Walking, a daily way of life

Fragrant flowers, calming summer evenings, panoramic hills… Julie Régimbalde, our Director of Finance and Administration, shares her love of walking and her favourite trails in Rouyn-Noranda. For her, and you’ll feel it, walking is more than just an activity: it’s a true art of living. Above all, it’s a way to stay deeply connected to her Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

What if walking was more than just a way to get around? For me, every step is a chance to slow down, to recentre myself, and to savour the beauty all around me. Walking has become a true art of living in my daily life, and I’m excited to share with you my favourite walking trails in Rouyn-Noranda!

A daily ritual that grounds me

Walking is part of my life. Beyond the simple exercise: it’s a moment for me, a kind of moving yoga. At the end of my work day, I particularly love walking home, whether in the winter or in the summer. That little daily route has become a recentering ritual. After the intensity of work, putting my shoes on and walking allow me to breathe, to let go, to recharge my batteries. Once I arrive home, I feel ready to tackle the "night shift": making dinner, doing the dishes and taking care of the small house chores.

Summer treats in the city

In the summer, after dinner, I often return walking, simply for the pleasure of it. There is something profoundly soothing in evening walks. One of my favorite destination is undoubtedly the Parc botanique À Fleur d’eau, at the heart of Rouyn-Noranda. I love this place. A wide variety of flowers grow there so it’s beautiful and it smells absolutely amazing. The ambiance is peaceful, soft, even calming.

We encounter all kinds of people who, like me, come to enjoy this little corner of paradise. In brief, we feel enveloped by the beauty of the summer, all while staying two steps away from downtown. 

Nature walks: a breath of fresh air

On the weekends, I switch the urban trails for those in the middle of nature. As soon as the snow melts, the trails of our beautiful area call me. I gladly reconnect with those at Lake Kiwanis, at Lac Rouyn, at Opasatica trails in Montbeillard and, of course, at the Collines Kékéko. These locations offer moments of tranquility, fresh air and evasion. Walking through these settings, it’s tasting simplicity, connecting to what matters the most and, casually, taking care of my physical health.

Must-see walking trails in Rouyn-Noranda

If, like me, you like to walk, here are a few locations to discover around Rouyn-Noranda:

• Collines Kékéko trails: 15 trails for a total of 42 km, less than 12km away from the city, offering beautiful panoramas, rock walls and waterfalls.
• The Osisko multi-use trail: a 7.8 km loop around the lake, in the heart of downtown, perfect for observing flora and fauna, including red-necked grebes and ducks.
• The walking trail of the Kiwanis recreational area: a 1.5 km course trail along the lake, ideal for a brisk walk or an energizing break.
• Lake Rouyn trails: 32 km of easy to moderate trails network, including the path "des Bonhommes" (2km) or the loop towards the waterfall (4.9 km).

Walking to find myself again

For me, walking is way more than a hobby. It’s a way to live, to ground myself and, ultimately, to find myself again. Every step becomes a moment of calm, of strength and of gratitude.

And walking, in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, it’s even more than that: it’s immersing ourselves in the richness of a region where nature is everywhere, generous, accessible. Whether it’s at the heart of Rouyn-Noranda or in the detour of a path in the woods somewhere else on the territory, every walk reminds me of the beauty and the authenticity of this corner of our country I am lucky enough to call home.

Psssst: Thanks to this little quiz, you will discover the Adventure in Nature circuit perfect for you. So, paper, pencil (or just your fingers) and off we go!