Baie-Comeau

Baie-Comeau is in the centre of the Manicouagan region, a vast region of dense forest, powerful rivers and sweeping coastline stretching along the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural and religious heritage, it is sure to charm you, while the warm welcome of its people will contribute to a memorable experience.

With its exceptional natural surroundings, the great outdoors is an important part of life in Baie-Comeau. The city boasts many sports, recreation, nature and cultural facilities, and offers a wide range of activities that will leave you wanting more.

For more information about Baie-Comeau, visit the Baie-Comeau Tourism website.

Famous hydroelectric dams

The life of Baie-Comeau is centred on its large industries: pulp and paper, aluminum and hydroelectricity. One of the region's most iconic natural resources, the powerful Manicouagan River, is the site of two masterpieces of Québec engineering, the Manic-2 and Manic-5 hydroelectric power stations. These stations are a driving force for the Québec economy and a source of national pride and international renown for the province.

Situated 22 km from Baie-Comeau on Route 389, Manic-2 or Jean-Lesage Dam is one of the world’s largest hollow-joint gravity dams and is linked to the first generating station to be put into service in Québec. Hydro-Québec used the power from Manic-2 to operate the world's first 735 kV line in 1965; the plant is powerful enough to supply electricity to a city of 250,000 people. You will learn how electricity is produced and see one of the enormous turbines in action. The tour lasts 90 minutes.

Québec's most famous dam, the Manic-5 or Daniel-Johnson Dam, is 214 km north of Baie-Comeau along Route 389. At 214 m tall and 1.3 km long, it is the highest multiple-arch-and-buttress dam in the world. The Manicouagan reservoir created by the dam covers 2,000 km2, more than twice the area of Lac Saint-Jean. The site welcomes more than 10,000 visitors every year. A guided tour of the dam will take you inside the central arch, up to the top of the dam, and into the underground generating station. The tour lasts about 105 minutes.

Jardin des Glaciers

Jardin des Glaciers (Garden of Glaciers) is an integrated interpretation, exploration and education site whose values are based on scientific content in an unusual and exceptional environment. Learn about the last ice age, climate change and the migration of the first inhabitants of the region through three distinct experiences:

* Nature experience: Discover the impact of the ice age on the landscape in the Maritime Adventure Park.

* Virtual experience: The Glacier Exploration Station offers a virtual immersion in the glacier experience: it’s like stepping onto the 4 km-thick Laurentian ice sheet!

* Multimedia experience: Expand your newly acquired knowledge through a series of interactive activities. The Cyber Center and Research Room contain a vast amount of information about glaciers, climate change and the migration of the early inhabitants.

Hunting and fishing

The Baie-Comeau region abounds with lakes and rivers. Brook trout are particularly plentiful, while lake trout, Atlantic salmon and northern pike can also be found. The region also offers a variety of hunting opportunities: moose, black bear, snowshoe hare and ruffed grouse are some of the most popular game among hunters.

The churches of Baie-Comeau

Tucked away on Avenue Carleton across from Parc des Pionniers, St. Andrew's and St. George's Anglican Church was the first church in the Baie-Comeau area. Built in 1937in the Tudor style, it features magnificent massive oak woodwork and exceptional stained-glass windows. The Nativity window, designed by Clara Fargo Thomas, depicts local forest animals and is described as a “true Quebec religious heritage treasure”. Open from June 28 to August 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Church of Sainte-Amélie is located in the heart of the heritage district of Baie-Comeau. Inspired by the style of the architect Dom Bellot, the building is covered with the pink granite of Québec's North Shore. The interior of the church is decorated with magnificent frescoes by Italian artist Guido Nincheri and thirty stained glass windows representing characters from the Bible. The church is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. all year round.