Mine tours

In summer, it is possible to visit the ArcelorMittal Mines Canada mine site. The site is located 17 kilometres from Fermont, at Mont- Wright. Tours start off at the security gate located at the entrance to the site. To better prepare yourself, please note these few but important tips:

• Guided tours last 2 hours and are free;
• It is necessary to book reservations as there is a limit of 25 visitors per visit. To do so, please call 418 287-5822 (Fermont Tourist Centre);
• Children must be at least 10 years of age and accompanied by an adult;

Filming is not allowed.

Interpretation center

Located inside the windscreen, the Fermont Interpretation Center takes you deep into the history of exploration on the North Shore. The Center houses two exhibits: "Moon rock, Snow rock, Iron rock, following in the footsteps of Albert P. Low and Henri de Puyjalon", and another exhibit composed of photographs of the region taken by members of the Caniapiscau photography Club. The first exhibit features many rocks and minerals found on the North Shore and in the immediate Fermont area. Learn about the history of prospecting and mining on our territory. Whether you choose to tour on your own or accompanied by the experienced guide, there is no fee.

Fermont Interpretation Center

Telephone: 1 888 211 2222 or 418 287-5822

Hiking

The Fermont hiking trails are appreciated by all nature lovers because they make it possible to discover the ever-changing face of the taiga and tundra. The diversity of the forest, hydro and alpine environments offer a range of wildlife habitat. 298 vascular plants have been identified, some of which are particularly rare at this latitude. The presence of a wide variety of bird species is of great interest to bird watchers.

Mount Daviault Trails

The Daviault Mount has three geological hiking trails for the entire family: the Du Ruisseau trail (1 km), the Du Centenaire trail (700 meters) and the La Flore trail (1.5 km). Along these trails, interpretation texts will inform you on the area's fauna, flora and geology. When visiting Fermont, hike your way to the top and, from the belvedere, you'll have the best vantage point of Fermont for snapping the ultimate picture.

Severson Mount Trails

At an altitude reaching 2700 feet, the Severson Mounts offer visitors a magnificent view of Fermont and its surroundings. Witness for yourself the alpine tundra on the peaks and the taiga all around. A message for all postcard image lovers, it would be a shame to forget your camera.

Seven trails facilitate access to the summits. They total 30 kilometres through black spruce, lycopods and wild berries, and each trail holds many secrets for your discovering pleasure. While hiking, don't miss the rock fault, with its breathtaking shape, colour and stress lines. Inside the fault, feel the pleasant freshness of nature.

Parking is located at kilometre 561 on Road 389, between Fermont and Mont Wright. You may also reach the Severson Mount trails from the town of Fermont.

Little Falls Trail

The trail leads you to discover an example of the majestic waters of North America. The kilometre-long trail follows the river bank, letting you see the falls from different angles: from higher up, or with an overview of the water cascading down on the rocks. The morphology of the terrain along the Falls Trail on the way to Carheil Lake offers a colourful panorama. The water falling into the basin sounds like thunder rocking the sky.

The Groulx Mounts

The internationally renowned Groulx Mounts are accessible by Road 389. This massif is a sought-after place by hiking aficionados. Two trails allow access to the summits, the first, by the Beaupin River at kilometre 365 and another starting at camp Nomad at kilometre 335.

Hiking in the Groulx Mounts requires preparation. You can reach Jauffret Mount in a matter of hours, or take all day. You can also hike straight through the massif, taking a few challenging days. As a safety measure, always plan and carry all the necessary equipment at all times. All your efforts will be well rewarded. A breathtaking view of the Manicouagan reservoir awaits at the top.

You may also travel there during winter. Again, thorough preparation is necessary. Accessible on skis or snowshoes, the Groulx Mounts are a huge playground for those who like a good physical challenge. The valleys are sculpted by glacial rivers and are fantastic areas to ski. The natural wilderness of the Groulx Mounts is unique.

Nautical activities

Nautical Chalet

The Fermont nautical chalet is a wonderful place to practice various water sports or just spend time on the beach. Canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, wind surfers and sailboats are for rent. The center offers classes for each apparatus. Your children can have fun on paddle boats in a safe and supervised environment while you learn to sail a Laser. Qualified life guards are present to ensure proper supervision.

How about a game of beach volleyball or Frisbee? Along with a superb terrace, the nautical chalet installations also include a volleyball court and a wading area. Sunday afternoon is your chance to participate in different activities such as the traditional cardboard boat race or the swimming race across Daviault Lake.

Daviault Lake race

Take a 580-metre crossing (23.2 pool lengths), a water temperature of 18°C, and add the northern winds, and you've got all the necessary ingredients for a great challenge: the Daviault Lake race. Every year, about 15 swimmers meet to take part in this amicable race. Whether they participate for pleasure, for a personal challenge or as training, everyone has fun at this event. Fermont is located north of the 52nd parallel and the lake crossing takes place in early August. Sometimes Mother Nature doesn't agree with the organizers and plays with the swimmers. 2004 marks the 10th anniversary of the event. The time to beat is the 2003 record of 11m 29s 89, held by Mr Hubert Pelletier of Fermont.

For more information, contact the Service des loisirs de Fermont at 418 287-5471.

Cardboard boats

Teams of friends and family members design and build cardboard boats. Built from recycled cardboard, the boats must be made strong. Each team has tape, a knife and paraffin at its disposal. After a few hours of hard work, the boats must pass the ultimate test: floating and control. One at a time, designated members of each team take place in their boat and must advance to the marker without sinking and return to the beach.

For more details, contact the Service des loisirs de Fermont at 418 287-5471.

Canoeing

Surrounded by lakes and rivers, Fermont is a great destination for canoe lovers. The majestic Moisie River starts off in our area. The Carheil Lake and River, 10 km from Fermont, and the Aux Pékans River 25 km from our town are excellent places to hit the waters. The rivers meet and fall into the Moisie River. This river is considered one of the most beautiful rivers of all Quebec. Please note that an expedition of this nature requires much preparation and experience.

Fishing

On your own

Come tease the fish in one of the area's many lakes. Pike, a couple species of trout and, in season, even the majestic ouananich abound in our waters. From the bank or from your boat, fly fishing or rod, using worms or lures, every fisherman can find a spot to enjoy his sport.

Lac Justone outfitter

For those who prefer an outfitter setting with competent welcoming guides to accompany them, the Lac Justone outfitter invites you to rediscover the sport with them. In perfect harmony with nature, the outfitting installations will take you to the heart of the Quebec taiga.

For more information, contact them at 418 287-3300 or lacjustone@tlb.sympatico.ca.

Many outfitters offer fishing opportunities in the Schefferville area. The list of operators is available at the Schefferville outfitters Association: alainbeique@hotmail.com.

Mineralogy

Calling all amateur and professional mineralogists! In Fermont, you'll find yourself at the heart of the geological formation known as the Labrador pit. Visit different sites and impress your collector buddies with your findings. You may find hematite, magnetite, limonite, goethite, pyrite, garnierite, graphite, garnet, silica, tremolite, tourmaline and many more. Walk the area and who knows, you may discover something that will make you very happy.

Bird watching

Bird watching is a fascinating hobby for everyone. Make a full excursion or stay put at a feeding spot -- there are always birds to be seen around Fermont.

During their migration, geese and ducks are often seen in the swampy areas around the Mont Wright waste park and along the river between the Carheil and Daviault lakes. Witness the elegant males courting one or more females each spring. The courting is the reason behind their beautiful colourful feathers at that time of year.

We must mention the yearly winter invasion of the ptarmigan. A strange fact we cannot explain, it seems that 90% of the individuals seen here are female. The reasons for their coming here are a mystery to us and their numbers vary greatly from one year to the next. Willow Ptarmigan is attracted by bushy areas where you'll find them in the late afternoon eating impressive quantities of buds. To observe the Rock Ptarmigan, encountered less frequently, explore mountain tops that are stripped and wind-beaten. These birds manage to extricate small fruit covered in snow but that never accumulate in large quantity.

In conclusion, whether you are a neophyte or veteran, there's surely a sighting to excite you. The beginner will enjoy identifying a new species and adding it to his note book. The seasoned watcher will deepen his knowledge on the behaviour of a specific species, or the variations in its plumage according to age or season. Bird watching is for everyone, at all seasons.
Happy watching!

Berry picking

Are sweets your weakness? Come to our area and sample our 13 types of wild fruit: blueberries, partridge berries, cloudberries, small pears, little tea, black berries, juniper, cornouillers du Canada, raspberries and more. Visit Fermont in August and taste the taïga. A cook book "Les recettes du terroir fermontois" is available at the Tourism Office of Fermont.

Hunting

In need of fresh air? How about hunting caribou in northern Quebec as a new experience. Take a trip, in caribou kingdom, where winter has taken over the scenery and immense lakes.

Fermont area

In Fermont, one outfitter offers its services: the Lac Justone outfitter 418 287-3300 or lacjustone@tlb.sympatico.ca.

Schefferville area

The Schefferville area is home to many outfitters offering hunting and fishing packages. You can obtain a list of service providers at the Schefferville outfitters Association at alainbeique@hotmail.com.

Snowmobile

Lovers of snowmobiling must discover the Caniapiscau area. Offering over 6 months of ideal conditions, the Fermont trails are the envy of snowmobile enthusiasts. Major national builders of such engines come test new prototypes here. In the heart of the taiga, discover the immensity of the territory and the splendours of the breathtaking landscape.

The Fermont area offers close to 300 kilometres of secure snowmobile trails, maintained and marked by the Lagopèdes snowmobile Club. A team of volunteers supervise the trails to ensure your safety. Two surface cleaners are in operation all season to assure you the best quality trails in Quebec. A visit to the club will most likely lead you meet passionate and sympathetic locals who will gladly help you discover this beautiful area.

Trail map available at the Association touristique de Fermont.

Port-Cartier / Fermont trail

If traveling through Quebec on a snowmobile is your thing, discover one of Quebec's finest routes. Travel the North Shore from south to north using the Port-Cartier/Fermont trail. This expedition of nearly 500 km crosses the Port-Cartier/Sept-Iles wildlife reserve, the Groulx Mounts canyon, and small Manicouagan Lake to reach the Fermont area. This trip is to be considered an expedition, since the trail is marked but not maintained. Be sure to be well prepared before embarking on such an adventure.

To set up your GPS, visit www.box.net/shared/xry7i2guno.

Snowshoeing and Cross-country skiing

In winter, discover the Great North in an impressive decor. The forest is open, the territory is within your reach. Hike in trails or off track. The Daviault and Severson mounts are huge playgrounds, whether you are on snowshoes or skis.

Ice fishing

Don't think that just because there is 6 feet of ice on our lakes, ice fishing is impossible here. On the contrary, the Fermont area is an extraordinary place for the sport. March is without a doubt the best time for this activity. Good-size trout and pike are there for the catching. With our 6 to 8 months of iced lakes, don't miss trying this out.