James Bay Road website

Motorcycle or Bicycle Travel
in the James Bay Region

 

Please read the following pages before attempting this trip!

 
The James Bay Road is paved for its entire length. However, the road surface can be rather bumpy in sections, so be watchful of this. The main challenge for traveling this road is its remoteness. There is only one place to get gas, at km 381. If you have mechanical problems you are a long way from help. Traffic can be sparse at times, which is of course good for riding!

The North Road is gravel for its entire length. There are many extensive sections of loose gravel. It is a remote road, with little traffic. Should you have a mechanical breakdown, you will have a real problem. Gas is available only in Nemascau (10 km off the road at km 296).

The Trans-Taiga Road is unpaved for its entire length. There may be extensive sections of loose gravel. Traffic along this road is very sparse (better for riding), and it is extremely remote. Please don't underestimate the remoteness of this road! If you have mechanical problems, or experience other difficulties, you will be a very long way from help and may be in very real trouble. Gas is available only at certain places, and only during specific hours.

Generally speaking, fall and winter come much earlier here than down south, and spring and summer come much later. Be prepared for cool weather at any time of the year. It also rains a lot, as the whole area is in the lee of James Bay. It can snow in September.

BICYCLE

On a bicycle, your main challenges will be the remoteness; specifically, food and water. You will need to carry food for several days. The only stores along the James Bay Road are at the beginning and end, 620 km apart! There is a simple canteen at km 381. On the other roads, there are very limited food services, if any, and there may be no stores, except perhaps on the North Road at Nemaska (10 km off the road at km 296). On the Trans-Taiga Road there are only two places you may be able to obtain food.

Camping is a must. You will need a good bug-proof tent as the mosquitoes and blackflies are very plentiful all summer.

Water: You will need to either drink the water from the streams and rivers as is (not recommended) or carry some sort of water purification device. Take note here that "most" water from streams & rivers of the James Bay region are drinkable without any treatment. Rupert River water is better than some bottled water (in July, August, September & later). Same for the Natastan, Broadback, Marteen & Nemiscau Rivers. About "chlorine purification" ... about the only thing these devices do is add a bad taste to good water! BUT ... giardia may be present, so in the end, a good water filter is a good idea.

Travel Info     Maps    Weather    Roads    Towns    Virtual Tours    Travelogues

The material on this page is copyright © by the original author/artist/photographer. This website is created, maintained & copyright © by Walter Muma
Please respect this copyright and ask permission before using or saving any of the content of this page for any purpose

Thank you for visiting!