Unpacking Abitibi-Témiscamingue: A Day-by-Day Weekend Guide + The Latest Flight Deals 🇨🇦
"I Love Paris" (Part 3) | 34
Everyone who knows us knows that we love Ontario, but lately we’ve been confessing about our secret, wildly inappropriate relationship with Quebec. From the historically beautiful Quebec City to the stunning nature of the Laurentians, we’ve kept our affair a secret from our home province of Ontario. But with so much beauty, it's been incredibly hard to be discreet about our infidelity. In the process of coming clean, we have one more secret: our recent adventure in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
We based ourselves in the cozy town of Ville-Marie, where we spent our days enjoying the serene beaches, picnicking by the lake, and excitedly cheering for cowboys and cowgirls at a local rodeo. Yes, this region has its own professional rodeo. It's a place where the locals greeted us with grins and "bonjours" in unassuming breakfast spots like La Gaufrière, where everyone chats across tables.
Our Four-Day Témiscamingue Itinerary
Day 1
A 4-5 hour drive from Toronto, we arrived in Témiscaming for a mix of history and natural beauty. We started at the Musée de la Gare, a train station built in 1927 that has been beautifully restored into a museum. I got to interview Aurélie, one of the staff members, who shared the fascinating history of C.I.P. and the logging industry.
Just a five-minute walk from the museum is the Ruisseau Gordon Waterfalls. This hidden gem is nothing but raw power and beauty!
Next, we took a hike along the Forced Pipelines Circuit (Circuit des conduites forcées), which retraces the history of former conduits that supplied a hydroelectric power plant. We loved admiring the murals and graffiti on the pipes—a true treat for any art lover.
We then checked in at La Bannik, a breathtaking resort on the shores of Lake Témiscamingue. We had dinner at their on-site Bistro Clau Clau, where the patio overlooks the lake and the food is outstanding. The highlight for me was their house beer, Bière Bannik, and the delicious Brie fondant au beurre de pommes et pacane!
Day 2
Waking up at La Bannik was a dream: the birds, the sound of the lake lapping the shore, and the wind whispering to the trees.
A short hike from the resort led us to Obadjiwan-Fort-Témiscamingue at Parks Canada. This historic site has had an Indigenous presence for about 6,000 years and was a key fur trading post. Our guide, Émile, was amazing and surprised us with a walk through the Enchanted Forest. As a bonus, we got to meet Karl, a traditional craftsman from the Timiskaming First Nation, who shared his incredible knowledge.
Next, we made our way to the quaint town of Ville-Marie, our home base. It was here we found Casse-croûte La Fringale, a fantastic local spot for delicious Poutine. (P.S. Head down to the marina for views of the lake and Ontario. More like Ontario's been watching me....)
We also stumbled into Brother Moffet's House, which transports you back to the first wave of colonization, and Our Lady of Lourdes for an incredible view of the town.
Our evening was a wild surprise at the Festival Western de Guigues, a top professional rodeo circuit stop!
Day 3
Day three started at Ferme Nordvie, where we went strawberry picking. Rumour has it they have the best strawberries in the world, and there was barely anything left, so that might just be true!
Next, we took a fantastic tour of the Première-Chute hydropower generating station, learning all about sustainable, clean, renewable energy.
Then we met up with the fabulous Wandering Wagars family and explored the fascinating history of the logging industry at the T.E. Draper/Chantier Gédéon à Angliers. The T.E. Draper is a huge timber tugboat, and the Chantier Gédéon is a reconstruction of a logging camp from the 1930s and 40s. Naturally, we hummed the "Log Drivers Waltz."
Lastly, we checked into the beautiful Auberge Nouvelle-France, a 1907 building that underwent a complete renovation in 2023. Our room, the Meteor, was a luxurious and comfortable retreat with a veranda overlooking Lake Témiscamingue.
Day 4
Our last day in Témiscamingue began with a delicious breakfast at La Gaufrière. This family-owned restaurant is famous for its waffles and crepes, and it was the perfect way to get a sense of a local hotspot!
Our final stop was the magnificent Opémican National Park, which opened in 2018. The park's name, of Algonquin origin, means "the path followed by the Indigenous peoples." This park is a nature lover's paradise, with water sports, hiking trails, and historical and archaeological remains from the logging era. It was the perfect ending to an incredible four-day trip.
Unpacked Travel Insider
Win a Trip to Paradise! 💖
Ready to escape for a great cause? Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is offering a chance to win a 5-day/4-night all-inclusive getaway for two adults. It's all part of their unforgettable Pinktober in Paradise event, a celebration dedicated to breast cancer awareness.
Join the celebration from October 1st - 5th, 2025! The event itinerary includes a Pinktober Golf Scramble, a vibrant Pink Out Pool Party, a Slot Series for a Cause, and more. All proceeds from the event benefit the RCD Foundation and the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, which support local organizations and resort employees facing breast cancer.
Your Dolce Vita Awaits: Win a Glamorous Italian Getaway! 🇮🇹✨
You could win a luxurious 5-day Italian escape blending ancient wonders and romantic charm. Explore Rome's iconic landmarks and hidden gems, then glide by gondola through Venice's magical canals. With elegant hotels, private transfers, and expert concierge support, this journey offers seamless comfort, cultural immersion, and unforgettable moments for two, all compliments of Your Custom Journey.
Fly to Los Angeles and Live the Dream! ✈️☀️
Looking for a sunny escape and some celebrity sightings? Here are some fantastic flight deals to Los Angeles (LAX/BUR), where you can explore the City of Angels without breaking the bank. The normal roundtrip price is around $400, but check out these current deals. 💰
U.S. Cities: From Albuquerque (ABQ) - $192*, Asheville (AVL) - $288, Atlanta (ATL) - $134*, Austin (AUS) - $163*, Baltimore (BWI) - $99*, Boston (BOS) - $231*, Charleston (CHS) - $230, Charlotte (CLT) - $375*, Chicago (ORD) - $116*, Cincinnati (CVG) - $191*, Cleveland (CLE) - $177*, Dallas (DFW) - $516*, Denver (DEN) - $85*, Detroit (DTW) - $168*, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - $155*, Hartford (BDL) - $319, Houston (IAH) - $98*, Indianapolis (IND) - $111*, Jacksonville (JAX) - $236, Kansas City (MCI) - $164*, Las Vegas (LAS) - $38*, Louisville (SDF) - $121*, Miami (MIA) - $303*, Minneapolis (MSP) - $170, Nashville (BNA) - $108*, New Jersey (EWR) - $199*, New Orleans (MSY) - $114*, New York (JFK) - $232*, New York (LGA) - $199, Oklahoma City (OKC) - $351*, Omaha (OMA) - $186*, Philadelphia (PHL) - $128*, Phoenix (PHX) - $79*, Pittsburgh (PIT) - $197*, Portland (PDX) - $92*, Raleigh (RDU) - $211*, Richmond (RIC) - $269*, Sacramento (SMF) - $144*, St. Louis (STL) - $287*, Salt Lake City (SLC) - $113*, San Antonio (SAT) - $94*, San Diego (SAN) - $180*, San Francisco (SFO) - $94*, San Jose (SJC) - $192*, Seattle (SEA) - $189*, Tampa (TPA) - $280*, Washington DC (DCA) - $233*, and Washington DC (IAD) - $210*. *Nonstop flights
Canadian Cities:
Calgary (YYC) - $288* CAD
Montreal (YUL) - $414* CAD
Toronto (YYZ) - $267* CAD
Vancouver (YVR) - $139* CAD *Nonstop flights
Airlines: Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Alaska, Southwest, Spirit When to Visit: There's availability from September through December. Act fast! These deals are expected to be gone in 2-3 weeks.
Escape to the Sunshine State! ☀️🌴
Looking for a sunny escape and some beachside fun? Here are some fantastic flight deals to Fort Lauderdale (FLL/MIA), where you can explore the Florida coast without breaking the bank. The normal roundtrip price is around $400, but check out these current deals. 💰
U.S. Cities: From Albuquerque (ABQ) - $287, Asheville (AVL) - $78*, Atlanta (ATL) - $49*, Austin (AUS) - $74*, Baltimore (BWI) - $58*, Boston (BOS) - $68*, Charleston (CHS) - $82, Charlotte (CLT) - $79*, Chicago (ORD) - $75*, Cincinnati (CVG) - $80*, Cleveland (CLE) - $78*, Dallas (DFW) - $78*, Denver (DEN) - $98*, Detroit (DTW) - $110*, Hartford (BDL) - $89*, Houston (IAH) - $58*, Indianapolis (IND) - $78*, Jacksonville (JAX) - $411*, Kansas City (MCI) - $118*, Las Vegas (LAS) - $87*, Louisville (SDF) - $76*, Minneapolis (MSP) - $168*, Nashville (BNA) - $76*, New Jersey (EWR) - $63*, New Orleans (MSY) - $79*, New York (JFK) - $58*, New York (LGA) - $58*, Oklahoma City (OKC) - $369*, Omaha (OMA) - $323*, Philadelphia (PHL) - $78*, Phoenix (PHX) - $103*, Pittsburgh (PIT) - $71*, Portland (PDX) - $257*, Raleigh (RDU) - $58*, Richmond (RIC) - $73*, Sacramento (SMF) - $393*, St. Louis (STL) - $98*, Salt Lake City (SLC) - $279*, San Antonio (SAT) - $118*, San Diego (SAN) - $217*, San Francisco (SFO) - $177*, San Jose (SJC) - $205, Seattle (SEA) - $217*, Tampa (TPA) - $88*, Washington DC (DCA) - $117*, and Washington DC (IAD) - $58*. *Nonstop flights
Canadian Cities:
Calgary (YYC) - $326 CAD
Montreal (YUL) - $297* CAD
Toronto (YYZ) - $140* CAD
Vancouver (YVR) - $534* CAD *Nonstop flights
Airlines: Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Alaska, Southwest, Spirit When to Visit: There's availability from September through December. Act fast! These deals are expected to be gone in 2-3 weeks.
Unpack Your Bags for the Grand Canyon! 🏜️✈️
Get ready for an adventure that’s truly out of this world! Here are some fantastic flight deals to the Grand Canyon (FLG, LAS, PHX), where you can explore one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders without breaking the bank. The normal roundtrip price is around $450, but check out these current deals. 💰
U.S. Cities: From Albuquerque (ABQ) - $88*, Asheville (AVL) - $120*, Atlanta (ATL) - $44*, Austin (AUS) - $145*, Baltimore (BWI) - $119*, Boston (BOS) - $162*, Charleston (CHS) - $180*, Charlotte (CLT) - $161*, Chicago (ORD) - $154*, Cincinnati (CVG) - $129*, Cleveland (CLE) - $145*, Dallas (DFW) - $99*, Denver (DEN) - $118*, Detroit (DTW) - $114*, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - $90*, Hartford (BDL) - $192*, Indianapolis (IND) - $146*, Jacksonville (JAX) - $210*, Kansas City (MCI) - $142*, Los Angeles (LAX) - $144*, Louisville (SDF) - $200, Miami (MIA) - $143*, Minneapolis (MSP) - $118*, Nashville (BNA) - $120*, New Jersey (EWR) - $167*, New Orleans (MSY) - $110*, New York (JFK) - $140*, New York (LGA) - $149*, Oklahoma City (OKC) - $143*, Omaha (OMA) - $103, Philadelphia (PHL) - $110*, Pittsburgh (PIT) - $229*, Portland (PDX) - $224*, Raleigh (RDU) - $220*, Richmond (RIC) - $140*, Sacramento (SMF) - $122*, St. Louis (STL) - $154*, Salt Lake City (SLC) - $187*, San Antonio (SAT) - $146*, San Diego (SAN) - $278*, San Francisco (SFO) - $269*, San Jose (SJC) - $290, Seattle (SEA) - $271*, Tampa (TPA) - $130*, Washington DC (DCA) - $134*, and Washington DC (IAD) - $240*. *Nonstop flights
Canadian Cities:
Calgary (YYC) - $220* CAD
Montreal (YUL) - $341* CAD
Toronto (YYZ) - $208 CAD
Vancouver (YVR) - $214* CAD *Nonstop flights
Airlines: United, American, Delta, Frontier, Breeze, Spirit When to Visit: There's availability from September through December. The fall season is one of the best times to visit for ideal temperatures and fewer crowds. Act fast! These deals are expected to be gone in 2-3 weeks.
Barcelona on a Budget! 🇪🇸✈️
Ready to swap your routine for a Spanish adventure? Here are some fantastic flight deals to Barcelona (BCN), where you can wander through Gothic streets and marvel at Gaudi's masterpieces without breaking the bank. The normal roundtrip price is around $1200, but check out these current deals. 💰
U.S. Cities: From Albuquerque (ABQ) - $583, Asheville (AVL) - $676, Atlanta (ATL) - $766, Austin (AUS) - $469, Baltimore (BWI) - $598, Boston (BOS) - $288*, Charleston (CHS) - $611, Charlotte (CLT) - $621, Chicago (ORD) - $477*, Cincinnati (CVG) - $617, Cleveland (CLE) - $614, Dallas (DFW) - $665, Denver (DEN) - $599, Detroit (DTW) - $579, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - $499, Hartford (BDL) - $611, Houston (IAH) - $621, Indianapolis (IND) - $583, Jacksonville (JAX) - $599, Kansas City (MCI) - $598, Las Vegas (LAS) - $578, Los Angeles (LAX) - $470, Louisville (SDF) - $640, Miami (MIA) - $487*, Minneapolis (MSP) - $698, Nashville (BNA) - $611, New Jersey (EWR) - $502*, New Orleans (MSY) - $611, New York (JFK) - $288*, New York (LGA) - $511, Oklahoma City (OKC) - $628, Omaha (OMA) - $599, Philadelphia (PHL) - $643*, Phoenix (PHX) - $599, Pittsburgh (PIT) - $597, Portland (PDX) - $611, Raleigh (RDU) - $417, Richmond (RIC) - $576, Sacramento (SMF) - $599, St. Louis (STL) - $602, Salt Lake City (SLC) - $643, San Antonio (SAT) - $638, San Diego (SAN) - $599, San Francisco (SFO) - $623, San Jose (SJC) - $642, Seattle (SEA) - $603, Tampa (TPA) - $614, Washington DC (DCA) - $518, and Washington DC (IAD) - $460*. *Nonstop flights
Canadian Cities:
Calgary (YYC) - $899 CAD
Montreal (YUL) - $599* CAD
Toronto (YYZ) - $798* CAD
Vancouver (YVR) - $731 CAD *Nonstop flights
Airlines: United, Aer Lingus, American, Delta, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, Tap Air Portugal, Icelandair, PLAY, Porter, Norse Atlantic, Iberia When to Visit: There's availability from September through December. The best time to visit for great weather and fewer crowds is the shoulder season, particularly September and October. Act fast! These deals are expected to be gone in 2-3 weeks.
Ok, I've come clean with all I did in Quebec this summer, and I'm ready for my penance (with a side of poutine!).
Our summer was a crazy tour of Quebec's beauty, a love affair that spanned from the wild west of Abitibi-Témiscamingue to the rugged coastlines of Le Québec Maritime. We chased whales, lighthouses and marvelled at the dramatic cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord.
P.S. For a truly local experience in Ville-Marie, stop by the on-site bar and restaurant at Motel Louise. They offer a selection of microbrewery beers, which are perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring!
— Stay Rudderless