Chemin du Lac Ashuapmushuan — Chibougamau to Saint-Félicien Forestry Circuit

The Chemin du Lac Ashuapmushuan cuts southwest from Chibougamau through the heart of the Réserve faunique Ashuapmushuan, a 4,500 km² wilderness block that sees more logging trucks than tourists. The route follows the Ashuapmushuan River corridor, passing Lac Ashuapmushuan itself before dropping down toward Saint-Félicien on the Lac Saint-Jean shore. Key waypoints include the Pont de la Rivière Ashuapmushuan crossing midroute and a series of unmaintained spur roads pushing north toward Lac des Commissaires — these spurs are where the real technical mud and soft shoulder work begins. Spring breakup turns the main road into a quagmire and some bridge-weight restrictions close sections entirely through May.

This is a high-clearance all-terrain run, not a beginner’s road. A true 4WD with a locker, mud tires, and recovery gear is the minimum ask. Fuel in Chibougamau before you leave — there is nothing on this road. Best season is late June through September. Fishing permits for the reserve are available through SÉPAQ and are worth carrying if you plan to spend time at the lake. You’ll have the river to yourself most nights, a sky full of stars, and loons calling at midnight. That’s the payoff.