-les-Plaines

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