Chapais

A bike trail through the boreal forest leads from Chapais to Lac Opémisca. The area also has nearby beaches, trails for hiking and snowshoeing, and an annual festival on the lakeshore. Chapais thus offers several reasons to choose when to travel and what to focus on during your stay.

Bike Trail and Winter Trails

The Piste cyclable is 11 kilometres long, surfaced with stone dust, and runs through the boreal forest. It starts at the western edge of the municipality and connects Chapais with Lac Opémisca. Its set length makes it easy to plan the bike trail as a separate part of the day; no duration or specific difficulty level is given.

In winter, the Piste cyclable is converted into a cross-country ski trail maintained by volunteers. For those considering a trip to Chapais at different times of year, this is a clear change in how the trail is used: the focus is then on cross-country skiing rather than cycling. Maintenance by volunteers is also part of the description of this winter offering.

Another option for outdoor activity is the Sentiers du Mont Springer. Hiking and snowshoeing are possible there on trails rated moderate to difficult. This distinction is useful when choosing: the bike trail is characterized by its length and stone-dust surface, while the trails on Mont Springer are specifically described as moderate to challenging.

Lakes, Beaches, and Trips on the Water

Lac Opémisca is at the heart of several of the experiences described around Chapais. The Festival du Doré Baie-James takes place on its shores, and the Débarcadère du lac Opémisca offers a place to launch boats. It is located ten minutes from Chapais. Boats can be used for fishing or sightseeing trips.

Two beaches are also mentioned in the area: Plage du lac Opémisca is a few minutes from Chapais, as is the municipal beach on Lac Cavan. Those who like to consider water and lakeside activities when choosing where to stay can take these two different destinations into account.

An Annual Gathering at Lac Opémisca

The Festival du Doré Baie-James has been held every year since 1999 on the shores of Lac Opémisca in Chapais. Each year, it welcomes more than 1,000 anglers. During the festival, anglers of all ages, along with families and friends, gather for a variety of activities. The program also includes free shows open to everyone.

The festival offers a different reason to travel than the trails and beaches: it combines fishing with a gathering that also includes activities and shows. For families and friends travelling together, this mix provides a concrete glimpse into Chapais’s event scene.

Local History and Location on Route 113

The former Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Convent is part of the town’s history. It was the second school in the town of Chapais and was built in 1958. This historic role complements the nature and recreational offerings with a glimpse into the town’s development.

Chapais is located on Provincial Highway 113, which connects the Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regions. This location provides a geographical reference for travel and places Chapais between the two regions. When looking for a vacation rental, consider whether Chapais suits your travel plans.

More local pages: Kangiqsujuaq, Matagami, Chibougamau, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Baie-James.

See the main travel overview: Nord-Du-Québec.