Baie-Johan-Beetz

This small village of around 90 inhabitants is located along the shores of the St. Lawrence River, 300 km east of Sept-Îles. In the heart of the taiga, Baie-Johan-Beetz enjoys exceptional access to the land and sea. A few minutes’ walk or a few strokes of the paddle are all it takes to find yourself in the middle of nature. The discerning eye captures the beauty of the many minerals, lush flora and abundant fauna.

The Morne Blanc trail, a 3 km loop, crosses the Watshishou Migratory Bird Sanctuary. It begins in the forest and continues upwards over vast white rocks. The Spar Mica trail, 7 km round trip, leads to the sea and an old mining site. White mica, quartz and pink and white feldspar can be seen along the way. The Quetachou trail is both beautiful and different. It winds along the beautiful Quetachou River for 1 to 2 kilometers, through burnt forest and offers a unique view of the cascades and Quetachou Falls.

Formerly known as Piashtibaie, the municipality was renamed in the early 20th century in honor of Johan Beetz, a Belgian-born naturalist who settled here for several years and contributed to local development. His house, known as Le Château, was built in 1897-1900 in the Second Empire style. The twelve-room building was listed as a historic monument in 1979, and is still standing today.