Things to see and do Eeyou Istchee Baie-James

To plan your stay in this immense territory, the tourist office's website is a veritable mine of information. Whether you want to visit the hydroelectric facilities, discover the Cree culture or go hunting, fishing or snowmobiling, the site is full of good tips and addresses to help you create your itinerary. You can also order various brochures, including the official tourist guide and the snowmobile trail map.

Hydro-Québec is one of the largest electric utilities in North America. It generates, transmits and distributes almost all the electricity consumed in the province. Virtually all of its production comes from hydroelectric generating stations, including nearly half of the La Grande complex. The latter is made up of a series of hydroelectric developments in the watershed of the Grande Rivière, as well as other rivers in the Nord-du-Québec administrative region.

Two of its facilities can be visited in the James Bay region, starting with the Robert-Bourassa development, which is the world's largest underground hydroelectric power station and the continent's largest energy production site. Its dam is impressive, reaching the equivalent of a 53-storey building, which overlooks a staircase of ten steps - each equivalent to two soccer pitches - of titanic dimensions. It makes you feel very small!

The La Grande-1 power station is the final link in this immense complex. The amount of concrete required for its construction is equivalent to the length of a sidewalk between Montreal and Miami.

To see these masterpieces up close, visit the Complexe Pierre-Radisson, where guided tours depart in season. However, you'll have to make your own way to Centrale La Grande-1 (about 1h15 on a fully paved road).

This solidarity cooperative invites you to set sail on an ecotourism cruise on James Bay. Departures are from Waskaganish and are available in two formulas: 1-day or sunset. Not only will you be able to admire the northern flora and fauna, but you'll also be able to explore the islands and discover the Cree communities along the bay's coastline. The cooperative plans to develop a base camp where you can stay in Creetopia ready-to-camp tents, custom-designed for the Cree Nation.

Ecotourism site managed by the Cree community. Accommodation is provided in cottages or traditional Cree homes for a unique experience and immersion in the cultural environment of this nation. In summer, it is possible to practice canoeing and other water activities as well as hiking. Winter is followed by snowshoeing, ice fishing, trapping/trapping and traditional crafts. Cree cuisine is also on the program and several other activities can be organized on request.