|
Don't underestimate just how far north these roads are.
Radisson (at the end of the
James
Bay Road) is about 1500 km north of Toronto, Ontario. The James Bay Road starts
at Matagami, which is 6 hours north of North Bay (Ontario). From there it is a full 620
km to Radisson, and a further 100 km to the shores of James
Bay near Chisasibi.
However, that being said, on the other hand, it's not really all that far to go
to get
a real taste of the far north. See the Trip Planner / Distances
page for more detailed info.
Generally the scenery is fairly level (some people will say
it's downright boring). The James Bay Road crosses
some really big rivers. Most of the length of the James Bay and Trans
Taiga Roads run through taiga:
spruce and jack pine forest, bogs, rocks, and low hills. This is about all you'll see
apart from birds and some wildlife, and the occasional cabin a short
distance off the road.
These roads are open year-round, however, it gets VERY cold up
there in the winter (down to -40 degrees C), so if you go in the winter, or even the fall or spring, be
prepared. In the winter you may be in very real
trouble if you break down or go off the road. In the summer it can get just as hot as down south.
See the Weather page.
There are lots of blackflies and mosquitoes. Go
prepared for them. They last right through August.
The locals speak primarily French; a few people speak English. The Native people
(Cree) speak primarily English.
If you are planning to travel to this area,
please read this entire page.
Please also read the travel guides for each of the roads that
you are planning to travel on.
See also the Roads page.
|
