Tourism in Waskaganish
Waskaganish (Cree for Little House) is a Cree Communities of well over 2,000 people which is beautifully located at the mouth of the Rupert River, on the south side of James Bay, in the Eeyou Istchee territory In Northern Quebec, Canada. Formerly call Fort Rupert, location is one three original Hudson’s bay Company posts on James Bay, the other two being Fort Albany on the west shore, Moose Factory on the south.
Waskaganish is a wonderful place to relax while taking in the natural beauty of our vast territory of the Rupert River and bay, it’s the first community accessible via the Billy-Diamond Highway. From Waskaganish, you can travel further north to other Cree communities of Eastmain, Wemindji and Chisasibi, and visit La Grande Hydroelectric Complex or explore the surrounding wildness in any season. However, of course, after spending a night or two in our exceptional comfortable lodge and sampling of some local cuisine in the region’s best Cree chefs.
Discover Unique Experiences
Discover our unique experiences with artists and artisans of the Cree Nation of Waskaganish and see the land through the eyes of the Crees and discover and share the native culture and traditions, admire the boreal territory and its natural surroundings. You might even get the chance to tour by boat the Rupert bay with a certified boat operator.
We see tourism as an opportunity to proactively protect and further develop our rich cultural heritage and awareness. We want to promote sustainable methods of tourism by supporting the involvement and participation of local residents. We encourage the participation of our visitors so that your journey is one of personal discovery.
Experience the Cree Way of Life
Our experienced hunters and trappers can help you find the best spots for whatever activity you have planned from canoeing to wilderness camping or fishing guide. We can guide you in our beautiful rivers, lakes and nature based activities and for exceptional back country or help you to navigate the many snowmobile trails that wind through our vast territory.
We hope you’ll accept our invitation to joins us in Waskaganish for a few days or longer. Share in our rich natural and cultural heritage. Whatever your interest or skills, we will make sure you have a great experience here in the heart of Eeyou Istchee.
Activities in Waskaganish
Come and discover our unique one of kind of experiences in the Cree Nation of Waskaganish and see the land through the eyes of the Cree; share the native culture, our traditions and vast experience and knowledge of the territory and its natural surroundings. We see tourism as an opportunity to proactively protect and further develop our rich culture heritage and awareness. We want to promote sustainable methods by supporting the involvement and participation of local residents; we encourage the participant of our visitors so that your journey is one of personal discovery.
Many residents of the Cree community of Waskaganish are expert trappers and tallymen, born and raised in the bush. Their extensive knowledge and collective experience of the natural surroundings is passed down by generations of the Cree. Today, the land speak through them. They are excellent communication and storytellers, and have for many years, led groups’ expeditions from France, Germany and the United States. The Waskaganish community will ensure that the travel experience is educational and meaningful for both the host and visitor.
Two important traditional activities are part of the life in Waskaganish, the goose hunt in the spring and the moose hunt in the fall. These unique experiences provide a window into the ancestral traditional Cree life.
Summer/ Fall Season: June to November - Moose Break
In the summer, the community host all sorts of summer activities, and the annual Aboriginal Day on June 21 of every year, the Cultural Department host this important day to celebrate with all sorts of traditional activities for all ages. From one of our old practices, such as the Walking Out Ceremony, to games and the enjoyment of a community feast with old acquaintances and to making new friends. And in the fall, we have our annual scooping of white fish at Smokey Hill traditional site. And in November, families set off for their traditional trap line for the annual moose hunt.
The following are some high light events to see or offer.
- Sight Seeing tours (natural environment)
- Historical Portage trails explorations
- Visit historical and traditional sites (Smokey Hill)
- Experience traditional & cultural lifestyles of residents
- Taste small portions of traditional foods prepared by the Cree host in a traditional teepee
- Camp stories to Arts and Crafts demonstrations around a warm evening with storytelling or our rich history and Cree legends
- Sleep under the stars in traditional teepee, and if you’re lucky you could see the wonderful night with glimpse of the Northern Lights
Winter Season: January - May - The Goose Break
At this time of the year, we have various winter activities. Every year, we have local youth participating in winter journeys out on the land and it’s something you could see and enjoy with family and friends. We are capable of hosting your needs in these winter walks among our local guides, upon your requests. There are many other events planned, and it’s just a matter of letting us know ahead of time. In mid-April, community residents are gearing up and getting ready for the spring goose hunt. Many live out on the land and hunt until Mid-May or until June.
Upon the client’s needs and requests, and depending on what your adventure is, please don’t hesitate to give us a call in order to ensure your requests and plans are met by our local guides. Thank you and we hope to see you and let us cater you to your plans.
For more information, please contact Culture & Tourism at (819) 895-2250.
Travelling to Waskaganish
Air Creebec Flights
There are flights to Waskaganish via Aircreebec on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Montreal and Val-d'Or, and flights continue north before heading south.
The flights come with inflight meals and snacks are served while on route. Bring along a camera to take pictures of the Cree territory from up above.
Waskaganish is accessible by road as well. The access road is 80 km of gravel road and 22 km of pavement as you near the community. There are two possible routes to take by road. For your awareness, these routes are quite isolated.
Billy Diamond Highway
Formally the James Bay Highway (the northern most paved highway in Eastern Canada) starts at Matagami and goes all the way to Radisson. This route is the most common route for travelers passing through Val-d'Or or Amos. Further north, there is a rest stop with a gas station, a restaurant and accommodations at km 381.
Route du Nord
The Route du Nord (North Road) is an isolated gravel road that connects Chibougamau with the Billy-Diamond Highway (French: Route Billy-Diamond) at km 275. It is 407 kilometers (253 mi) long, all of it unpaved. While a detour, on the way to Waskaganish, one can visit the Cree community of Nemaska, located on the Champion Lake.