No place better exemplifies remote backcountry than the Trans Taiga Road. Built to access a series of hydroelectric dams in Quebec’s north country, it sees very few motorists and almost no tourists. The Trans Taiga is the northernmost road in eastern North America, crossing some of the continent’s most isolated stretches of landscape. A trip along this road is a test of both your physical abilities as a rider and your mental strength in the face of extreme isolation.
Planning Your Ride on the Trans Taiga Road The Trans Taiga veers off from the James Bay Road at mile marker 338, and rumbles through the wilderness for 463 miles. Many call it “a long ride into the middle of nowhere,” as the road abruptly dead ends at the final dam, meaning you have to backtrack through the same remote terrain.
The only other vehicles you’re likely to see are those supplying the hydroelectric plants, and these drivers aren’t used to tourists (or to many other vehicles at all). They take their corners wide, go too fast to make quick corrections on the loose gravel, and spew rocks that could easily knock an unprotected person unconscious. Keep your distance when possible, and pull to the side of the road if a vehicle is approaching you.
Fuel It’s 463 miles from the turnoff on the James Bay Road to the end of the Trans Taiga Road – but you’ll need to backtrack that same distance afterwards. The last major town is Raddison , one hundred miles from the beginning of the Trans Taiga. That means there’s over a thousand miles of gravel road between your stops in civilization. There are three places along the route where you may be able to attain fuel. The first is Nouchimi Outfitters (277 miles from Raddison), which isn’t always open. The second is Mirage Outfitters (268 miles from Raddison), which is more reliable. The final possibility is at the terminus of the Trans Taiga, which is the least reliable the three. In any case, carry plenty of fuel for the whole trip, or risk being stranded.
Accommodations and Food The simple answer is that there are no accommodations or food along this route. Only Raddison, which isn’t even technically on the route, will have any amenities. Expect high prices there, too, as it’s incredibly remote and doesn’t see a whole lot of tourists; this road was built to service the hydroelectric plants and little else. Come prepared to be fully self-sufficient: food, shelter, fire-making materials, and a water purification system.
The best places to camp are at mile markers 35, 37, 39, and 126, as these locations have an outhouse, picnic tables, and some rudimentary shelters. Beyond those locations, pitch your tent far enough from the road that you don’t get sprayed with the gravel from passing trucks.
Sights The purpose of this ride is to see an environment without people or too many manmade structures. For most of it, you’ll be treated to expansive views of low hills carpeted in spruce trees. There aren’t too many landmarks to delineate this lengthy road, though, with the most prominent ones being Robert-Bourassa Reservoir at mile 39 and Caniapiscau Reservoir at mile 362.
Trans Taiga Road – Photo Credit: Rudy_P / CC BY Réservoir Robert-Bourassa – Photo Credit: FargomeD / CC BY Brisay Generating Station – Photo Credit: Alex Drainville / CC BY Featured Image is of the Trans Taiga Highway – Photo Credit: Axel Drainville / CC BY
