Description
This trip shares a lot in common with the 2005 James Bay Road trip. The obvious difference is the route taken to access the JBR. Instead of using the Trans-Canada to Val D'Or and Matagami, primary (paved) highways are used to reach Chibougamau and the North Road. Overall, the route is just slightly longer from NY, about the same from Boston.
The North Road is a 400km/250-mile long gravel road, similar in terrain and remoteness to the southern portion of the James Bay Road. The North Road mostly follows the Rupert River, crossing it once before joining the James Bay Road just north of the River. Nemaska/Nemiscau is the only settlement, located off a 10km spur. Flat tires are quite common in summer but not in winter when it is ploughed snow and/or grooved ice similar to JBR. For more information on the North Road, visit jamesbayroad.com.
Getting There
The North Road starts near Chibougamau (pronounced Shi-boo-ga-moo), which can be reached a variety of ways. The most familiar is likely via Montreal and the Laurentian Route of the Trans-Canada, but for the most variety over last year, the Lac-St.-Jean region via Trois-Rivieres or Laurentided Park via Quebec City is probably preferred.
Possible rendezvous locations include Drummondville or Quebec City.
Alternatives / Spurs
Chisasibi is on a 'spur' just south of the end of JBR. This offers the same opportunities as last time, such as walking on frozen James Bay, buzzing caribou, and maybe touring the dam this time. Another possibility is to visit the other large Cree community of Eastmain, further south near the junction with the North Road.
There is also a 10km spur to Namiska/Namiscau, the only settlement on the North Road, at about km 300.
Sights and Attractions
Stunted spruce, and more stunted spruce . Occasionally, burnt stunted spruce. Did I mention stunted spruce?
Some dams and rivers too. LG-2 dam in Radisson is arguably the largest manmade object. James Bay, part of the Arctic Ocean, is reachable via the spur to Chisasibi. Caribou can be buzzed via single-prop DeHavilland Otter at Radisson airport.
Unlike last time, the dams are now open (again) for touring, provided you bring photo ID.
Claims to Fame
Well, we've been there.
Estimates
This trip is virtually identical to last year's in terms of timing. Count on a 5 day trip, returning Tuesday afternoon, including a one-day stay-over in Radisson.
Links
JamesBayRoad.com
Feb 2005 JBR photos