Territory capital · Canada
Rivière-aux-Outardes
One day is enough for a drive along Route 389 to see the hydro dams, then a short hike or wildlife stop; add a night if you want fishing or snowmobile on the reservoir.
Rivière-aux-Outardes is a remote unorganized territory on Quebec's Côte‑Nord. Its main draws are the massive Hydro‑Québec dams, the Manicouagan crater scenery, and back‑country hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. With only a few services along Route 389, a single day trip from Baie‑Comeau or Fermont covers the highlights; stay overnight for guided fishing or winter snowmobile routes.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for fishing, hiking and road access; Dec–Feb for snowmobile if equipped for winter travel
- avoid Oct–Nov (early snow, road closures) and Mar–May (muddy forest roads)
- Airport
- YBC
- Nights
- 0–1 (overnight only for fishing or snowmobile trips)
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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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 Rivière-aux-Outardes911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
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 Rivière-aux-Outardes, 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
- SafetyRemote area with low crime; main risks are road conditions, wildlife encounters and limited medical services – carry a first‑aid kit and inform…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- 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.
- AirportYBC Baie-Comeau Airport.
- Getting aroundDrive Route 389; use ATV in summer or snowmobile in winter on the frozen reservoir.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Budget bedStation Uapishka cabin, a night, per roomC$120 (≈ US$90)
- Mid-range bedMotel de l'Énergie double, a night, per roomC$110 (≈ US$80)
- High-end bedMotel de l'Énergie double, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$45 (≈ US$35) · Mid C$85 (≈ US$65) · High C$150 (≈ US$110)
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
- YBC Baie-Comeau Airport
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Best
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
May
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
Best
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb. Avoid: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C) low), wettest Jun (9 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Rivière-aux-Outardes: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
5 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
5 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
6 rd
Apr
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
7 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
6 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
5 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
Drive Route 389; use ATV in summer or snowmobile in winter on the frozen reservoir. Fuel only at Relais Gabriel (km 316) and the motel; plan refills before heading north.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Baie‑Trinité
goDoor to door: ≈2 h
Drive Route 389 north 120 km (75 mi), then local road; about 2 h totalDrive Route 389 north 75 mi (120 km), then local road; about 2 h total
Coastal town with hiking and sea‑kayak options.
Chute‑aux‑Outardes
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Drive Route 389 to the turnoff near Baie‑Comeau, then local road; 1 h total
Waterfall on the Outardes River, short walk from parking.
Ragueneau
goDoor to door: ≈1 h 30 min
Drive Route 389 south to the junction with Route 138, then 30 km (19 mi); about 1 h 30 minDrive Route 389 south to the junction with Route 138, then 19 mi (30 km); about 1 h 30 min
Small coastal village, good for a quick meal and harbour view.
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.
Motel de l'Énergie
Fuel, restaurant and basic rooms at km 211, Route 389
Station Uapishka
Lodging and activity packages at km 336, Route 389
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
- CAD 45–70 (≈ US$35–55) excl. bed
- Mid
- CAD 70–120 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel de l'Énergie double1 × 1 night × C$110 | C$110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$85 | C$170 |
| Fuel (full tank for round‑trip)1 × C$120 · check price at Relais Gabriel | C$120 |
| ATV rental (summer, 4 h)2 × C$70 · check availability | C$140 |
| Snowmobile rental (winter, 4 h)2 × C$80 · check availability | C$160 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$70 |
| Trip total≈ C$385 per person per day, bed included | C$770≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in CAD; flights, car rental and park permits excluded.
Prices of common things
| Fuel (per litre) | CAD 1.45–1.65 (≈ US$2) |
| Guided dam tour (if offered) | CAD 20–35 (≈ US$15–30) |
| Fishing licence (daily) | CAD 15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Very limited services – fill up fuel early.
- Road conditions can change quickly; check Hydro‑Québec travel alerts.
- Cellular coverage is sparse; consider satellite phone or Starlink.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Rivière-aux-OutardesRivière-aux-Outardes
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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À cette adresse, s’il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US consular services are in Quebec City; Canadian citizens call 911 for emergencies.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel to Relais Gabriel (≈300 km round‑trip): about CAD 80 (≈ US$60) (check price at station)
Say or show
- Excusez‑moi — Excuse me / Sorry (exkuse mwa)
- Merci — Thank you (mehr-see)
- Combien? — How much? (kohm-byen)
- Où est la station‑essence? — Where is the gas station? (oo eh lah sta-syon es-anss)
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 Rivière-aux-Outardes. 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 fishing, hiking and road access; Dec–Feb for snowmobile if equipped for winter travel · avoid Oct–Nov (early snow, road closures) and Mar–May (muddy forest roads) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Fuel‑stop at Relais Gabriel for long drives.
- ATV rental in summer; snowmobile rental in winter (check availability).
- Guided fishing package at Motel de l'Énergie or Station Uapishka.
Sources
Ask about Rivière-aux-Outardes
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