Major city · Canada
Val-d'Or
Give Val-d'Or 1–2 nights: one for Cité de l'Or and the Bourlamaque mining village, a second only if you add La Vérendrye or a Foreurs game.
Val-d'Or is a 32,000-person gold-rush town on Route 117 in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, about 1.5 h by bus from Rouyn-Noranda and 6.5–7.25 h from Montréal. The reason to stop is industrial history: the decommissioned Lamaque mine and the Bourlamaque village, both a national historic site. Everything else — the wildlife reserve, the gardens, the hockey — is a half-day add-on. Two nights covers it without rushing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the mine tour and gardens; Feb–Mar for snowmobile trails
- avoid Nov–Apr unless you want deep cold: January averages −17 °C (1 °F) and snow cover runs November to Aprilavoid Nov–Apr unless you want deep cold: January averages 1 °F (−17 °C) and snow cover runs November to April
- Airport
- YVO
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Val-d'Or911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Taxi 24+1 819-874-2424
- Taxibus Val-d'Or+1 819-824-7777
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Val-d'Or, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVal-d'Or is a small regional city and street crime is low.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 819-874-2424 Taxi 24 · +1 819-824-7777 Taxibus Val-d'Or
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYVO Aéroport régional de Val-d'Or (Small regional strip; Air Creebec and Pascan Aviation, including flights from Montréal of about 1 h 15 min).
- Getting aroundThe city is spread out and buses are thin: plan on a car, or use Taxi 24 and Taxibus Val-d'Or for short hops.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealBreakfast and brunch plateC$13–16 (≈ US$10–12)
- BeerCraft beer at the microbrewerycheckC$8–10 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryC$9 (≈ US$7) adult, C$23 (≈ US$17) family
- Budget bedHostel or motel bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomC$250 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YVO Aéroport régional de Val-d'Or (Small regional strip; Air Creebec and Pascan Aviation, including flights from Montréal of about 1 h 15 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
Feb
Care
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Mar
Care
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Apr
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Nov
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Dec
Avoid
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−23°C (−9°F)−9°F (−23°C) low), wettest Dec (17 rain days), driest Apr (11). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Val-d'Or: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
−23°C (−9°F)−9°F (−23°C)
16 rd
Feb
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−21°C (−6°F)−6°F (−21°C)
13 rd
Mar
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
12 rd
Apr
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
11 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
14 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
14 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Oct
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
15 rd
Nov
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
16 rd
Dec
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The city is spread out and buses are thin: plan on a car, or use Taxi 24 and Taxibus Val-d'Or for short hops. Cité de l'Or and Bourlamaque are a few minutes east of downtown by car; the gardens at Lake Blouin are about 5 km out. Route 117 is the main spine and Route 113 comes in from Senneterre and Chibougamau.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Malartic (Mineralogical Museum and Canadian Malartic mine)
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Drive Route 117 west about 25 km (16 mi) to 650 rue de la PaixDrive Route 117 west about 16 mi (25 km) to 650 rue de la Paix
Museum daily 09:00–17:00 in Jun–Aug; the open-pit mine tour runs one departure per day, June to early September, and includes the museum.Museum daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM in Jun–Aug; the open-pit mine tour runs one departure per day, June to early September, and includes the museum.
Réserve faunique La Vérendrye
overnightDoor to door: 1–2 h to the useful parts
Drive Route 117 south toward Grand-Remous; most services at Le Domaine
One of Québec's largest contiguous reserves: canoeing, fishing, hiking, snowmobile trails. Too big for a return day from town.
Rouyn-Noranda
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Autobus Maheux from Val-d'Or, about 1.5 h; or drive Route 117
The region's other base; pair the two towns on one loop.
Senneterre
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Route 113 northeast, or Autobus Maheux on its two-days-a-week run, about 1 h
Bus runs only two days a week: check the timetable before you build a day around it.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
3e Avenue (downtown)
Restaurants, the microbrewery and the Continental are all on this strip; walkable, and the mine site is a short drive east.
Route 117 east / Chemin Sullivan
Motels with parking and kitchenettes; only worth it if you arrive by car and leave early.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 2 nights × C$160 | C$320 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$160 | C$640 |
| Cité de l'Or underground mine tour2 × C$30 · check | C$60 |
| Mineralogical Museum entry2 × C$9 | C$18 |
| Canadian Malartic mine tour (includes museum)2 × C$18 | C$36 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$112 |
| Trip total≈ C$309 per person per day, bed included | C$1,236≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; long-distance bus and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Breakfast and brunch plate | C$13–16 (≈ US$10–12) |
| Thai or pub main | C$14–29 (≈ US$11–25) |
| Craft beer at the microbrewerycheck | C$8–10 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Foreurs hockey ticket | C$17.50 (≈ US$13) adult / C$11.50 (≈ US$9) student / C$5.75 (≈ US$5) child |
| Museum entry | C$9 (≈ US$7) adult, C$23 (≈ US$17) family |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter is the real hazard: January mean −17 °C (1 °F), about 18 days below −30 °C (−22 °F), and wind chill can push past −40 °C (−40 °F). Rent a car with a block heater and keep a blanket.Winter is the real hazard: January mean 1 °F (−17 °C), about 18 days below −22 °F (−30 °C), and wind chill can push past −40 °F (−40 °C). Rent a car with a block heater and keep a blanket.
- Mine and museum tours run on set departures and can sell out in summer: reserve ahead, and 24 h ahead for winter weekends at the Malartic museum.
- Distances between towns here are long and cell coverage thins on Route 117: fill the tank before leaving.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Taxi 24
- +1 819-874-2424
- Taxibus Val-d'Or
- +1 819-824-7777
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Val-d'OrVal-d'Or
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Taxi 24+1 819-874-2424
- Taxibus Val-d'Or+1 819-824-7777
Embassy
No embassies here; the US consulate general is in Montréal, and most countries keep embassies in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Autobus Maheux Val-d'Or → Rouyn-Noranda: about 1.5 h (check the fare)
- Autobus Maheux Montréal → Val-d'Or: 6.5–7.25 h, daily (check the fare)
- Taxi across town: metered; ask the driver for an estimate (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Je voudrais un billet — I would like a ticket (zhuh voo-DREH un bee-YEH)
- Où est la visite de la mine ? — Where is the mine tour? (oo eh la vee-ZEET duh la MEEN)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
French is the everyday language; a bonjour before a question goes a long way.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Val-d'Or. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for the mine tour and gardens; Feb–Mar for snowmobile trails · avoid Nov–Apr unless you want deep cold: January averages −17 °C and snow cover runs November to April · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YVO: Air Creebec and Pascan arrivals, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster on 3e Avenue with rescue anchors: breakfast, microbrewery, hotel.
- Place pages with verified tour cutoffs (Cité de l'Or, Mineralogical Museum, Canadian Malartic) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVille de Val-d'Or
- officialVal-d'Or tourism
- officialCité de l'Or
- officialAéroport régional de Val-d'Or
- officialAutobus Maheux
- officialSépaq — Réserve faunique La Vérendrye
- secondaryWikivoyage: Val-d'Or, revision 5328952 (CC BY-SA 4.0)