Explore Route 389
An Unforgettable Adventure to Fermont
Dive into the heart of a breathtaking adventure along the majestic Route 389, a legendary path leading you to the enigmatic city of Fermont. Prepare to be captivated by magnificent landscapes, wild nature, and a unique culture that will sweep you away on a memorable journey.
To discover Route 389, you must first make your way to Baie-Comeau via Route 138. On your way there, take the opportunity to explore the magnificent attractions of the Whale Route!
Need inspiration? Check out the Whale Route itinerary!
We strongly advise you to spend the night in Baie-Comeau before embarking on your journey along Route 389!
Baie-Comeau -------- Station Uapishka (336 km)
After a good night's rest in Baie-Comeau, you are now ready to embark on the mythical Route 389! It will take you through breathtaking panoramas, where majestic mountains proudly stand against the sky and shimmering lakes reflect the pure beauty of nature. Immerse yourself in the vastness of the boreal forests and be amazed by the wildlife and flora that inhabit this wild region.
You will have over 300 km to cover before your next destination: La Station Uapishka.
Before you depart, make sure to refuel and stop to grab lunch and snacks for the day.
Centrale Jean-Lesage (Manic-2)
Near Baie-Comeau, an impressive hydroelectric complex awaits you! You will have the opportunity to explore the facilities of its dam and discover the key elements of one of the world's largest gravity dams. During the tour of the power station, you can observe the rotor, a 400-ton structure, rotating above you, and feel the energy emitted by the 8 turbine-generator units in full operation. At the Georges-Dor Pavilion, an exhibition will introduce you to the technology that revolutionized electricity transmission worldwide, including 735-kilovolt transmission lines.
The average duration of the tour is 90 minutes. Reservation required.
Centrale Manic-5, barrage Daniel-Johnson
Located 2 hours and 30 minutes from Baie-Comeau, you will discover a monument that embodies our pride: the Daniel-Johnson Dam. You will be dazzled by the sight of this world's largest multiple-arch buttress dam. With its unique architecture, it bears witness to Quebec's engineering prowess. Whether you're at the foot, on the crest, or inside, you'll experience sensational moments. Be sure not to miss the "Manic-5: A Spellbinding History" exhibition to relive the 1960s of this construction site. Nostalgia guaranteed!
The average duration of the visit is 2 hours. Reservation required!
Arrival at Uapishka Station!
Located at the foot of the Uapishka (Groulx) Mountains and on the shores of the Manicouagan Crater Lake, Uapishka Station leverages its exceptional surrounding features to offer accommodation, dining, and outdoor activities services, as well as logistical support for scientific activities. Thanks to its location north of the 51st parallel, Uapishka Station is the ideal place to experience the true Nordic atmosphere while immersing oneself in the richness of Indigenous heritage.
If your schedule allows, take the opportunity to stay for two (2) nights at this unique location. Various types of accommodations are available, along with dining services, and a range of activities including hiking, kayaking excursions on the Eye of Quebec, fishing, stargazing, and more.
Reservation required!
Station Uapishka
You have finally arrived at this unique location: Uapishka Station! Whether you're traveling by car, RV, or motorcycle, you'll find on-site accommodation that meets your expectations. Let yourself be charmed by the place!
Several activities are available to you, according to your preferences:
Kayaking Excursion (Self-Guided)
While exploring by kayak, you'll discover the grandeur of the landscape where each paddle stroke offers you a new perspective. Beneath you lies one of the largest visible meteorite impact craters on Earth, now transformed into a vast reservoir following the construction of the Daniel-Johnson Dam, known today as the Eye of Quebec. Looking up, you'll see the impressive massif of the Uapishka (Groulx) Mountains, among the largest and highest in Quebec. Whether you're traveling in a group, as a couple, solo, or with family, let yourself be captivated by the vastness of the Manicouagan backcountry.
Ascent of Mount Harfang (Self-Guided)
Offering splendid views of the eastern part of the Manicouagan Crater Lake and René-Levasseur Island, Mount Harfang provides the easiest access within the Uapishka (Groulx) Mountains. Along the trail, you'll traverse various ecosystems, from boreal forest to alpine arctic tundra at the summit. Two options are available: follow the loop or choose the round-trip route. (Approximately 5 hours, 10.5 km loop)
Fishing on Manicouagan Crater Lake (Self-Guided)
By avoiding the tourist crowds of large outfitters, you can be sure not to return empty-handed after your fishing trip at Uapishka Station! The waters abound in this pristine, wild, and tranquil setting. Among the species you can fish in the area are lake trout, ouananiche, pike, cisco, and brook trout. Here, it's nature that dictates its law!
Please note that Uapishka Station is not an outfitter and does not offer any fishing-related services. However, you can fish independently while enjoying a stay in our facilities.
Stargazing (Self-Guided)
Let yourself be captivated by the vast expanse of the starry sky. In this location, no light interferes with the brilliance of the stars. The Milky Way stands out easily, and constellations, big or small, come to life in the sky. All you need to do is look up! With a bit of luck, you might even be enchanted by the celestial spectacle of the Northern Lights.
Station Uapishka --------- Fermont (232 km)
After a memorable short stay at the Station, head towards Fermont! Located in northern Quebec, Fermont is much more than just a mining town. It's a true gem for travelers in search of authentic discoveries.
Take the wheel and drive just over 230 km to reach the final stop of this itinerary!
Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Fermont offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Whether it's hiking, wildlife watching, or simply rejuvenating amidst pristine nature, you'll be delighted by the diversity of possibilities. Here are some activity suggestions:
Discover Fermont with Aventure 52nd Parallel!
Following the original concept of "Rent your Fermont resident," Aventure 52nd Parallel is a local company that offers guided tours in Fermont. Passionate citizens of the outdoors, adventures, and encounters will show you the mining town in a different light. Several guided activities are offered: hiking trails, city tours of Fermont and Labrador City, and tailor-made packages.
Visit an open-pit mine!
If you're interested in the mining history of Quebec, a visit is a must! Located about twenty kilometers from Fermont, the ArcelorMittal Mining Canada s.e.n.c. mining complex employs approximately 1,500 people. It features an open-pit mine as well as a concentration plant. These facilities are complemented by an impressive fleet of mining equipment, including the largest production trucks in eastern Canada and the largest cable shovels in the world.
Reservation required!
CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed your journey on Route 389. If you have some time left and wish to continue your adventure... Start the Expedition 51 circuit now!
Expedition 51 is a circuit in the shape of an arc that allows you to discover two vast territories: the North Shore and Labrador. This circuit is intended for lovers of vast wilderness areas and long road trips! From Fermont, cross Labrador from west to east via routes 500 and 510, then descend to the Lower North Shore until Blanc-Sablon. From this village, an irresistible short round trip along the Gulf of Saint Lawrence awaits you: a 150 km ride on the Chicoutai Scenic Route, all the way to Vieux-Fort.